Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund
BPL (Below Poverty Line) patients with cancer can receive up to ₹5 lakh in financial assistance (extendable to ₹15 lakh in severe cases) for treatment at any of the 27 designated Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) across India. The scheme covers radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, surgery, and diagnostics including PET scans. Apply offline through the treating doctor or Medical Superintendent at the treating government RCC.
About This Scheme
BPL (Below Poverty Line) patients with cancer can receive up to ₹5 lakh in financial assistance (extendable to ₹15 lakh in severe cases) for treatment at any of the 27 designated Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) across India. The scheme covers radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, surgery, and diagnostics including PET scans. Apply offline through the treating doctor or Medical Superintendent at the treating government RCC.
Full official description
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 poverty line and suffering from cancer, for their treatment at 27 Regional cancer centers (RCCs). Revolving Funds have been created in all the 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) and funds up to Rs. 50 lakhs will be placed at their disposal.
Benefits
- Up to ₹5,00,000 financial assistance for cancer treatment
- Cases requiring more than ₹5 lakh can be referred to the Ministry — maximum assistance up to ₹15,00,000
- Covers: all types of radiation therapy (including Gamma Knife, GRT, MRT, Brachytherapy)
- Covers: anti-cancer chemotherapy with supportive and hormonal medication
- Covers: bone marrow transplantation (allogenic and autologous)
- Covers: diagnostic procedures including PET scan
- Covers: surgery for operable malignant tumours
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Patient must be living below the poverty line (BPL)
- Must be undergoing cancer treatment at one of the 27 designated Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) only
- Central Government, State Government, and PSU employees are NOT eligible
- Assistance is not available where cancer treatment is already provided free of cost
Exclusions
- Central Govt./State Govt. /PSU employees are not eligible for financial assistance from Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF).
- Grant from HMCPF would not be used where treatment /facilities for cancer treatment are available free of cost.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download the prescribed application form (Refer Page No: 10, 11 and 12).
Step 2: Complete the form in the prescribed format, ensuring all required sections are accurately filled.
Step 3: Get the form signed and stamped by the treating doctor/ Head of Department (HOD). Also, ensure it is countersigned by the Medical Superintendent of the Government hospital where the patient is receiving treatment.
Step 4: Once all signatures are obtained and the form is fully completed, submit the application form along with all required documents to the concerned Government hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether Central /State Government /PSU Employees Are Eligible For Financial Assistance?
No, Central /State Government /PSU employees are not eligible for the scheme.
Whether re-imbursement of medical expenditure already incurred is permissible?
In those cases of cancer patients, found eligible for financial assistance under RAN, medical treatment/operation in the interim period, between date of receipt of application form for assistance under Ran (complete in all respects) and date of communication of sanction for financial assistance under RAN, is permissible for assistance under RAN, within the sanctioned limit. Accordingly, reimbursement shall be allowed, of medical expenses already borne by the cancer patient and paid to the hospital/institute concerned within the sanctioned limit. Reimbursement of medical expenditure, of those cases of cancer patients, already incurred prior to date of receipt of application form (complete in all respects) for financial assistance under RAN, shall not be permissible.
What Is The Time Limit Set By The Grants Section To Process The Request Of The Applicant For Financial Limit.?
The application complete in all respect is processed with in a period of one month.
Whether The Grants Are Released In The Name Of The Patients.
The grants are released to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, where the patient is being treated.
How Much Assistance Is Given To Each Patient?
Financial assistance of [?]5,00,000/- is provided towards treatment. Maximum financial assistance admissible under the Scheme will be [?]15,00,000/-.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Application form in prescribed proforma duly signed by the treating doctor and countersigned by the Medical Superintendent of the Government hospital/institute.
- Monthly income of the patient/parents duly certified by the Block/Mandal Development Officer/ Tehsildar/ SDM/ Special Officer of Municipal Board/ District Officer, certifying that the beneficiary belongs to a family living below poverty line in the area of their jurisdiction indicating source of income . The original certificate is required for the purpose.
- Copy of the Ration Card duly attested by a Gazetted Officer with official seal.