Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme 2025 – Free Treatment and ₹10 Lakh Medicine Support for Cancer Patients in Arunachal Pradesh

The Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme is a pioneering healthcare initiative launched by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh under the Department of Health & Family Welfare. Introduced on 1st August 2017, the scheme aims to provide essential support to cancer patients in the state by offering free chemotherapy treatment and life-saving medicines. Recognizing the growing number of cancer cases and the heavy financial burden on patients, this scheme ensures that the people of Arunachal Pradesh—particularly those from low-income families—receive affordable and accessible cancer care within the state.

Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, often requires prolonged medical attention and expensive medicines that many families cannot afford. By launching this scheme, the government of Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage and reducing financial hardship for patients and their families.

Dates and Launch Details

• Scheme Name: Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme
• Launched By: Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Arunachal Pradesh
• Launch Date: 1st August 2017
• Implemented At: State Tertiary Cancer Centres in Arunachal Pradesh
• Supported Institution: TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (for medicine procurement under MoU)

Objectives of the Scheme

The Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme was introduced with the following key objectives:

1. Financial Relief for Patients: To reduce the financial burden faced by cancer patients and their families by providing free chemotherapy medicines and treatment support.
2. Accessible Cancer Care: To ensure that all cancer patients in the state have access to quality cancer treatment, irrespective of their economic background.
3. Comprehensive Coverage: To make chemotherapy available for all types and stages of cancer under one umbrella scheme.
4. Improved Health Outcomes: To enhance survival rates and promote early treatment through free and regular access to medicines.
5. Partnership with Reputed Institutions: To collaborate with recognized medical institutions like TATA Memorial Hospital for quality medicines and expert guidance.

Key Features of the Scheme

The Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme stands out as one of the most compassionate healthcare programs in Northeast India. Below are its key highlights:

1. Free Chemotherapy Treatment:
   Patients diagnosed with any type of cancer can avail free chemotherapy medicines and treatment under this scheme.
2. Financial Ceiling:
   Each patient is entitled to up to ₹10 lakh worth of medicines per annum, divided into ₹5 lakh for every six months of treatment.
3. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TATA Memorial Hospital:
   To ensure quality and cost-effective procurement, an MoU has been signed with TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, one of India’s leading cancer treatment centers. Medicines are supplied at concessional rates under this partnership.
4. Coverage Limit:
   The scheme covers up to 1,000 patients every year, ensuring that deserving individuals receive timely support.
5. Comprehensive Benefits:
   Apart from chemotherapy medicines, beneficiaries also receive free consultation, medical counseling, and follow-up support throughout their treatment duration.
6. Focus on Statewide Accessibility:
   The scheme is available in all State Tertiary Cancer Centres across Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring patients don’t have to travel outside the state for treatment.

Scholarship / Financial Assistance Amount

While this is not a traditional scholarship scheme, the financial assistance provided under this program can be summarized as follows:

This substantial support aims to cover most of the essential expenses for chemotherapy, medicines, and related care.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that benefits reach the right individuals, the following eligibility conditions have been established under the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme:

1. Domicile Requirement:
   The applicant must be a resident of Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Community Requirement:
   The patient must be a regular State Government employee or a dependent of a regular State Government employee.
3. Medical Condition:
   The applicant must be diagnosed with cancer of any type or stage and require chemotherapy as prescribed by certified medical professionals.
4. Documentation:
   Proper documents, including medical certificates and identity proofs, must be furnished at the time of application.
5. Verification:
   The information provided by the applicant will be verified by the concerned department and nodal officers at the tertiary cancer centre.

Reservation Policy

The scheme is universal for eligible cancer patients and does not operate under caste, religion, or gender-based reservations. However, the following prioritizations are made:

• Priority is given to economically weaker patients within the eligible category.
• Preference for early applicants within the annual limit of 1,000 beneficiaries.
• Equal opportunity for both male and female patients across all districts.

Distribution of Benefits

The distribution process under this scheme follows a transparent and systematic structure:

1. Procurement of Medicines:
   All chemotherapy drugs are purchased from TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, ensuring authenticity and affordability.
2. State-Level Distribution:
   Medicines are distributed to designated cancer treatment centers across Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Treatment and Monitoring:
   Eligible patients receive free medicines and treatment sessions directly through these centers.
   Continuous monitoring and follow-up are conducted by nodal officers to ensure effective implementation.
4. Transparency and Accountability:
   Each beneficiary’s data, including medicines used, cost incurred, and treatment status, is recorded in the official system to prevent duplication and ensure fair usage.

Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

The application procedure for availing the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme is simple and patient-friendly. The entire process is offline, and the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the Nearest Cancer Treatment Centre

The applicant or their family member must visit the nearest State Tertiary Cancer Centre in Arunachal Pradesh.
They may also contact the Nodal Officer assigned for the scheme to get detailed guidance.

Step 2: Obtain the Application Form

Collect the prescribed application form for the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme from the cancer centre.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Fill the form carefully with correct details such as:

• Applicant’s name and relation with the patient
• Patient’s diagnosis and medical details
• Residential address and contact information
• Employment and dependency details (if applicable)

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

Attach all necessary documents in photocopy form as listed below:

1. Aadhaar Card or Voter ID (as identity proof)
2. Schedule Tribe Certificate (for APST patients)
3. Two passport-size photographs
4. Address proof (Utility bill, ration card, etc.)
5. Medical records or diagnosis report from an authorized doctor

Step 5: Submit to the Concerned Department

Submit the completed application form along with documents to the designated officer at the cancer centre.

Step 6: Verification and Approval

The concerned authorities verify all details and documents.
Upon successful verification, the applicant is approved to receive free chemotherapy treatment and medicines under the scheme.

Step 7: Avail Benefits

Once approved, the patient can immediately start availing free medicines and consultations during their entire treatment period.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents to apply for the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme:

1. Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card
2. Schedule Tribe Certificate: Mandatory for APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) patients
3. Passport Size Photographs: Two recent color photographs
4. Address Proof: Ration Card, Electricity Bill, or Residence Certificate
5. Medical Certificate: Issued by a recognized doctor diagnosing cancer
6. Employee/Dependent Certificate: If applicable, for State Government employees
7. Bank Details (if required): For verification or reimbursement purposes

Monitoring and Implementation

The Department of Health & Family Welfare oversees the implementation and monitoring of this scheme.
A dedicated nodal officer at each cancer treatment centre ensures:

• Proper identification of beneficiaries
• Timely medicine distribution
• Maintenance of treatment records
• Regular reporting to the State Health Department

Impact and Importance

Since its inception, the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme has been a lifeline for hundreds of patients in Arunachal Pradesh. The scheme:

• Reduced financial stress for families battling cancer
• Improved early diagnosis and treatment access
• Minimized the need for patients to travel outside the state
• Strengthened the healthcare infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh

This initiative aligns with the vision of inclusive healthcare and represents a humanitarian approach to tackling chronic diseases through government intervention.