Policy Recommendations

Holistically addressing both direct and indirect costs is essential to meaningful progress on universal health coverage. The study's findings intersect with SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 1 (no poverty). Patients recommended subsidised or free public transportation to address the financial and physical burden of repeated hospital travel for rural patients. Financial counsellors embedded within healthcare settings were consistently recommended, as physicians typically lack the time to provide financial guidance to cancer patients. Pharmacist counselling was proposed to help patients access affordable medications, manage side effects, and reduce both financial and health-related stress.