Cancer Suraksha Scheme

Cancer Suraksha Scheme (कैंसर सुरक्षा योजना)

The Government of Kerala initiated the “Cancer Suraksha Scheme” on November 1, 2008, focusing on providing essential financial assistance for cancer treatment to children under the age of 18 from economically disadvantaged families. This initiative is implemented under the Kerala Social Security Mission, aimed at alleviating the financial burden of cancer care.

Overview of the Scheme

The “Cancer Suraksha Scheme” is designed specifically for pediatric cancer patients who come from families struggling with financial hardships. Eligible individuals will be registered under the scheme, allowing them to receive a Patient Card, which facilitates access to free treatment at designated hospitals. In instances where a patient is later found ineligible, the assistance will be promptly terminated.

Cancer, historically perceived as a terminal illness, has seen significant advances in treatment methodologies, especially for children. Research indicates that timely intervention greatly improves the chances of recovery in pediatric cancer cases. Acknowledging this critical need, the Government of Kerala established this scheme to support families unable to afford necessary treatment.

To streamline the process, funds have been deposited directly with the superintendents of participating hospitals, enabling eligible patients to receive treatment without having to navigate through the Mission for financial support.

Participating Hospitals

• Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
• Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
• Sree Avitam Thirunal (SAT) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
• Government Medical College, Alappuzha
• 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
• Govt. Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam

Key Benefits

The Cancer Suraksha Scheme guarantees various benefits, including:

• Provision of free cancer treatment for children under 18 years across designated government hospitals in Kerala.
• Full coverage of treatment expenses, which encompasses diagnostic investigations, funded directly by the Kerala Social Security Mission.
• An initial expenditure cap set at ₹50,000 per child, ensuring substantial financial support.

Note: Hospitals may incur additional expenses beyond the ceiling limit, contingent upon the recommendations of a committee comprising the treating oncologist, the head of the radiology department, and the superintendent, subject to approval by the Mission.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Cancer Suraksha Scheme, the following criteria must be met:

• Applicants must be residents of the state of Kerala.
• Only cancer patients aged 18 years or younger from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are eligible.
• Patients must come from families financially incapable of affording cancer treatment.
• A confirmed diagnosis of cancer is required for inclusion in the scheme.
• Patients who have not yet reached 18 years of age may receive benefits for an additional year if treatment is necessary.

Application Process

To benefit from the scheme, applicants should follow these steps:

• Reach out to the designated scheme counselor located at the selected hospitals participating in this initiative.
• Contact the District Social Justice Officer for further assistance and guidance.

Official Source

For more information, you can visit the official website: myScheme.gov.in