When Compassion Meets Tech: Empowering Healthcare Access through Medical Crowdfunding
By Khushboo Jain
In the face of medical emergencies, financial constraints often exacerbate the stress and anxiety of the situation. This is where medical crowdfunding emerges as a beacon of hope, offering much-needed financial relief while also fostering a sense of community and compassion.
By leveraging technology, medical crowdfunding platforms empower individuals to reach out to wider pool of compassionate individuals, breaking down geographical barriers and connecting people in need with those willing to help. This intersection of technology not only facilitates access to essential healthcare but also cultivates a shared sense of responsibility towards each other’s well-being.
Compassion-driven Crowdfunding Amid Rising Healthcare Costs
Medical crowdfunding provides a lifeline for those burdened by exorbitant medical expenses, offering hope in the face of financial adversity exacerbated by India’s soaring medical inflation, amongst the highest in Asia.[1]
Amid the rising healthcare costs, medical crowdfunding platforms have proven to be a boon for patients raising funds for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, rare diseases, accidents, and transplant procedures. The beauty of crowdfunding lies in its collective nature. It’s not just about one person donating a large sum of money, but about a large pool of people coming together to donate small amounts. This collective effort can quickly add up to a substantial sum, making a significant difference in someone’s life.
Role of Technology in Enabling Successful Fundraising Campaigns
Similarly, technology has emerged as a crucial tool in facilitating medical crowdfunding. Online crowdfunding platforms enable individuals to create fundraising campaigns, reaching out to a wider audience for financial support. Social media amplifies these efforts, allowing for greater visibility and donations from across the globe. Moreover, digital payment systems streamline the process, ensuring secure transactions.
This democratization of medical fundraising transcends geographical limitations, empowering individuals to receive aid from anywhere in the world. Technology facilitates seamless communication and financial transactions, ensuring that contributions reach those in need efficiently. This intersection of technology and medical crowdfunding underscores its transformative potential, providing a lifeline for individuals facing overwhelming medical expenses and highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity in addressing healthcare challenges.
A Case Study: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
A notable example of the success of medical crowdfunding in India is the fundraising for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement. The treatment for SMA, Zolgensma, is one of the most expensive drugs in the world, costing around ₹17.5 crore per dose.
Despite the high cost, crowdfunding platforms in India have successfully raised funds to the tune of INR 17.5 crore for the treatment of SMA. This showcases the power of community compassion and the potential of medical crowdfunding to bridge the gap between the high cost of treatment and the ability of patients to afford it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, medical crowdfunding does more than just raise funds for medical emergencies. It brings people together, fosters a sense of community, and strengthens social support networks. It’s a testament to the power of community compassion and a reminder that in times of crisis, we are not alone.
(The author is Khushboo Jain, Co-Founder and COO, CarePal Group, and the views expressed in this article are her own)
