HMCPF

Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund

7.0/10

The scheme-component aims to provide financial assistance to poor patients living below the poverty line and suffering from cancer, for their treatment at 27 Regional Cancer Centers (RCCs).

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare

Nodal department: Department of Health and Family Welfare

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Scheme open date: 2009-01-01

Categories: Health & Wellness, Social welfare & Empowerment

Sub-categories: Disease and conditions, Financial assistance, Emergency medical assistance

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: BPL, Cancer Treatment, Patient

Details

Started in 2009, the scheme-component “Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) under the "Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)” implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, aims to provide financial assistance to Below Poverty Line cancer patients through support up to ₹2,00,000/- (₹5,00,000/- in emergencies) at Regional Cancer Centres.

Benefits

  • Financial Assistance: Up to ₹2,00,000 per patient; up to ₹5,00,000 in emergency cases. Note:
  • Individual cases, which require assistance of more than ₹5,00,000/- will be sent to the Ministry for processing. - The maximum financial assistance admissible under the Scheme will be ₹15,00,000/- List of the treatments under this scheme -
  • Radiation treatment of all kinds, including Radio Therapy and Gama Knife Surgery/GRT/MRT/Brachytherapy
  • Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy with supportive medication, including hormonal therapy
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation- Allogenic& Autologous
  • Diagnostic Procedures- including PET scan
  • Surgery for operable malignant tumours

Financial Assistance: Up to ₹2,00,000 per patient; up to ₹5,00,000 in emergency cases.

Note:

  • Individual cases, which require assistance of more than ₹5,00,000/- will be sent to the Ministry for processing.- The maximum financial assistance admissible under the Scheme will be ₹15,00,000/-

List of the treatments under this scheme -

  • Radiation treatment of all kinds, including Radio Therapy and Gama Knife Surgery/GRT/MRT/Brachytherapy.
  • Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy with supportive medication, including hormonal therapy.
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation- Allogenic& Autologous
  • Diagnostic Procedures- including PET scan.
  • Surgery for operable malignant tumours.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be living Below Poverty Line.
  • The applicant must be suffering from cancer.

List of 27 Regional Cancer Centre(s):

  1. Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
  2. Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal.
  3. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, Karnataka.
  4. Regional Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  5. Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre for Cancer Research & Treatment, Cuttack, Orissa.
  6. Regional Cancer Control Society, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
  7. Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
  8. Indian Rotary Cancer Institute (AIIMS), New Delhi.
  9. R.S.T. Hospital & Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra.
  10. Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
  11. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
  12. Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar.
  13. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur.
  14. Government Medical College & Associated Hospital, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu.
  15. Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
  16. Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  17. MNJ Institute of Oncology, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
  18. Pondicherry Regional Cancer Society, JIPMER, Puducherry.
  19. Dr. B.B. Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam.
  20. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  21. Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar.
  22. Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Trust & Research Institute (RCC), Bikaner, Rajasthan.
  23. Regional Cancer Centre, Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana.
  24. Civil Hospital, Aizawl, Mizoram.
  25. Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
  26. Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.
  27. Cancer Hospital, Agartala, Tripura.

Exclusions

  • Central Govt./State Govt. /PSU employees are not eligible for financial assistance from the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF).
  • Grant from HMCPF would not be used where treatment /facilities for cancer treatment are available free of cost.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

7.0
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.0/10 Good
Literacy barrier 2.0/10 Good
Women inclusivity 7.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.0/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.0
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity7.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides essential financial support for cancer treatment to individuals below the poverty line, addressing a critical health need.

Key challenges addressed

  • Financial burden of cancer treatment for low-income patients

Most beneficial for

  • Below Poverty Line cancer patients

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries

Practical insights for citizens

While the scheme is beneficial, the complexity of the application process may deter eligible applicants.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to Regional Cancer Centres
  • Awareness of the scheme is low

Digital challenges

  • Low digital literacy among target beneficiaries

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Need for multiple approvals can delay assistance

Awareness challenges

  • Low outreach and information dissemination

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Moderate, requires signatures and stamps
Verification complexity
High due to multiple signatures needed
Office dependency
High, requires submission at government hospitals
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer involved
CSC support
Limited, primarily offline
Estimated citizen effort
High, due to multiple steps in the application process

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach All
  • Target income group Below Poverty Line
  • Occupation reach All low-income individuals

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
One-time assistance per treatment
Benefit practicality
High, but dependent on successful application
Financial meaningfulness
Very meaningful for low-income patients facing high treatment costs
Long-term impact
Potentially significant if beneficiaries receive timely assistance

Plain-language guidance

This scheme helps poor cancer patients by providing financial support for treatment. Eligible individuals can receive up to ₹2,00,000 for their care.

Who should apply
Individuals living below the poverty line who are diagnosed with cancer.
Who may struggle
Those unfamiliar with the application process or lacking assistance in filling forms.
Best application route
Apply via the concerned government hospital with the required signatures.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: Download the prescribed application form (Refer Page No: 10, 11 and 12).
Step 2: Complete the form in the prescribed format, ensuring all required sections are accurately filled.
Step 3: Get the form signed and stamped by the treating doctor/ Head of Department (HOD). Also, ensure it is countersigned by the Medical Superintendent of the Government hospital where the patient is receiving treatment.
Step 4: Once all signatures are obtained and the form is fully completed, submit the application form along with all required documents to the concerned Government hospital.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the objective of the "Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund" scheme-component?

The scheme-component aims to provide financial assistance to Below Poverty Line cancer patients for treatment.

Who can apply for this scheme?

Patients living Below Poverty Line and suffering from cancer can apply.

What is the maximum financial assistance available?

The applicant can receive up to ₹2,00,000/-, or ₹5,00,000/- in emergency cases. Maximum financial assistance admissible under the Scheme will be ₹15,00,000/-.

Where can the treatment be taken under this scheme?

The treatment must be taken at designated Regional Cancer Centres.

Are government employees eligible for this scheme?

Government and PSU employees are not eligible for assistance.

What happens if treatment cost exceeds ₹2,00,000?

Such cases are forwarded to the Ministry for further approval.

How is the assistance provided?

The assistance is provided through Regional Cancer Centres using revolving funds.

What is a revolving fund in this scheme?

It is a pre-allocated fund at RCCs to ensure quick disbursement of assistance.

Is emergency assistance available under this scheme?

Yes, emergency cases can receive up to ₹5,00,000.

Can assistance be used if treatment is free elsewhere?

No, assistance is not provided if treatment is available free of cost.

How many RCCs are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers 27 Regional Cancer Centres.

How long does it take to receive assistance?

Assistance is processed quickly at RCC level due to revolving funds.

Is there any income criteria for eligibility?

Yes, the applicant must belong to the Below Poverty Line category.

Who processes the application?

The Regional Cancer Centre processes applications up to ₹2,00,000, while higher amounts are processed by the Ministry.

Definitions

  • Regional Cancer Center

References

HMCPF Guidelines
https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/RAN_Guideline_2019_0.pdf
Guidelines
https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/2563214569875214.pdf

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Health & Wellness, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Eligibility for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Benefits under Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund is managed by Department of Health and Family Welfare and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Applications for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund a central government scheme?
Yes, Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Does Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund provide healthcare or insurance support?
Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund may provide healthcare assistance, insurance coverage, cashless treatment support, medical reimbursement, or hospital-related benefits depending on the scheme structure.
Can beneficiaries use Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund at government hospitals?
Eligible beneficiaries may be able to access services at empanelled hospitals, government healthcare facilities, or authorised healthcare providers depending on scheme participation rules.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Rastriya Arogya Nidhi - Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.