Gujarat Doctors Barred from Cancer Care Scheme

A stringent new eligibility criterion under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is set to significantly alter cancer care delivery across Gujarat. The revised norms mandate doctorate-level qualifications (DM, MCh, or DrNB) for oncology specialists, a move that effectively disqualifies many experienced doctors holding Master of Medicine (MD) degrees.

This development poses a critical challenge, particularly in Ahmedabad, where approximately 250 oncologists with MD qualifications are now ineligible to treat PM-JAY beneficiaries. This exclusion impacts their ability to serve the most vulnerable patient populations. The reliance on MD-qualified faculty at government-aided institutions like the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) has also come under scrutiny, with questions raised about their role in specialized oncology training.

The Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) has voiced apprehension regarding the potential creation of a rural healthcare vacuum. Chairman Dr. Jignesh Shah highlighted the severe shortage of DM-qualified oncologists in non-metro areas, warning that rigid application of these new norms will restrict essential cancer treatment access. Experts advocate for incorporating MD physicians and radiation oncologists for basic chemotherapy under a regulated framework, with clear referral systems for complex cases, alongside increasing DM seats and fellowship programs.