Government Schemes for Cancer Treatment in India
India has 30+ central and state government schemes that pay for cancer treatment — most patients are eligible for at least one. Below is a plain-language guide to the major schemes, eligibility, documents required, and how to apply.
Central government schemes
- Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) — up to ₹5 L/family/year; covers 1,500+ cancer procedures. pmjay.gov.in
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) — up to ₹15 L for BPL patients at govt tertiary hospitals.
- Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) — up to ₹15 L at 27 Regional Cancer Centres.
- CGHS — for central govt employees/pensioners at empanelled hospitals.
- ESI — for organised-sector workers and dependants.
Popular state schemes
- Tamil Nadu — CMCHIS (Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme)
- Karnataka — Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (ABArK)
- Maharashtra — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY)
- Andhra Pradesh / Telangana — Dr. YSR Aarogyasri
- Kerala — Karunya Benevolent Fund
- West Bengal — Swasthya Sathi
- Rajasthan — Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana
- Delhi — Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK)
Documents you'll usually need
- Aadhaar card and ration card (BPL/APL)
- Income certificate (for RAN, HMCPF, state schemes)
- Cancer diagnosis report and treatment estimate from a govt hospital
- Bank passbook (for fund disbursement)
- Passport-size photographs
Frequently asked questions
Does Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) cover cancer treatment?
Yes. PMJAY covers up to ₹5,00,000 per family per year for over 1,500 cancer-related procedures including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and targeted therapy at empanelled hospitals across India. Eligibility is based on the SECC 2011 database; check your name at pmjay.gov.in.
What is the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme?
RAN provides one-time financial assistance up to ₹15,00,000 for BPL patients suffering from life-threatening diseases including cancer. Applications go through the medical superintendent of a government tertiary-care hospital or AIIMS.
Are CGHS beneficiaries covered for cancer treatment?
Yes. CGHS covers central government employees and pensioners (and dependants) for cancer treatment in CGHS-empanelled hospitals at CGHS-approved rates. Pre-authorisation is required for most procedures.
What is the Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)?
HMCPF provides financial assistance up to ₹15,00,000 specifically for cancer patients living below the poverty line, treated at one of 27 regional cancer centres (RCCs). Applications are submitted by the RCC director.
Which states have their own cancer schemes?
Examples: Tamil Nadu CMCHIS, Karnataka Vajpayee Arogyashree, Maharashtra MJPJAY, Andhra Pradesh Aarogyasri, Telangana Aarogyasri, Kerala Karunya, West Bengal Swasthya Sathi, Rajasthan Chiranjeevi, Punjab MMPSBY. Each state's portal lists the empanelled hospitals and cancer procedures covered.
Get your personalised cancer care plan
Free · Private · Available in English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada & Malayalam.
Build my plan →