Economic feasibility and budget impact of the OncoCare mHealth application for digital cancer care in Karnataka, India

Abstract Background Cancer represents a significant health and economic burden in India, and catastrophic health expenditure affects 70% of cancer patients. Mobile health interventions offer promising solutions for cancer care coordination; however, comprehensive economic evaluation data remain limited in resource-constrained settings. Objective To conduct a micro-costing analysis of the OncoCare mHealth application development and implementation in Karnataka, India, and assess its fiscal impact within existing cancer care program budgets. Methods A comprehensive micro-costing analysis was conducted using a top-down approach from the provider’s perspective for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Cost data were systematically collected and categorised into direct development, stakeholder engagement, and training costs. The analysis included a sensitivity analysis and a fiscal impact assessment against Karnataka’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke, with a budget allocation of ₹10.78 crores. Results The total development and implementation cost was ₹1,00,372 (US$1,205), distributed across direct development costs (53.8%, ₹54,000), stakeholder engagement costs (37.0%, ₹37,111), and training costs (9.2%, ₹9,261). Mobile application development represented the largest single component (₹40,000, 39.9%). The intervention’s cost represents only 0.093% of Karnataka’s NPCDCS budget, with estimated annual maintenance costs of ₹15,000 (0.014% of the state budget). Sensitivity analysis revealed a total cost variation of ± 8.0%, with app development as the primary cost driver. Conclusion The OncoCare application demonstrates exceptional economic feasibility with minimal budgetary impact and substantial scalability potential. These findings provide compelling evidence for integrating digital health interventions in cancer care programs within resource-constrained settings.