Patient Support Programs In India: Overcoming Barriers With Healthcare Access

by Hilda Kranwinkel, Associate Director, Patient Services

India's healthcare system faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to medications due to high out-of-pocket costs, geographical disparities, cultural barriers, and fragmented healthcare infrastructure. Patient Support Programs (PSPs) and Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) play a pivotal role in addressing these gaps by providing financial assistance, therapy support, and enhanced access to treatments for economically vulnerable populations.

Pharmaceutical company-sponsored PSPs, government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the Free Drugs Service Initiative, and innovative approaches such as telemedicine, e-pharmacies, and peer support groups are transforming healthcare delivery in India. Technology further enhances PSPs by streamlining enrollment, enabling remote consultations, and improving medication availability through digital platforms and data analytics. Innovations like blockchain ensure drug authenticity, while mobile apps empower patients to manage treatments effectively. By addressing systemic challenges and collaborating with stakeholders, ProPharma aims to make essential treatments more accessible, fostering better health outcomes across India.