Cancer Suraksha Scheme

Description
The Government of Kerala launched the “Cancer Suraksha Scheme” on 1st November 2008 for children below the age of 18 who suffer from cancer and belong to such families which are too poor to afford treatment. This scheme was launched under Kerala Social Security Mission. Those patients found eligible would be registered under the scheme and a Patient Card would be issued. Registered patients would be provided treatment free of cost at the designated hospitals. On further verification, if it is found that any registered patient is ineligible for assistance, the assistance would be stopped forthwith. Cancer, the killer disease, was once considered incurable. However, advances in medical science have helped conquer the disease to a very large extent. It is scientifically proven that pediatric cases of cancer are largely curable if treated early. Recognizing the urgent need to extend financial support to cancer victims from families, who are too poor to afford treatment, the Government of Kerala launched this scheme. To provide cashless transactions funds have already been deposited with the superintendents of the hospitals. The patients who are eligible for assistance would receive the benefit from these hospitals directly without approaching the Mission. Hospitals Covered under the Scheme: 1. Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram 1. Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram 1. Sree AvitamThirunal SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram 1. Government Medical College Alapuzha 1. Government Medical College Kottayam 1. Government Medical College Thrissur 1. Government Medical College Kozhikode 1. Co-operative Medical College Pariyaram, Kannur 1. Malabar Cancer Centre, Thalassery, Kannur 1. Government General Hospital, Ernakulam 1. Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Kozhikode 1. Govt. Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam

Exclusions
• Patients over 18 years old are not eligible to apply under the scheme.
• Patients already receiving free treatment in government hospitals are not eligible.
• Patients who are not domiciled in Kerala state.
• Those patients who avail of the pay ward facility and are eligible for medical reimbursement from other sources or have medical insurance are not eligible for this scheme.

Benefits
• Under this scheme, children under 18 years would be given free treatment for cancer through designated Government hospitals in the state.
• The entire cost of treatment, including the cost of investigations, would be borne by the hospitals through the funds provided by the Mission.
• The ceiling of expenditure per child would be initially ₹50,000/-.
• **Note:** The hospital can incur additional expenditure, based on the report of the committee comprising the Oncologist/treating doctor, the Head of the Radiology Department, and the Superintendent, subject to ratification by the Mission.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a resident of Kerala State and scheme is applicable only to patients from Kerala.
2. Cancer patients up to the age of 18 years in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) groups are eligible to be included in this scheme.
3. Cancer patients should belong to families which are too poor to afford treatment.
4. To be included in this scheme a confirmed diagnosis of cancer is a must.
5. Those patients who are yet to complete 18 years of age and need treatment are eligible for the benefit for one more year.

Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhaar/ Proof of Identity of patient
• Proof of age of the patient
• Copy of BPL card
• Copy of Ration card
• Residence certificate
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof/report confirming the diagnosis of cancer
• Registered Patient Card under the scheme

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Cancer Suraksha Scheme”?
A: The Government of Kerala launched the "Cancer Suraksha Scheme" on 1st November 2008 for children below the age of 18 who suffer from cancer and belong to such families which are too poor to afford treatment

Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: Those patients found eligible would be registered under the scheme and a Patient Card would be issued. Registered patients would be provided treatment free of cost at the designated hospitals. On further verification, if it is found that any registered patient is ineligible for assistance, the assistance would be stopped forthwith.

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: Cancer patients up to the age of 18 years in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) groups are eligible to be included in this scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for Cancer patients?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for Cancer patients.

Q: Is this scheme only for the applicant belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
A: Yes, the applicants should belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

Q: Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala?
A: Yes, the applicant should be a resident of Kerala State and the scheme is applicable only to patients from Kerala.

Q: What is the age limit to apply under the scheme?
A: The age limit of the applicant has to be 18 years or below.

Q: Is a patient receiving free treatment in a government hospital eligible to apply under the scheme?
A: No, the patient already receiving free treatment in government hospitals is not eligible.

Q: Does the patient who has medical insurance eligible to apply under the scheme?
A: No, those patients who avail of the pay ward facility and are eligible for medical reimbursement from other sources or have medical insurance are not eligible for this scheme.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under this scheme, children under 18 years would be given free treatment for cancer through designated Government hospitals in the state.

Q: Can the hospital incur additional expenditure?
A: Yes, the hospital can incur additional expenditure, based on the report of the committee comprising the Oncologist/treating doctor, the Head of the Radiology Department, and the Superintendent, subject to ratification by the Mission.

Q: How can an applicant avail of the benefits of the scheme?
A: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant may contact the Scheme counselor who is appointed at selected hospitals/covered hospitals under this scheme or the concerned District Social Justice Officer.