Chief Minister Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment in Karnataka: How Patients Can Get Financial Help By Dr. M. G. Giriyappagoudar, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Hospital, Hubli
Cancer treatment can be life-saving, but the cost of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, diagnostic scans and supportive care can create a major financial burden for families. Many patients in Hubballi, Dharwad and other parts of North Karnataka are unaware that government financial assistance and health schemes may be available to eligible patients. One important option that patients can explore is financial assistance through the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). Depending on the patient's eligibility and the nature of treatment, other schemes such as Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) and certain Central Government assistance programmes may also help reduce the financial burden. What is the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund? The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund is a government mechanism through which financial assistance may be provided to eligible people facing serious medical and other hardships. For patients with cancer or other major illne...