More than 68 lakh cancer treatments, valued at over Rs 13,000 crore, have been conducted under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced on Tuesday.
The scheme, which provides comprehensive coverage for cancer treatment through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), has particularly benefitted rural populations, with 76% of these treatments taking place in rural areas.
The treatment includes more than 4.5 lakh cases involving targeted therapies, valued at over Rs 985 crore.
These therapies address several cancer types, including breast, lung, and blood cancers, among others.
In total, PMJAY covers more than 200 packages for various cancer treatments, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care.
Among these, 37 packages are specifically for targeted therapies such as chemotherapy for conditions like breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukaemia, and metastatic melanoma.
The government has also provided one-time financial assistance of up to Rs 15 lakh for cancer patients below the poverty line through the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF).
This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on patients in need of expensive treatments.
To ensure that cancer treatment remains affordable, the government has made available over 289 oncology drugs at Jan Aushadhi Stores and 217 AMRIT Pharmacies at 50-80% lower prices than branded alternatives.
These efforts help make cancer medications more accessible to economically disadvantaged individuals. A total of 289 oncology drugs are provided at half the market price, benefiting thousands of cancer patients across India.
In addition to providing treatment, the government is expanding its cancer care infrastructure.
The Union Health Minister revealed that 200 daycare cancer centers would be established at district hospitals in 2025-26, further improving access to cancer care in underserved areas.
Moreover, the government has set up 19 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary cancer care centers across the country to offer advanced treatment.
With these measures, the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme is playing a vital role in improving access to cancer treatment, especially for those in rural areas.
The government’s continued commitment to affordable healthcare and its focus on targeted therapies and expanding cancer care centers ensures that more patients can access the treatments they need, regardless of their economic status.
These initiatives not only enhance the reach of cancer care but also offer financial relief to patients battling life-threatening conditions.
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