The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) is a financial assistance scheme initiated in 1997 to support individuals living below the poverty line suffering from life-threatening diseases. Under the umbrella of the RAN scheme, the Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) has been established to provide focused financial aid specifically for cancer patients from underprivileged backgrounds. The HMCPF enables poor patients to receive free or subsidized cancer treatment in various Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) across the country.
What is Rastriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme?
The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) Scheme is a Central Sector initiative that provides financial assistance to economically disadvantaged people for the treatment of life-threatening diseases like heart, kidneys, cancer and more. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can access a wide range of health-related benefits, including high-quality medical treatment from government-designated super specialty hospitals. The scheme is committed to ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent anyone from receiving essential and advanced healthcare services.
Benefits of RAN Scheme
Key Benefits of the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme:
- RAN (Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi): Provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakh to treat critical health issues.
- HMCPF (Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund): Provides financial help up to Rs. 15 lakh for cancer treatment at recognised cancer institutes.
- Support for Rare Diseases: Financial help up to Rs. 50 lakh for the treatments of rare diseases.
- Coverage for Radiation Therapies: TIncludes financial support for advanced radiation treatments such as radiotherapy, Gamma Knife surgery, 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy.
- Chemotherapy and Medication: Financial coverage for chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and supportive medication.
- Other Treatments and Diagnostics: Financial aid also extends to bone marrow transplants, tumour surgeries and advanced diagnostic tests like PET scans.
Eligibility under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi
The RAN HMDG scheme provides funds from the Health Minister's Discretionary Grant, which is a RAN component. To be eligible for this fund, the following criteria must be met.
- The fund can be available only for BPL patients who are registered under the scheme.
- Treatments must be taken in government hospitals only.
- For HMCPF, the treatments must be taken at 27 Regional Cancer Centers (RCC).
- Patients with an annual income of 1,25000 or less can opt for financial assistance.
Exclusions under Rastriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme
RAN scheme is not available for individuals working in specific sectors, such as:
- Central government employees
- State government employees
- PSU staff
- HMCPF is not available at the institutions or hospitals where cancer treatments are available free of cost.
- Diseases of a common nature where treatment is not expensive are not eligible for assistance.
- Cases where treatment is sought in a private hospital do not qualify for RAN assistance.
How to apply for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi?
One can apply for a Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi card through the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi application process. You can follow these simple steps:
- Download the RAN form from the official website. Fill in all the mandatory fields as per the guidelines.
- Get the application form signed and stamped by the treating doctor/Head of Department (HOD) and countersigned by the hospital's Medical Superintendent.
- Include a copy of the income certificate, ration card and any other required documents as specified in the guidelines.
- Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents to the concerned government hospital.
Documents required for Rastriya Arogya Nidhi
Essential documents required to be eligible for Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Yojana are:
- Application form signed by a doctor and medical superintendent from the government hospital.
- An income certificate proving that the patient belongs to the BPL category.
- A copy of the Ration card attested by the Gazetted officer.
- Other documents like a copy of the patient's ID or other relevant medical documents may also be required depending on the specific situation.
FAQs
- Is the financial aid provided as a reimbursement or direct payment?
Generally, the assistance is disbursed directly to the hospital where the patient is receiving treatment, not to the individual.
- Is there any online application process?
As of now, applications are typically processed through hospitals and government channels. However, some states or hospitals may offer online forms or digital support.
- What types of diseases are covered under the RAN scheme?
The RAN scheme focuses on the health and welfare of people below the poverty line. Under the scheme, financial support is provided for poor people who suffer critical diseases like heart and kidney failure, liver disease, cancer and other life-threatening diseases that need expensive treatments or surgeries.
Conclusion
While government-initiated welfare schemes play a vital role in promoting inclusive development—especially in healthcare, education and economic stability—they often work best when complemented by personal medical insurance. In addition to these public initiatives, having reliable health insurance for family serves as an essential layer of protection for your loved ones. It ensures financial preparedness during unforeseen medical emergencies and provides access to benefits such as cashless hospitalisation, preventive checkups and quality treatment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.