7 in 10 heart failure patients lack health cover. What does that mean for survival?

Rajesh Sharma & Devyani MohanTIMESOFINDIA.COM

Apr 24, 2026 | 17:28 IST

Most heart failure patients in India pay over 90% of treatment – or over Rs 1.06 lakh annually – out of pocket. New research shows how gaps in coverage are pushing families into debt – and may be affecting survival

In cardiac wards across India, one thing stands out: many heart failure patients are not elderly. They are in their 50s – still working, still supporting families, often the main earners.

Heart failure, a condition in which the heart progressively loses its ability to pump blood effectively, is already a growing medical crisis. Globally, it affects an estimated 26 million people. In India, it leads to roughly 1.8 million hospitalisations each year.

TOI

TOI

7 in 10 heart failure patients lack health cover. What does that mean for survival?

Most heart failure patients in India pay over 90% of treatment – or over Rs 1.06 lakh annually – out of pocket. New research shows how gaps in coverage are pushing families into debt – and may be affecting survival

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TOI

7 in 10 heart failure patients lack health cover. What does that mean for survival?

Most heart failure patients in India pay over 90% of treatment – or over Rs 1.06 lakh annually – out of pocket. New research shows how gaps in coverage are pushing families into debt – and may be affecting survival

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