The Government of Kerala launched the Cancer Suraksha Scheme on 1st November 2008 under the Kerala Social Security Mission. This scheme provides free cancer treatment to children below 18 years from economically weaker families who cannot afford treatment.
Eligible patients receive cashless treatment at designated government hospitals in Kerala. Funds have been pre-deposited with hospital superintendents, ensuring that patients do not need to approach the Mission for financial assistance. If a registered patient is later found ineligible, their assistance will be discontinued immediately.
Hospitals Covered Under the Scheme
- Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
- Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
- Sree Avittam Thirunal (SAT) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
- Government Medical College, Alappuzha
- Government Medical College, Kottayam
- Government Medical College, Thrissur
- Government Medical College, Kozhikode
- Co-operative Medical College, Pariyaram, Kannur
- Malabar Cancer Centre, Thalassery, Kannur
- Government General Hospital, Ernakulam
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Kozhikode
- Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam
Benefits
- Children under 18 years receive free cancer treatment at designated government hospitals.
- All treatment costs, including medical investigations, are covered by the hospital using funds provided by the Mission.
- Initial expenditure limit per child: ₹50,000.
- Hospitals can incur additional expenses with approval from a committee (Oncologist, Head of Radiology, and Hospital Superintendent) and ratification from the Mission.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a resident of Kerala.
- Children up to 18 years old diagnosed with cancer are eligible.
- Applicants must belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
- Families that cannot afford cancer treatment qualify for the scheme.
- Confirmed diagnosis of cancer is mandatory.
- If a patient turns 18 during treatment, they are eligible for one more year.
Exclusions
- Patients above 18 years of age.
- Patients already receiving free treatment in government hospitals.
- Non-residents of Kerala.
- Patients availing of pay ward facilities or covered under medical insurance/medical reimbursement.
Application Process
Offline
To avail of the scheme benefits, applicants must contact:
- Scheme Counselor at designated hospitals.
- District Social Justice Officer of their respective district.
Documents Required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card/Proof of Identity of the Patient
- Proof of Age of the Patient
- Copy of BPL Card
- Copy of Ration Card
- Residence Certificate
- Passport-size Photograph
- Medical Report Confirming Cancer Diagnosis
- Registered Patient Card under the Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Cancer Suraksha Scheme?
It is a government initiative providing free cancer treatment for children below 18 years from BPL families in Kerala. - What is the objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to provide cashless cancer treatment to poor families who cannot afford medical care. - Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
- Children below 18 years
- BPL category families
- Residents of Kerala
- Confirmed cancer diagnosis required
- Is this scheme only for cancer patients?
Yes, the scheme exclusively covers children diagnosed with cancer. - Is this scheme only for applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
Yes, only BPL category patients can avail of this scheme. - Is this scheme only for residents of Kerala?
Yes, only permanent residents of Kerala can apply. - What is the age limit to apply under the scheme?
Children up to 18 years can apply. If the patient turns 18 during treatment, they can receive benefits for one more year. - Is a patient receiving free treatment in a government hospital eligible to apply under the scheme?
No, patients already receiving free treatment in a government hospital are not eligible. - Does a patient who has medical insurance qualify for this scheme?
No, those covered under medical insurance or reimbursement schemes are not eligible. - What is the benefit of the scheme?
The scheme provides free cancer treatment to eligible children in designated government hospitals in Kerala. - Can the hospital incur additional expenditure?
Yes, the hospital can exceed the ₹50,000 limit, subject to approval by a medical committee and ratification from the Mission. - How can an applicant avail of the benefits of the scheme?
Applicants can contact the Scheme Counselor at a designated hospital or the District Social Justice Officer.