The Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme is one of the most impactful healthcare initiatives introduced by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Launched on 1st August 2017 by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, the scheme aims to support cancer patients by providing free chemotherapy treatment and essential medicines. With cancer cases steadily rising in the state, many families struggle to bear the high cost of treatment. This scheme ensures that all eligible residents, especially vulnerable and low-income groups, receive timely and affordable cancer care without financial hardship.
Chemotherapy treatment is often long-term and expensive. Many patients require continuous cycles of treatment, costly medication, and regular follow-ups. By offering these services free of cost, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening public healthcare, ensuring that no cancer patient is deprived of treatment due to financial limitations.
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
- Operational At: State Tertiary Cancer Centres across Arunachal Pradesh
- Support Partner: TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (for procurement of medicines under MoU)
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme has been launched with the following core objectives:
- To provide financial relief by offering free chemotherapy medicines and treatment support.
- To improve access to cancer care by making treatment available for all types and stages of cancer.
- To ensure comprehensive support through free consultation, counseling, and medical guidance.
- To improve health outcomes by motivating early diagnosis and continuous treatment.
- To collaborate with renowned institutions like TATA Memorial Hospital to ensure quality medicine procurement and professional guidance.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme includes several remarkable features:
Free Chemotherapy Treatment
All eligible cancer patients receive chemotherapy medicines and treatment sessions free of cost.
Financial Support Up to ₹10 Lakhs
Each patient can avail medicines worth ₹10 lakh per year, provided in two phases of ₹5 lakh every six months.
Partnership With TATA Memorial Hospital
An MoU with TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, ensures affordable and authentic medicines supplied at concessional rates.
Coverage Limit
The scheme supports up to 1,000 patients every year across the state.
Complete Care Package
Patients receive free:
- Chemotherapy medicines
- Medical consultations
- Counseling and treatment support
Statewide Availability
All State Tertiary Cancer Centres in Arunachal Pradesh provide treatment under this scheme.
Financial Assistance Provided
Although not a scholarship scheme, the financial assistance resembles structured support.
| Type of Support | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Free Chemotherapy Medicines | Up to ₹10 lakh per year | ₹5 lakh every 6 months |
| Free Consultation | Included | Entire treatment period |
| Free Counseling | Included | Entire treatment period |
| Total Annual Support | ₹10,00,000 | Renewable annually |
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, the following criteria must be met:
- Resident of Arunachal Pradesh
The applicant must be a domiciled resident of the state. - Government Employee Category
The patient must be either:- A regular State Government employee, or
- A dependent of a regular State Government employee.
- Medical Diagnosis
The patient should be diagnosed with any type or stage of cancer and require chemotherapy. - Documentation Requirement
Relevant identity proofs, medical certificates, and supporting documents must be submitted. - Verification Process
All details will be verified by the cancer centre and designated nodal officers.
Reservation Policy
The scheme does not follow caste- or religion-based reservation. However:
- Priority is given to economically weaker patients.
- Applicants are considered on a first-come-first-serve basis within the annual cap of 1,000 beneficiaries.
- Both male and female patients across all districts are treated equally.
Distribution of Benefits
The benefit distribution process is systematic and transparent:
1. Procurement of Medicines
Medicines are procured directly from TATA Memorial Hospital to ensure authenticity and reduced cost.
2. Distribution Across the State
Drugs are supplied to official cancer care centers within Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Treatment Delivery
Registered beneficiaries receive free chemotherapy medicines and treatment sessions from these centers.
4. Monitoring
Nodal officers maintain records, track medicine usage, and ensure smooth implementation.
5. Transparency
Every beneficiary’s treatment details are updated in the system to avoid duplication and ensure proper allocation.
Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
The entire application procedure is offline and patient-friendly.
Step 1: Visit the Nearest Cancer Treatment Centre
The patient or a family member must visit the nearest State Tertiary Cancer Centre and meet the designated nodal officer.
Step 2: Collect the Application Form
Obtain the official application form for the scheme from the hospital.
Step 3: Fill Out the Form
Provide accurate information such as:
- Patient’s name and diagnosis details
- Address and identity details
- Relationship with government employee (if dependent)
- Employment verification (if applicable)
Step 4: Attach Required Documents
Attach photocopies of:
- Aadhaar or Voter ID
- ST Certificate (for APST applicants)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Address proof
- Medical diagnosis report
- Employee / dependent certificate
- Any additional document required by authorities
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the form and documents to the concerned officer at the cancer centre.
Step 6: Verification
Authorities thoroughly verify the information and documents provided.
Step 7: Avail Benefits
Once approved, the patient begins receiving free chemotherapy medicines, consultations, and counseling throughout the treatment period.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card
- ST Certificate (for APST beneficiaries)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Address proof (Ration Card, Utility Bill, etc.)
- Medical certificate confirming cancer diagnosis
- Employee/Dependent certificate
- Bank details if requested
Monitoring and Implementation
The Department of Health & Family Welfare supervises the complete implementation of this scheme. Nodal officers at each cancer centre ensure:
- Correct beneficiary identification
- Smooth and timely medicine distribution
- Maintenance of treatment records
- Regular submission of progress reports
Impact and Importance of the Scheme
Since its launch, the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme has had a profound impact:
- Reduced financial pressure on cancer-affected families
- Improved access to early and continuous cancer treatment
- Decreased dependency on hospitals outside the state
- Strengthened cancer-care infrastructure within Arunachal Pradesh
- Enhanced survival rates due to uninterrupted treatment
This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to human welfare, equitable healthcare, and compassionate governance. It stands as a lifeline for hundreds of families battling cancer and continues to serve as a model for public health intervention in the region.
