Guwahati: Patients receiving treatment at the State Cancer Institute in Assam are set to pay more for diagnostic tests and hospital services following a revision of the existing fee structure implemented from July 22.
The updated rates have increased charges for several essential medical procedures, raising concerns among cancer patients and their families over the additional financial burden.
Under the revised structure, the cost of a hospital bed has increased eightfold, rising from Rs 200 to Rs 1,600 per day. Cytology test charges have also been revised from Rs 50 to Rs 630.
Biopsy procedures, which are crucial for cancer diagnosis, will now cost Rs 2,700 compared to the earlier fee of Rs 1,000. Blood test charges have also witnessed an increase of around 60 per cent.
The revised rates have also affected marker tests, which help doctors assess cancer conditions, with charges increasing from Rs 900 to Rs 2,000.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the reported discontinuation of free medicine supplies at the institute. Patients who earlier depended on government-supported medicines may now face additional expenses during treatment.
The revised fee structure came into effect on July 22 and applies to various tests and services provided at the institute.