Jammu and Kashmir expands cancer treatment fund for low-income patients

The Jammu and Kashmir government has overhauled the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor Patients (CTMFP) to increase financial support for low-income cancer patients. The revised policy, approved by the administration under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expands the annual family income eligibility limit from Rs 2.4 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.

Under the new guidelines, patients from families earning up to Rs 3 lakh annually will receive Rs 75,000 in assistance, while those earning between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh will receive Rs 50,000. Moving away from a one-time grant, the scheme now allows beneficiaries to receive support on up to three separate occasions, provided at least 365 days have passed between sanctions and fresh medical and income certificates are submitted.

The update also aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient care, diagnostics, and medication. To ensure transparency and efficiency, the government has made Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mandatory. Funds will be transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account via the concerned Deputy Commissioner, who is tasked with ensuring deposits are made within 72 hours of release from the Chief Minister’s office.