Economic Support

Economic Support: Economic support for cancer patients in India comes from various government schemes, non-profit organizations, and hospital-based financial aid programs. Here's a comprehensive overview:

Government Support Schemes

1. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
• Offers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• Covers cancer treatment in empaneled hospitals.
• Targets economically vulnerable populations.
2. Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
• Financial assistance up to ₹2 lakh for cancer treatment.
• Assistance is provided under the RAN scheme of the Ministry of Health.
• Available at 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) across India.
3. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)
• Offers assistance for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
• For families below the poverty line (BPL).
• Treatment must be in government hospitals/institutes.
4. Chief Minister's Relief Funds / State Schemes
Each state has its own relief fund programs:
• Maharashtra: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana
• Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS)
• Andhra Pradesh: Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Scheme
• These cover cancer treatments in empaneled hospitals.

Support from Hospitals and Institutions

1. Tata Memorial Centre (Mumbai & Varanasi)
• Offers subsidized or free treatment based on economic status.
• Special funding available through NGOs and internal charity units.
2. AIIMS (New Delhi and other centers)
• Offers low-cost treatment for BPL patients.
• Social service units help with access to central or state funds.

Non-Profit and NGO Support

1. Indian Cancer Society
• Offers financial assistance, rehabilitation, and counseling.
• Runs programs like Cancer Cure Fund in partnership with corporates.
2. Can Support
• Provides free home-based palliative care, counseling, and financial aid in Delhi-NCR.
3. You We Can Foundation
• Founded by cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
• Provides financial support for treatment, especially for children and rural populations.
4. Sankalp India Foundation & Cuddles Foundation
• Specialize in support for pediatric cancer patients.
• Include financial support, nutritional aid, and lodging assistance.

Insurance and Private Help

1. Health Insurance
• Cancer-specific insurance plans are offered by companies like HDFC Ergo, Star Health, ICICI Lombard, Aditya Birla Health, etc.
• These can help cover costs of diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, and follow-ups.
2. Crowdfunding Platforms
• Websites like Ketto, Milaap, ImpactGuru, and GiveIndia help patients raise funds for treatment.
• Widely used for chemotherapy, surgery, and transplants.

Tips for Patients/Families

• Approach the hospital’s medical social worker or counselor.
• Keep income certificate, ration card, BPL card, and medical reports ready for applications.
• Apply early for government funds as processing can take time.