Through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, and Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund, thousands of patients across India are receiving cashless or fully subsidized cancer treatment every year.
In this detailed guide by Aarogyaa Bharat, we explain:
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How to get free cancer treatment in India
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Which hospitals offer free or low-cost care
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Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy & transplant costs
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Eligibility criteria & required documents
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Cancer-specific free treatment options
Government Cancer Treatment Programs in India
The Indian government plays a crucial role in ensuring affordable and free cancer care for economically weaker patients. Major schemes include:
1. Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
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Cashless cancer treatment cover up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
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Covers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, diagnostics & bone marrow transplant
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Valid in empaneled private and government hospitals
2. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)
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Financial assistance for life-threatening diseases including cancer
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Available through central government hospitals
3. Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
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Special support for Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients
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Helps with chemotherapy, radiation & surgery expenses
Eligibility & Documents Required for Free Cancer Treatment
To apply under these schemes, patients usually require:
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Aadhaar Card / Identity Proof
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Income Certificate / BPL Card
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Cancer Diagnosis Report
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Hospital Recommendation Slip
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Ayushman Bharat or State Health Card (if applicable)
Once approved, patients can receive free chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and in some cases free bone marrow transplants.
Free or Affordable Chemotherapy in India
Chemotherapy is a core treatment for most cancers but can cost several lakhs in private hospitals. Government schemes significantly reduce or completely waive this expense.
Average Chemotherapy Cost in India (Private Hospitals)
| Treatment Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Tests | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| One Chemo Cycle | ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Oral Chemo Drugs | ₹1 – ₹25 lakhs |
| Breast Cancer Chemo | ₹1.6 – ₹27 lakhs |
| Follow-up Session | ₹600 (approx.) |
Free Chemotherapy Available At
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Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
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AIIMS, New Delhi
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Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai
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Kidwai Institute, Bengaluru
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Regional Government Cancer Centres
Under Ayushman Bharat and state health schemes, chemotherapy is often completely free for eligible patients.
Free Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplant in India
Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is essential for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, but costs ₹15–40 lakhs in private hospitals.
Where Free or Subsidized BMT is Available
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Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
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AIIMS, Delhi
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CMC Vellore
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PGIMER Chandigarh
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SGPGI Lucknow
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Government Pediatric Oncology Centres
Children under special CGHS & government pediatric funds often receive fully funded transplants.
Free Radiation Therapy in Government Hospitals
Radiation therapy is crucial in treating breast, lung, prostate, head & neck cancers.
Radiation Therapy Cost (Private Hospitals)
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Standard Radiation: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakhs
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Advanced Technologies: ₹2 – ₹5 lakhs
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Per Session: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000
Hospitals Offering Free / Subsidized Radiation
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Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
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AIIMS, Delhi
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Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai
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Kidwai Memorial Institute, Bengaluru
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Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi
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SCB Medical College, Cuttack
Low-income patients under government schemes receive radiation free or at minimal cost.
Free or Low-Cost Immunotherapy in India
Immunotherapy is used in lung, kidney, melanoma & triple-negative breast cancers, but is expensive.
| Therapy Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Per Cycle | ₹1.5 – ₹4 lakhs |
| Total Therapy | ₹10 – ₹30+ lakhs |
Where Subsidized Immunotherapy Is Available
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Tata Memorial Centre
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AIIMS & Regional Research Hospitals
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Clinical Trials under Government Schemes
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Ayushman Bharat Selected Packages
Some Jan Aushadhi Kendras also supply related medications at reduced prices.
Free Cancer Treatment by Cancer Type in India
Free Breast Cancer Treatment
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AIIMS, Tata Memorial, Adyar Cancer Institute
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Free surgery, chemo, radiation & hormone therapy
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Subsidized medicines through Jan Aushadhi
Free Blood Cancer Treatment
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Free chemo & pediatric BMT at government hospitals
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Special child cancer assistance funds
Free Lung Cancer Treatment
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Covered under PM-JAY
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Supported by AIIMS, Safdarjung, Kidwai
Free Kidney Cancer Treatment
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Free nephrectomy at AIIMS & SGPGI
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Targeted therapy under Ayushman Bharat
Top Hospitals for Free Cancer Treatment in India
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Tata Memorial Centre – Mumbai, Varanasi, Kolkata
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AIIMS – Delhi & Regional Branches
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Adyar Cancer Institute – Chennai
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Kidwai Memorial Institute – Bengaluru
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Safdarjung Hospital – Delhi
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SCB Medical College – Cuttack
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RGGMH – Chennai
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SGPGIMS – Lucknow
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CMC – Vellore & Ludhiana
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PGIMER – Chandigarh
Conclusion
Free cancer treatment in India is no longer just an idea—it is an accessible reality backed by strong government schemes, charitable hospitals, and public healthcare infrastructure. Through Ayushman Bharat, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, and Health Minister’s Funds, thousands of patients receive chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplant, and even immunotherapy at little to no cost.
At Aarogyaa Bharat, we encourage families to explore all government benefits, seek early screening, and gather proper documentation to avoid financial distress during treatment.
FAQs – Free Cancer Treatment in India
1. How can I get free cancer treatment in India?
Apply under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, RAN, or HMCPF at government hospitals.
2. Is chemotherapy free in India?
Yes, for BPL & scheme beneficiaries in government hospitals.
3. Which hospitals offer free cancer care?
AIIMS, Tata Memorial, Adyar Institute, Kidwai, PGIMER & SGPGI.
4. Does Ayushman Bharat cover cancer treatment?
Yes, it covers chemotherapy, radiation, surgery & BMT up to ₹5 lakh.
5. Are bone marrow transplants free in India?
Yes, for eligible pediatric & low-income patients in government centers.
