One of my patients, who discovered a breast lump in December and subsequently bought health insurance in January, was diagnosed with cancer in February. Despite having paid the premium, she was denied the insurance claim as the cancer was considered a pre-existing disease. She had to shoulder the treatment expenses herself, negating the very purpose of having health insurance. This heart-wrenching experience highlights a critical issue in our healthcare system—out-of-pocket expenses significantly impact the ability to afford necessary treatment.

In today's world, no individual's healthcare access should be impeded by their zip code or economic status. Health should not be a privilege but a universal right, particularly when it comes to life-threatening conditions like cancer. However, the current health insurance policies in India and other Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) often have stringent terms that exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose age limits, which unfairly burden patients.

Statistics show that a significant percentage of families in India and LMICs are forced into poverty due to healthcare costs. An analysis by the World Health Organization highlights that over 50% of the nation's population lacks financial access to necessary healthcare. These statistics illustrate the urgent need for policy reform to provide equitable health insurance coverage for all individuals, irrespective of their age, health status, or economic background.

We demand that policymakers introduce reforms that eliminate the age and pre-existing condition barriers in health insurance coverage in India and LMICs. By doing so, we can ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to access and afford the healthcare services they need without falling into financial distress.

In supporting this petition, you stand with the millions who deserve a fair and just healthcare system. We urge the government and private insurers to collaborate in creating insurance models that prioritize human lives over profit margins. Please sign this petition and help us advocate for a future where health insurance serves everyone equitably, leaving no one behind.