India Home Infusion Therapy Market

India Home Infusion Therapy Market Executive Summary

The India Home Infusion Therapy market is at around $654 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $1366.3 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period.

Home infusion involves the administration of a medication through a needle or catheter at a patient’s home instead of a hospital or other medical facility. For individuals requiring long-term therapy, inpatient care is not only tremendously expensive but also prevents the individual from resuming normal lifestyle and work activities. Home infusion is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care for a variety of therapies and disease states, both acute and chronic. Conditions commonly requiring infusion therapy include infections that are unresponsive to oral antibiotics, cancer and cancer-related pain, dehydration, gastrointestinal diseases or disorders which prevent normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system, immune system diseases (Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) and more. Some infusion treatments require infusions every day, while others may be less frequent such as every few weeks or months. Usually, for the majority of patients and drugs, home infusion is safe. However, home infusion clinicians will evaluate a patient’s suitability for home infusion throughout the intake phase. The evaluation aspects include the safety of the home environment, safety of the medication delivery method, capability to learn and self-manage for patients and/or caregivers, and the capability to store medications. Thus, nurses play a crucial role in home infusion therapy as they train patients and caregivers on how to safely administer the medication, monitor for side effects, and provide ongoing support. Moreover, coordination between a number of parties is usually necessary for the home infusion procedure, including patients, doctors, hospital discharge planners, health plans, home infusion pharmacies, and, home health organizations.

Chronic diseases are a major public health concern in India, with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, and mental health disorders among the top concerns. These diseases pose a significant threat to both individual health and the nation's healthcare system and the burden of diseases is expected to rise in the future due to changing lifestyle patterns and aging population. The India Home Infusion Therapy Market is thus driven by significant factors such as the low cost, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and expanding geriatric population. However, uncertain reimbursement policies, limited availability of nurses, and infrastructure and accessibility issues restrict the growth and potential of the market.

The major players of the India Home Infusion Therapy Market are Poly Medicure, Baxter International, ICU Medical (Smiths Medical), Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), and Fresenius Kabi, among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Lower Cost of Care: Home infusion therapy is generally less expensive compared to hospital stays. Lower costs for medications, facility fees, and staffing translate to lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients, making treatment more manageable. Another advantage of the low-cost care is that it increases patient compliance, which ultimately leads to increased treatment effectiveness. Also, lower costs are helpful for patients who might not have been able to afford hospital-based treatment. This expands the market by including patients with limited financial resources.

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The global rise of chronic diseases is a complex issue with significant consequences for individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Chronic diseases like autoimmune disorders, cancers, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) require ongoing treatment. In India, about 21% of the elderly had at least one chronic disease in 2022. 17% elderly in rural areas and 29% in urban areas suffer from a chronic disease. Hypertension and diabetes account for about 68% of all chronic diseases. Home infusion therapy offers a safe and effective way to manage chronic conditions at home as it allows for convenient administration of medications over extended periods, improving patient adherence and treatment outcomes. For instance, chemotherapy drugs can be safely administered to oncology patients at home, reducing hospital stays and improving patient comfort during treatment. Home infusion can also deliver insulin or other medications for patients with complex diabetes management needs. Thus, the rising burden of chronic diseases creates a growing demand for innovative and effective treatment options. Home infusion therapy, with its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various chronic conditions, plays a significant role in managing these illnesses and improving patient quality of life, leading to overall growth of the market.

Expanding Geriatric Population: The geriatric population is experiencing a significant and rapid increase and is a key growth driver for the home infusion therapy market for many reasons. In 2023, the elderly population (aged 60 and above) was 153 Mn is expected to reach a staggering 347 Mn by 2050. As people age, they become more susceptible to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and autoimmune disorders. These conditions often require long-term treatment with medications that can be effectively delivered through home infusion therapy. Also, the growing elderly population is characterized by decreased mobility which makes frequent hospital visits challenging. Home infusion therapy offers a convenient alternative, allowing them to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes, improving their quality of life and reducing caregiver burden. Moreover, older adults are more susceptible to infections, and hospitals settings can increase their chances of adopting these infections. However, home infusion therapy can reduce the risk of exposure to hospital-acquired infections, leading to better patient outcomes. Overall, a larger geriatric population means a greater number of potential patients who may require home infusion therapy for chronic disease management, which ultimately drives the home infusion therapy market.

Market Restraints

Uncertain Reimbursement Policies: The varied and unclear reimbursement policies from private insurance companies and the government can limit patient access to home infusion therapy. Even though, home infusion therapy is much more affordable to patients rather than receiving in-patient care, there can be high costs associated with certain speciality infusion therapies. These high costs associated with specialty infusion treatment may discourage patients, especially those without adequate insurance coverage. Due to this, the Home Infusion Therapy Market gets affected as it faces resistance from the patients.

Limited Availability of Nurses: A shortage of nurses trained in administering home infusion therapy can pose a challenge. This can limit the number of patients who can receive treatment at home and potentially lead to longer wait times. Long waits can discourage patients from pursuing home infusion therapy altogether. They may opt for alternative treatment options or even delay treatment due to the wait times. To attract and retain qualified nurses, home infusion therapy providers may need to offer higher salaries. This can increase operational costs, potentially leading to higher treatment costs for patients, further impacting market access. A skilled workforce shortage acts as a bottleneck for the home infusion therapy market. It restricts patient access, increases costs, and potentially compromises the quality and safety of care. This can lead to a decline in patient confidence and a slowdown in market growth.

Infrastructure and Accessibility Issues: Availability of home infusion therapy services might be limited in remote or rural areas of India. This can create accessibility issues for patients who may not have easy access to qualified providers and necessary equipment. Also, inadequate cold chain logistics for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive medications can hinder the expansion of home infusion therapy in certain regions. Therefore, the overall home infusion therapy market gets affected.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In India, the primary regulatory body for pharmaceutical sector is the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is the key official within the CDSCO. The CDSCO consistently works to achieve transparency, accountability, and standardization in its services to guarantee the safety, effectiveness, and quality of medical products that are produced, imported, and distributed throughout the nation. The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 lays out the foundation for ensuring the safety, rights and well-being of patients by regulating the manufacturing, import, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics.

Under this act, CDSCO is responsible for granting license for approved drugs, conducting clinical trials, setting standards for drugs, monitoring the quality of drugs imported into the nation, and coordinating the efforts of State Drug Control Organizations by offering professional advice in an effort to standardize the enforcement of the D&C Act.

India's healthcare reimbursement scenario is complex and evolving, with both public and private players involved. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a national public health insurance scheme of the Government of India that aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low-income earners in the country. These programs offer cashless or payment benefits for certain illness-related hospital stays in affiliated hospitals. Certain demographics, such as government employees, are eligible for social health insurance programs in several states. Private insurance firms’ voluntary health insurance programs are becoming more popular. Reimbursement decisions are made according to the specific plan purchased and cover surgery, hospital stays, and occasionally, prescription drugs.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the India Home Infusion Therapy Market:

• Poly Medicure
• Baxter International
• ICU Medical (Smiths Medical)
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
• Fresenius Kabi
• Option Care Health
• Medtronic
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• Terumo Corporation
• CareFusion Corporation