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Cost of Stem Cell Transplantation in India

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Cost of Stem Cell Transplantation in India
March 22, 2024

Table of Content

 

Stem cell transplantation is a cutting-edge medical procedure is the potential cure for a variety of diseases and conditions, and this has caught the attention of people all over the world. As a popular and reasonably priced location for medical tourists, India is quickly becoming a world leader in stem cell transplantation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the cost of stem cell transplant in India. It discusses the factors considered when determining the stem cell transplant cost in India, the various stem cell treatments available, and much more. 

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy refers to medical methods that employ stem cells to cure or prevent disease and damage. Stem cells are unique as they can acquire the characteristics of any kind of specialised cell the body requires. This property makes them helpful in mending damaged or sick tissues, restoring organ function, and promoting regeneration in affected areas. Stem cell therapy can cure many diseases and injuries including many types of critical illnesses, neurological problems, degenerative diseases, etc.

What Is Hematologic Stem Cell Transplantation?

Patients with blood or immune system problems who have not found relief from existing stem cell therapies may be good candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), also known as bone marrow transplantation.

As part of the procedure, the patient's blood, bone marrow, or umbilical cord blood is utilised to inject healthy stem cells into their bloodstream. These stem cells can potentially develop into several blood cell types, including white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells, which might help the patient's immune system and blood supply get back on track.

Aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other hereditary disorders affecting the blood and immune system are among the several conditions that often use HSCT as a treatment. Depending on the patient's condition, stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may employ either donor cells or the patient's own cells.

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work? 

When receiving stem cell therapies in India, donors often have their blood collected from an arm vein. The donor's blood is then diverted to the other arm via a vein once the stem cells have been removed.

After the patient's stem cells have been harvested, they will be injected into their bloodstream using a catheter that has been placed into a chest artery. To be eligible for stem cell transplantation, cancer patients must first finish their cancer treatment programs.

This process of filtering blood is called apheresis. This process, often called a peripheral stem cell transplant, calls for three to four hours of daily focus for two to five days. This technique is usually used when a patient's blood cells are transplanted.

Types of Stem Cell Therapy Treatments

The two types of stem cell therapy treatments include: 

  1. Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

    2. In this process the stem cells are harvested from the patient's and stored. After therapy, patients are given a second opportunity to mend damaged cells and tissues by reintroducing these stem cells.

  2. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation


    A cord blood donor, a stranger, or a family member might be the source of the stem cells used in an allogeneic transplant. If the stem cells from a donor are compatible with the patient's tissue type, it may lessen the chances of rejection. There are two types of Allogeneic stem cell transplantation:

    • Haploidentical stem cell transplant

      • Any family member, including parents, children, and siblings, maybe a donor for a haploidentical stem cell transplant. Donors are often half-matches, meaning they share half of the patient's HLA markers. Because finding a donor who is an exact match might be challenging, this transplant procedure expands the pool of potential donors.

    • Syngeneic stem cell transplant

      • Identical twins are the source of the donor cells used in a syngeneic stem cell transplant. Using identical twins as donors eliminates the risk of rejection, making this kind of transplant less prone to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) complications.

    • Cord stem cell transplantation

      • Babies' umbilical cord blood is a source of stem cells used in Cord stem cell transplantation. Patients with certain diseases, particularly those requiring allogeneic transplants, may have access to these stem cells through cord blood banks.

How Much Does a Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India?

The cost of stem cell transplant in India is anything from ₹15 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs, depending on the kind of transplant undertaken. For example, autologous stem cell transplant cost in India are often less expensive than allogeneic stem cell transplant cost in India.

The overall cost of stem cell transplant in India will also depend on factors including your location, any preexisting diseases you may have, and any other medical bills or procedures that may be necessary.

Example Cost Breakdown of Stem Cell Therapy Cost In India

The breakdown of the cost of stem cell transplant in India is described in the table below. 

Medical Expenses 

Cost Range 

Pre-Treatment Costs

₹5,000 - ₹0,000

Specific Tests

₹10,000 - ₹15,000

Cost of transplant

₹15 lakhs - ₹25 lakh

Other expenses

Up to ₹50,000

Cost of Stem Cell Transplant for Different Diseases in India

The cost of stem cell transplant in India for different diseases in India is described below.

Diseases 

Stem Cell Transplant Cost In India

Kidney Failure

₹3.94 Lakhs - ₹4.87 Lakhs

Spinal Cord Injury 

₹5 Lakhs - ₹5.5 Lakhs

Blood Cancer 

₹8.6 Lakhs - ₹20 Lakhs

Cerebral Palsy

₹5.71 Lakhs - ₹7.62 Lakhs

Parkinson’s Disease

₹5.8 Lakhs - ₹10 Lakhs

Knee Problem 

₹4.75 Lakhs - ₹6 Lakhs 

Hair Loss

₹2.15 Lakhs - ₹7 Lakhs 

Autism

₹3.3 Lakhs - To ₹4.7 Lakhs

Citywise Breakdown of Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India

The cost of stem cell transplant in India citywide breakdown is described below.

City 

Minimum Cost

Average Cost

Maximum Cost

Chennai 

₹5.52 Lakhs

₹13.40 Lakhs

₹21.75 Lakhs

Bangalore

₹5.52 Lakhs

₹14.63 Lakhs

₹23.74 Lakhs

Ahmedabad 

₹4.69 Lakhs 

₹12.44 Lakhs

₹20.19 Lakhs 

Kolkata 

₹4.48 Lakhs

₹11.89 Lakhs

₹19.30 Lakhs

Hyderabad 

₹4.90 Lakhs

₹12.99 Lakhs

₹21.08 Lakhs

Delhi 

₹5.62 Lakhs

₹14.90 Lakhs 

₹24.19 Lakhs

Pune 

₹5.31 Lakhs

₹14.08 Lakhs

₹22.86 Lakhs

Mumbai 

₹5.83 Lakhs

₹15.45 Lakhs

₹25.07 Lakhs

When is Stem Cell Transplant Required?

Blood disorders, immune system dysfunctions, and certain cancers are among the many medical conditions that stem cell transplantation is being investigated for as a possible treatment. The following situations could call for a stem cell transplant:

  • Stem cell transplantation effectively treats many hematologic malignancies, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. 

  • When the bone marrow does not produce ample healthy blood cells, it manifests as disorders such as aplastic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). It is feasible to replenish the bone marrow with healthy stem cells and restore normal blood cell production by the process of stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

  • Blood and the immune system may be affected by hereditary diseases, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, SCID, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. For some individuals, stem cell transplantation may be their only treatment choice.

  • The immune system attacks healthy tissues in severe autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). One possible treatment option for these disorders might be stem cell transplantation. 

Does Health Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy?

The IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) announced new regulations on 1 October 2020, stating that standard health insurance coverage in India now covers innovative treatments, including stem cell therapy (1). However, this will depend on your stem cell treatment alternatives. 

A stem cell transplant cost cannot be covered by health insurance unless your doctor gives you the go-light to get one. Ensure you have clearance for any treatments and medication examine the insurance terms, and know the benefits of a health insurance plan before making any payments.

Things to Remember

When deciding whether to get a transplant via your health insurance, there are a lot of factors to consider. Here are a few key considerations:

  • Policy Information on Coverage

    • Reading your health insurance contract as a whole is the best way to learn about transplant coverage and any limitations or restrictions. Insurance coverage may differ in the amount they cover for different transplants.

  • Prior Approval 

    • Many insurance providers need pre-authorization or pre-approval before covering a transplant. Be well-prepared for the pre-authorization process by familiarising yourself with its goals and objectives and carefully following your insurance provider's instructions.

  • Testing and Evaluation for Contributors

    • It is important to verify with your insurance company if they would cover the expenses of testing and evaluation before a live donor organ or tissue transplant. Different insurance plans may or may not cover medical expenses related to the donor.

  • Coverage Limits 

    • The amount your insurance will pay for a transplant may be limited, either temporarily or permanently. Find out this information. You may better plan for out-of-pocket costs and ensure sufficient coverage for your transplant needs if you know these limits.

Conclusion 

A devastating medical diagnosis may impose an incalculable financial and emotional burden on a family. In addition to the mental and emotional costs, the high cost of stem cell transplant in India can completely deplete a person's savings. For this reason, having the best critical illness insurance in India is essential to prevent financial difficulty.

Before undergoing stem cell therapy or transplantation, evaluating your overall health is vital. Body Mass Index (BMI) is one such metric that provides insights into your health status based on your height and weight. Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial, especially for conditions like autoimmune disorders or degenerative diseases, where body weight can impact treatment outcomes.

Use Our BMI Calculator to Check Your Health

FAQs on the Cost of Stem Cell Transplantation in India

Is stem cell therapy allowed in India?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) have clarified that stem cell therapy is acceptable for certain medical conditions in India. Those considering stem cell treatment should verify the legitimacy of the practice or doctor doing the surgery by reading reviews online.

Is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Covered by Insurance?

Coverage for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) could vary greatly depending on health insurance policies and the specifics of its coverage. Many health insurance plans cover HSCT for certain medical conditions; however, other plans have limits or exclusions, and pre-authorization is often required. 

What is the success rate of stem cell therapy in India?

Treatment technique, patient health, disease status, and healthcare professional expertise are some factors that determine the success rate of stem cell therapy in India, which may vary from modest to high. The specific outcomes may vary from one patient to another, even though stem cell therapy has shown promising results in treating various diseases and conditions. 

What is the total cost of a stem cell transplant?

The cost of stem cell transplant in India is anything from ₹15 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs, depending on the kind of transplant undertaken. 

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Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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