AI SummaryChief Minister Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme of Arunachal Pradesh is running for cancer patients in the state, giving free medicines worth up to ₹10 lakh every year. Started on 1st August 2017 by Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department, the scheme covers medicines for all types and stages of cancer at the State Tertiary Cancer Centre.
In July 2026, Arunachal Cabinet placed this scheme under a new umbrella programme called CM CARES (Chief Minister's Comprehensive Action for Resilient, Equitable & Healthy State). This brings free chemotherapy, CMAAY, organ transplant support and other health schemes under one system for better service. Around 1,000 patients get covered under the chemotherapy scheme every year.
Chief Minister Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme 2026 - Full Details
This scheme helps residents of Arunachal Pradesh by removing the cost of expensive cancer medicines. Registered patients can get commonly used cancer drugs free of cost up to ₹10 lakh per year, with a ₹5 lakh limit for every 6 months of treatment. Chief Minister Pema Khandu had launched the scheme in 2017 and it is now being strengthened under the CM CARES framework approved on 17 July 2026.
Medicines are bought through a tie-up with TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai at concessional rates. Chemotherapy drugs for all cancer types and all stages are covered. Patients also get free medical consultation and counselling along with the drug support.
What CM CARES Means for Free Chemotherapy Patients
Arunachal Cabinet approved CM CARES on 17 July 2026 as an umbrella health programme. Free Chemotherapy Services will now work along with Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY), Chief Minister Organ Transplant Services (CMOTS), Chief Minister Health Emergency Life Protection Services (CM HELPS) and Chief Minister Social Security Schemes (CMSSS). The idea is better coordination between departments so that patients get faster and easier access to treatment support. Patient guest houses and referral support are also being added under this framework.
Benefits Under the Scheme
Registered cancer patients get complete support for the full treatment cycle. The main benefits are given below.
- Free cancer medicines worth up to ₹10 lakh per patient every year, with a break-up of ₹5 lakh for every 6 months of chemotherapy.
- Free medical consultation at the State Tertiary Cancer Centre for the full duration of the prescribed treatment.
- Free counselling for the patient and family members to help them handle treatment-related stress.
Who Can Apply
The scheme covers regular state government employees of Arunachal Pradesh and their dependents. For example, if Ramesh works as a regular employee in a state department, his spouse and dependent children can also get free chemotherapy medicines under this scheme.
Other residents of Arunachal Pradesh who are not state employees can still access treatment at the State Tertiary Cancer Centre. They should check support options under CMAAY, which now works along with this scheme under the CM CARES umbrella.
Documents Required
Keep the following papers ready before visiting the State Tertiary Cancer Centre for registration.
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card.
- Scheduled Tribe Certificate for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) patients.
- Two recent passport-size photographs of the patient.
- Valid address proof of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Medical reports and doctor's prescription confirming cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy plan.
How to Apply for Free Cancer Chemotherapy
Application is done offline directly at the treatment centre. There is no online form for this scheme.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest State Tertiary Cancer Centre in Arunachal Pradesh and meet the Nodal Officer to start the process. Carry identity proof and any medical reports already available with you.
STEP 2 - Collect the official application form from the Nodal Officer at the centre. The form is given free of cost at the counter.
STEP 3 - Fill in the required details carefully. Attach copies of identity proof, address proof, ST certificate (for APST patients), photographs and medical reports.
STEP 4 - Submit the filled form and documents to the Nodal Officer. Officials will check the papers and confirm eligibility for the scheme.
STEP 5 - After approval, the centre will start free chemotherapy medicines as per the doctor's treatment plan, within the ₹10 lakh yearly limit.
Scheme Highlights
Quick details about the scheme are listed in the table below for easy reference.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Launch Date | 1st August 2017 |
| Nodal Department | Health and Family Welfare Department |
| Implementing Agency | State Tertiary Cancer Centre |
| Umbrella Programme (2026) | CM CARES |
| Benefit Amount | Free medicines up to ₹10 lakh per year |
| Patients Covered | Around 1,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Offline at State Tertiary Cancer Centre |
| Official Website | health.arunachal.gov.in |
References
FAQ's
Is the scheme still active in 2026?
Yes. In July 2026, Arunachal Cabinet placed the scheme under the CM CARES umbrella so that free chemotherapy runs along with other state health schemes under one system.
What is CM CARES?
CM CARES is Chief Minister's Comprehensive Action for Resilient, Equitable & Healthy State. It brings free chemotherapy, CMAAY, organ transplant support, CM HELPS and social security schemes under one framework. It was approved by Arunachal Cabinet on 17 July 2026.
How much treatment cost is covered?
Free cancer medicines worth up to ₹10 lakh per patient per year, with a ₹5 lakh cap for every 6 months of chemotherapy.
Who supplies the medicines?
Medicines are bought from TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai at concessional rates and given free to patients at the State Tertiary Cancer Centre.
How many patients get benefit every year?
Around 1,000 cancer patients from Arunachal Pradesh get support under this scheme every year.
Can non-government employees apply?
The scheme mainly covers regular state government employees and their dependents. Other residents should check CMAAY health cover for cancer treatment support.
Is there any online application form?
No. Application is done offline by meeting the Nodal Officer at the State Tertiary Cancer Centre and submitting the form with documents.
How long does the medicine coverage continue?
Coverage continues for the full treatment cycle prescribed by the doctor, within the yearly ₹10 lakh limit.