AI SummaryRastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister s Cancer Patient Fund is a Government of India scheme that gives financial support to poor cancer patients so that their treatment at designated Regional Cancer Centers does not stop because of money problems. The scheme is part of the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The scheme provides one-time financial support of up to ₹15 lakh for the treatment of cancer patients who live below the State or UT-wise poverty line. In 2025-26, the government had already disbursed ₹9.14 crore to 134 poor patients under this fund, which shows that the support is reaching the people who need it most.
Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister s Cancer Patient Fund
Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister s Cancer Patient Fund acts as a support system for citizens living below the poverty line who are fighting against cancer. The scheme makes sure that money problems do not come in the way of life-saving medical care at any of the 27 designated Regional Cancer Centers. Established in 2009, this fund provides revolving financial support to make sure treatment starts on time for those in need.
Over the years the scheme has grown into a full umbrella programme. Today it also covers treatment at Tertiary Care Cancer Centers, State Cancer Institutes and other government hospitals that have cancer treatment facilities. Patients can now apply both offline and online, depending on whether their State or UT data is linked to the National Health Authority (NHA) platform.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister s Cancer Patient Fund |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | Regional Cancer Center |
| Financial Assistance | Up to ₹15,00,000 |
| Application Mode | Offline and Online |
Benefits
Eligible patients can receive financial support of up to ₹5,00,000 for their cancer treatment in the first stage. If the treatment costs go beyond this amount, the case is sent to the Ministry for further review. The maximum total support a patient can get under this scheme is ₹15,00,000.
The money is released directly to the treating hospital or institute on a case-by-case basis. Under the umbrella scheme, the government disbursed ₹27.06 crore in 2024-25, which includes the Health Minister s Cancer Patient Fund component. In 2025-26, up to 16 July 2025, ₹9.14 crore was given to 134 poor patients.
| Treatment Type |
|---|
| Radiation treatment including Radio Therapy and Gamma Knife Surgery |
| Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy |
| Bone Marrow Transplantation |
| Diagnostic procedures like PET scans |
| Surgery for malignant tumors |
Eligibility
To benefit from the Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister s Cancer Patient Fund, a patient must live below the poverty line (BPL). For example, if Ramesh, a daily wage earner, is suffering from cancer, he can apply for this support if his family income certificate confirms his BPL status. Please note that employees of the Central Government, State Government, or PSUs are not eligible. Also, if free treatment facilities are already available to a patient, this fund will not apply.
In the online mode, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries from States or UTs whose National Food Security Act (NFSA) data is linked to the National Health Authority (NHA) platform can apply. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) beneficiaries who need treatment not covered under AB PM-JAY can also get support under this scheme through the online mode.
Exclusions
A patient is not eligible for this scheme if they are a Central Government, State Government, or PSU employee. Also, this financial support is not given if the treatment is already available free through other government schemes.
Application Process
The application can be submitted either offline or online. In the offline mode, a patient from a State or UT whose NFSA data is not linked to the NHA platform can submit the application at any government hospital. In the online mode, the government hospital generates the RAN ID of the eligible patient, and the application is then processed through the Transaction Management System (TMS). Follow these steps for the offline process:
STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form from the official guidelines (refer to pages 10 to 12).
STEP 2 - Fill in the application form correctly with all the required details.
STEP 3 - Get the form signed and stamped by the treating doctor or the Head of Department.
STEP 4 - Have the Medical Superintendent of the government hospital where the treatment is being given provide their counter-signature on the form.
STEP 5 - Submit the completed application, along with the required documents, to the administration office of the hospital.
Documents
Keep these documents ready for the application process. The exact papers depend on whether the application is being made offline or online.
- Completed application form, signed by the doctor and countersigned by the Medical Superintendent.
- An original certificate of monthly income from the Block or Mandal Development Officer, Tehsildar, or SDM, verifying that the patient belongs to a BPL family.
- A copy of the Ration Card, attested by a Gazetted Officer with an official seal. For the online mode, an Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card and Aadhaar card are required.
Definitions
The treatment facilities under this scheme are provided at recognized Regional Cancer Centers, which include institutions such as the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, the Indian Rotary Cancer Institute (AIIMS) in New Delhi, the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, and various other government-affiliated specialized hospitals across India. Financial support is also given for treatment at Tertiary Care Cancer Centers, State Cancer Institutes and other government hospitals with cancer treatment facilities. You can view the full list of centers in the official guidelines.
References
PIB Press Release on Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (August 2025)
FAQ's
Are government or PSU employees eligible to apply?
No, employees of the Central Government, State Government, or PSUs are not eligible for this financial support.
Can I get reimbursed for treatment costs I have already paid?
You can receive reimbursement for expenses paid between the date your complete application is received and the date your sanction is communicated. Expenses incurred before you submitted your completed application are not eligible for reimbursement.
How long does the approval process take?
Once your application is submitted with all the required documents, the authorities process it within one month.
In whose name is the grant released?
To keep things clear, the grant is released directly to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital where you are undergoing treatment.
What is the amount of financial support available?
You can receive primary financial support of ₹5,00,000, with a maximum limit of ₹15,00,000 for individual cases requiring higher levels of care.