Affordable Institutions and Government Schemes to Cure Cancer for financially weak people

The government is making several efforts to make sustainable cancer treatment for people who are struggling financially. For the sa,e cause, the “Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) within the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)” was set up in 2009. It is a scheme to provide financial assistance to poor patients living below the poverty line and suffering from cancer, 27 Regional Cancer Centers (RCCs). Revolving Funds have been created in all 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) and up to Rs. 50 lakhs will be placed at their disposal. 

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)

This scheme provides one-time financial assistance to poor patients with life-threatening diseases, including cancer. The assistance is available for treatment at any super specialty government hospital or institute. The maximum financial assistance under the RAN Umbrella Scheme is Rs 15 lakh.

There are a few charitable cancer hospitals that also set an example in society.

Tata Memorial Hospital (TMT) in Mumbai offers free cancer treatment to deserving and poor patients through a charitable scheme: Free anticancer drugs, chemotherapies, and Diagnostic and clinical lab tests. The Tata Group has also established other cancer hospitals and research centers in India, including:

Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital (MTMH)

This cancer care center in Jharkhand offers a free cancer detection clinic on select Thursdays of the month. Some state and central government institutions are working towards cancer treatment and research on various types of cancer.

Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru

Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is a cancer care hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The charges levied for cancer investigations and treatment are well within the reach of poor patients. In cases where the total treatment cost is too high, patients are financially assisted by various schemes like free drugs from the institute, Karnataka Chief Minister’s Medical Relief Fund, Poor Patients Welfare Fund, Children Welfare Fund, and Kidwai Cancer Drug Foundation. The anti-cancer drugs sold at Kidwai Cancer Drug Foundation are 40% to 60% cheaper than market rates.

AIIMS, New Delhi

AIIMS has a highly qualified team of dedicated cancer specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, nurses, technicians, and radiologists. It also has several specialized research centers that help develop new treatments for cancer. Along with its exceptional cancer care, AIIMS provides free treatment for cancer patients in India.

PGIMER- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 

The institute is well equipped with a radiation therapy department capable of providing some of the latest treatments, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and image-guided radiation therapy.

Indian Cancer Society of Mumbai

To promote early detection and treatment of cancer, the Indian Cancer Society of Mumbai offers their customers free diagnosis and screening tests. It also provides free seminars and programs to help them spread awareness and knowledge about cancer. It is one of the few non-government cancer organizations dedicated to providing cancer patients with free treatment, detection, understanding, and cures.

Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre (DGRC), Delhi

DGRC was one of the first cancer hospitals in India to receive accreditation from NABH. It is now a common name in the list of best cancer hospitals worldwide. DGRC offers a comprehensive list of advanced services, including the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, and after-surgery rehabilitation.

Gujarat Cancer Research Institute

The Gujarat Cancer Research Institute is a specialty hospital established in 1972 with 650 beds. It is one of the more prestigious hospitals in Gujarat and is an excellent place for free cancer treatment because of its advanced technology.

In our collective fight against cancer, it’s crucial to leverage affordable institutions and government schemes to support those in financial need. By ensuring access to effective treatment and support services, we can make a significant difference in the lives of many, turning the tide against this relentless disease.

-Written by Priyanshu Shekhar

-Edited by Khyati Singh