Table of Contents
Government Schemes for Free or Subsidized Cancer Treatment in India
By Raveena M Prakash
Cancer is a life-threatening and complex disease. Being diagnosed with cancer can be a financially devastating diagnosis for most patients, especially those who belong to low economic backgrounds. But here’s the twist. In India, the central and state governments are offering financial assistance schemes for cancer patients, so that many patients can access high-quality and cashless treatment.
In this blog, we’ll discover more about government schemes that cover cancer treatments in India, from central government schemes to state-wise schemes, highlighting how they work and benefit cancer patients.
What are government schemes for free and subsidized treatments for cancer patients in India?
In India, both the central government and state government offer several schemes and initiatives, especially for cancer patients. These services are designed to provide financial assistance and subsidized treatments to cancer patients, especially those who belong to economically weaker sections.
Ayushman Bharat : Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
PM - JAY often provides 5 lakh annual coverage per each Indian family for secondary and tertiary healthcare across public and private hospitals. It covers pre- and post-hospitalization, including diagnostic procedures and medicines. It helps to cover over 200 cancer treatment packages, including surgical, medical, radiation oncology, palliative care, and 37 specialized targeted therapy packages.
Key Benefits of PM- JAY
- It covers over 68 Lakh cancer treatments worth ₹13,000 crore have been administered under this policy.
- On time cancer treatments starts within 30 days rise by 90% among PM-JAY beneficiaries, and it allows to access early cancer care
- Majority of oncology medicines are available at Jan Aushadi and AMRIT pharmacies at 50- 80% of lower prices.
- The policy recommended better inclusion of medicine costs for complex diseases like cancer. It covers cancer medicines within the 5 lakh limit.
State Government Level Cancer Care Programs
Several states in India have launched specialized insurance or subsidy schemes for cancer patients.
These may include:
Punjab: The Mukhya Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh, this is a state government- funded health insurance scheme which offers 1.5 lakh for cancer treatment. The scheme provides financial assistance to residents of Punjab for cancer treatments and other related activities.
West Bengal: Swasthya Sathi Programme, is a state-government funded program provides cashless treatment for cancer patients, this scheme covers any pre-existing health conditions, at hospitals across West Bengal up to a specific limit, which makes it cancer care accessible by covering diagnosis, treatments and even hospitalization costs.
Odisha: Nirmaya scheme, is a state government-funded scheme, managed by the Odisha State Medical Corporation. It covers a wide range of cancer medicines, including those drugs used in cancer treatment, such as for cancer and other diseases like hemophilia, thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Rajasthan: Free Cancer Medicines is a state government-funded scheme managed by the Rajasthan State Government. In this scheme, almost 36 types of cancer medicines are freely distributed in the Drug Distribution Counters (DDC) in government-selected hospitals. Under these schemes they will provide drugs like imatinib, melphalan, and cytarabine. They also provide drugs for other cancers like leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer.
Kerala: Cancer Suraksha Scheme and Karunya Benevolent Fund (KBF), are two government funded schemes that offer financial assistance to cancer patients. Cancer Suraksha Scheme, is a scheme launched by the Kerala Social Security Mission, which mainly focuses on children below the age of 18, who have cancer and come from poor families. This scheme covers treatments at specific limits.
Maharashtra: Maharashtra offers various financial assistance, especially for cancer patients. These schemes may include the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF), the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), and the State Illness Assistance Fund (SIAF). All of these schemes offer financial assistance up to 50 lakhs under HMCPF programs. While under the CMRF program, the scheme offers 50,000 rupees for chemotherapy and dialysis, 2 lakh rupees for any type of transplant-related scheme, and 1 lakh for other major surgeries.
Karnataka: The Karnataka Chief Minister’s Medical Relief Fund (KCMMRF). The scheme offers financial assistance for cancer patients for cancer treatment, with a maximum limit of 1 Lakh per patient.
Other Government Supported - and Institutional Support Systems
Central Government Employee Health Schemes (CGHS, ESIS, RELHS): These schemes provide financial assistance for central government and railway employees, which also includes cancer treatment.
Chief Minister’s Relief Funds (CMRF): This is another financial assistance offered for cancer patients under the State Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. This is an emergency assistance that can be used for cancer care.
Major Government Schemes for Free and Subsidized Cancer Treatment
Here’s an accurate details of major Indian Government health insurance schemes for cancer patients, including:
Government schemes/ Initiatives | Health Coverage Type | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| National Insurance Coverage (5Lakh/per year) |
|
| Comprehensive health insurance policy |
|
| Govt-funded scheme |
|
| Regional Health Insurance |
|
Consult Today
From central government programs like PM-JAY and CGHS, which catalyze any rapid and timely cancer care across the nation, to design efforts by states and support from NGOs, India is the one and only nation that thrives in strengthening its healthcare safety net for low- to middle-class patients. There are more things that need to be added, and more gaps need to be filled, especially in medicine and infrastructure coverage.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments including advanced cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist consultation. Get an estimated cost of cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the schemes that used, including:
- Ayushman Bharat
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
- Rashitrya Arogya Nidhi
Here are some key benefits of Ayushman Bharat for cancer patients. These may include:
- Financial assistance
- Comprehensive health coverage for cancer patients
- Early access to treatment
- Less treatment delays
- Increased treatment rates
- Improved healthcare infrastructure
Here are some of the treatments included in the Ayushman Bharat schemes, including:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Kidney transplants
- Congenital diseases
- Orthopedic surgeries
Here’s the main benefits of CGHS scheme for cancer patients, including:
- Access to early treatment
- Reimbursement
- Cashless treatment
- Comprehensive cancer treatment
- Referral system
Book an Appointment
Related Blogs
Can Lifestyle Changes Help During Cancer Treatment? What Science Says
Discover more about how lifestyle factors and its changes in daily life can help your cancer treatment and recovery journey, what science says about this!
Smart Budgeting Tips to Manage Cancer Treatment Expenses
Discover more about how to smart budgeting the cancer treatments and the importance of a financial plan and having health insurance to use for cancer treatments.
How to Estimate the Cost of Your Cancer Treatment
Discover more about how to estimate the overall cost of your cancer treatments, understanding the type of cancer treatment and its cost, and additional costs!
Dietary Tips to Help Manage Nausea During Cancer Treatment
Discover more about dietary tips to help manage nausea during cancer treatment and how to deal with cancer symptoms and treatment side effects effectively.
Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in India: Is It Affordable for Indian Families?
Discover more about the cost of blood cancer treatment, type of blood cancer and its treatment costs, factors influencing the treatment costs and additional costs!
Can You Drink Alcohol During Cancer Treatment?
Discover more about the connection of alcohol and cancer, types of cancer caused by alcohol, and what happens when a patient drinks alcohol during treatments!
How to Sleep Better During Cancer Treatment?
Discover more about how to sleep better during cancer treatments, causes of sleep issues, how a poor sleep cycle affects the patient, and tips to improve sleep.
How to Boost Your Immune System During Cancer Treatment
Learn more about the immune system and cancer and how to strengthen the immune system and the importance of strong immunity during cancer treatments and immunotherapy!
Cancer Survivors: Recovering after Cancer Treatment
Discover more about the timelines to recover from types of cancer treatment and factors affecting the recovery, recovery timelines, and side effects of treatments.
How Cancer Treatments Have Changed Over Time: From Old Methods to New Innovations
Learn more about the evolution of cancer treatments, different treatment options such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery in cancer treatment, AI and more!