In a pioneering move within the Indian healthcare landscape, the state of Goa is set to implement a policy that allows the government to negotiate lower prices for life-saving therapies. This initiative aims to broaden access to expensive medical treatments for diseases like cancer and rare genetic disorders, which often pose a significant financial burden on patients and their families.

The new pricing policy will enable the government to procure drugs, medical equipment, and diagnostics from pharmaceutical companies at prices lower than those typically listed. By negotiating these prices, the state hopes to allocate its healthcare budget more effectively, allowing for the treatment of a greater number of patients or the provision of therapies for longer durations.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced that Goa is the first state in India to adopt this framework, which facilitates confidential pricing agreements between the government and pharmaceutical innovators. The initial rollout of the policy is expected to focus on lung cancer treatments. Rane emphasized that innovative therapies for conditions like cancer, rare genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases can cost upwards of ₹50 lakh per year, making them unaffordable for many. He stated, "Goa's adoption of this pricing policy is a vital and timely step to advance health equity in the state."

This value-based approach to pricing marks a new era in healthcare, prioritizing the expansion of access to vital treatments for a larger segment of the population. Goa faces a significant cancer burden, with approximately 1,500 new cases reported annually, a figure that is projected to increase by 5% each year. Breast cancer is the most prevalent, accounting for over 300 cases, followed by oral cavity cancer, which represents 20-25% of all cancers in the state. Recognizing this growing need, the government aims to equip the healthcare system to manage the increasing number of cancer and rare disease cases more effectively.

The policy's scope is currently limited to proprietary drugs and equipment already being purchased by the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) through the standard tendering process. However, the policy includes provisions for adding new patented drugs or equipment to the approved list based on the recommendation of a committee and subsequent approval from the finance department. This ensures that the policy can adapt to incorporate new and innovative treatments as they become available.

Goa has been actively working to enhance its healthcare infrastructure and services. Project Parivartan, launched in November 2024, is a four-year initiative focused on reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and curbing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across all 41 public health facilities in the state. The government has also expanded postgraduate medical education at Goa Medical College, adding 19 new PG seats across five specialties. This move aims to strengthen the state's medical workforce and reduce reliance on specialists from other states.

Furthermore, Goa has been proactive in conducting mega medical camps to improve healthcare access in remote areas. These camps have provided essential services, including early diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heart attacks. GMC has also begun offering free in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and has successfully performed advanced cardiac procedures, making these treatments accessible to middle- and lower-income families.

Goa is also leveraging technology to transform its healthcare ecosystem. The Corlim Primary Health Centre (PHC) became India's first fully digitized PHC, offering electronic health records, teleconsultations, and integrated care services. The state's ambulance fleet has been expanded, reducing response times and saving lives. Goa has also been a frontrunner in adopting AI-based diagnostics, conducting lung scans in collaboration with Qure.ai and AstraZeneca.

The implementation of the Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies is expected to further strengthen Goa's healthcare system. By ensuring fair and sustainable pricing for critical healthcare needs, the government aims to make advanced medical treatments more affordable and accessible to all patients. This initiative aligns with the state's broader vision of creating a digitally enabled, inclusive, and high-quality healthcare system that can serve as a model for the nation.