AI SummaryKerala government has launched Cancer Suraksha Scheme to provide free medical treatment to children under 18 years suffering from cancer. The scheme supports families from economically weaker backgrounds by ensuring they do not have to worry about the cost of life-saving medical care. By facilitating cashless treatment at designated hospitals, the scheme aims to make healthcare accessible to those who need it most.
Cancer Suraksha Scheme - Introduction
Cancer Suraksha Scheme was launched on 1st November 2008 under the Kerala Social Security Mission to support children under the age of 18 battling cancer. This scheme offers support to families who face financial hardship while seeking treatment for their loved ones. If eligible, families get registered and issued a Patient Card to access free, high-quality care at designated government hospitals.
Cancer can be overwhelming, but pediatric cases are often highly treatable when detected and managed early. By depositing funds directly with hospital superintendents, the government ensures a smooth, cashless experience for families. Families will not need to approach the Mission directly for financial support once registered.
According to estimates from the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, there are 800 to 850 new patients in this age group every year. Those eligible are treated free under the scheme, implemented by the Kerala Social Security Mission, in government hospitals designated for the purpose. Counsellors have been posted at these hospitals to assess whether applicants are really eligible for the free treatment and to provide other counselling services to patients.
Key Information
| Key Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Cancer Suraksha Scheme |
| Launched By | Kerala Social Security Mission |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Target Group | Children under 18 years from BPL families |
| Benefit Type | Free Cancer Treatment |
| Expenditure Ceiling | ₹50,000 per child (initial) |
| Application Mode | Through hospital counselor |
| Official Website | https://socialsecuritymission.gov.in/ |
Benefits
Cancer Suraksha Scheme ensures that financial constraints do not stop your child from receiving timely cancer treatment. Key benefits include:
- Free cancer treatment for children under 18 years at designated government facilities across Kerala.
- Coverage for all costs, including diagnostic tests, investigations, and treatment procedures.
- An initial expenditure ceiling of ₹50,000 per child, with additional spending authorized by a special medical committee if required.
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals without needing to approach the Mission directly.
- Continued eligibility for one additional year if a patient turns 18 during treatment.
If your child requires additional treatment beyond the initial ceiling, hospitals can authorize extra spending based on the evaluation of a special medical committee. This committee includes the treating oncologist, Head of the Radiology Department, and the Superintendent, subject to official ratification by the Mission.
Eligibility
To apply, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The patient should be under the age of 18 years at the time of application.
- Your family should belong to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category.
- A medical report confirming a cancer diagnosis is required.
- If a patient is currently under treatment and turns 18, they remain eligible for one additional year to complete their care.
- You should not be receiving similar free treatment under another government scheme.
- You or your family should not have existing medical insurance or be eligible for medical reimbursement from other sources.
Exclusions
Please note that Cancer Suraksha Scheme is specifically for marginalized families in need. You are NOT eligible if:
- The patient is over 18 years of age (except for the one-year extension during ongoing treatment).
- You reside outside of Kerala.
- You are already receiving similar free treatment under another government scheme.
- You or your family have existing medical insurance or are eligible for medical reimbursement from other sources.
- You prefer using private or 'pay-ward' facilities instead of government hospitals.
Hospitals Covered under the Scheme
Treatment is available at the following designated government hospitals:
- Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
- Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
- Sree Avitam Thirunal (SAT) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
- Government Medical College, Alapuzha
- Government Medical College, Kottayam
- Government Medical College, Thrissur
- Government Medical College, Kozhikode
- Co-operative Medical College, Pariyaram, Kannur
- Malabar Cancer Centre, Thalassery, Kannur
- Government General Hospital, Ernakulam
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Kozhikode
Application Process
To apply for Cancer Suraksha Scheme, you should reach out to the healthcare authorities directly. The process is simple and designed to help families get support quickly.
STEP 1 - Visit the appointed scheme counselor available at any of the covered government hospitals listed above. The counselor will assess your eligibility and guide you through the registration process.
STEP 2 - Submit the required documents including Aadhaar card, birth certificate, BPL card, ration card, residence certificate, and medical reports confirming the cancer diagnosis.
STEP 3 - Once verified, you will be registered under the scheme and issued a Patient Card. This card allows you to access free treatment at the designated hospital.
STEP 4 - If you need assistance, you can also contact your local District Social Justice Officer for help with your application.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready for your application:
- Aadhaar card or valid identity proof of the patient.
- Birth certificate or age proof showing the patient is under 18 years.
- Valid BPL card and your Ration card.
- State residence certificate proving permanent residency in Kerala.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Medical reports confirming the cancer diagnosis from a recognized doctor.
- The Registered Patient Card provided by the hospital after registration.
Support and Contact
For any help regarding your application or scheme guidelines, you may contact the Kerala Social Security Mission or visit the scheme counselor at any of the designated hospitals. You can also reach out to your local District Social Justice Officer for assistance.
References
For further details, visit the following links:
- Official Website - Kerala Social Security Mission
- Social Justice Department - Scheme Details
- Scheme Details for Palakkad
FAQ's
What is the Cancer Suraksha Scheme?
It is a welfare scheme in Kerala that provides free cancer treatment to children from poor families who cannot afford medical expenses. The scheme covers all treatment costs including diagnostic tests.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Children aged 18 or younger from BPL families residing in Kerala are eligible. The family should not have other medical insurance or be receiving similar free treatment elsewhere.
Does this cover cancer-related tests?
Yes, the scheme covers the entire cost of treatment, including necessary investigations, diagnostic tests, and all medical procedures required for cancer care.
What if my child turns 18 during the treatment?
Your child will remain eligible for an additional one year to ensure treatment is completed without interruption.
Can I apply if I have medical insurance?
No, this scheme is intended only for families who lack other forms of medical financial support or insurance. The scheme is specifically for economically weaker sections.
How do I start the application?
Simply visit the hospital counselor at an empanelled government hospital listed above. They will assess your eligibility and guide you through the registration process. You can also contact your District Social Justice Office for assistance.
Is the treatment completely free?
Yes, eligible families receive cashless treatment at designated government hospitals. The funds are deposited directly with hospital superintendents, so families do not need to pay anything.
How many hospitals are covered under this scheme?
Treatment is available at 11 designated government hospitals across Kerala, including Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram and various Government Medical Colleges in different districts.