How has Gujarat CMRF changed the lives of 2,106 cancer patients in four years?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CMRF has helped over 2,106 cancer patients in four years.
- More than Rs 31.55 crore has been allocated for cancer treatments.
- The fund supports critical medical conditions including organ transplants.
- Application verification is conducted rigorously by the Revenue Department.
- Leading cancer care institutions collaborate with CMRF for patient support.
Ahmedabad, Dec 14 (NationPress) The Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) of the Gujarat government has proven to be an essential lifeline for individuals during times of dire need. The fund's reach has broadened over the years, catering to a variety of situations from natural calamities and accidents to critical health challenges and sophisticated medical treatments.
Specifically targeting the healthcare domain, the CMRF has delivered prompt financial support, rekindled hope, and provided life-saving assistance to countless families throughout the state.
Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s guidance, the CMRF has become increasingly responsive, focusing on the needs of citizens to ensure that no individual is deprived of medical care due to financial constraints.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the government's commitment to prioritizing 'human life and health', and the fund has evolved into a reliable source of assistance for those in need.
The primary aim of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund is to guarantee that economically disadvantaged patients have access to essential medical treatments which they cannot afford.
Support is available for severe medical conditions, including cancer, heart diseases, kidney and liver failures, along with organ transplants.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must have an annual income not exceeding Rs 4 lakh (Rs 6 lakh for senior citizens). Necessary documentation includes a residency certificate, detailed estimates for treatment costs, and pertinent medical records.
All applications are rigorously verified by the Revenue Department and subsequently reviewed by the CMRF committee, comprising the Relief Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), the Chief Secretary, and the Chief Minister himself.
Once the committee approves an application, the allocated funds are transferred directly to either the hospital or the patient, ensuring immediate treatment.
From 2021 to 2025, the CMRF, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, provided vital financial aid to 2,106 cancer patients across Gujarat, significantly improving their chances of survival.
During this timeframe, over Rs 31.55 crore was allocated to facilitate cancer treatment.
According to the Health Department's data, 450 patients with blood cancer, including those needing bone marrow transplants, received support, while 1,656 patients struggling with various other forms of cancer benefited from the fund.
Apart from cancer treatment, the CMRF has also been instrumental in aiding high-cost and intricate medical procedures such as liver, kidney, heart, and lung transplants, thereby alleviating the financial strain on affected families.
Prominent cancer care institutions in Gujarat play a crucial role in the CMRF support system, including the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) in Ahmedabad; Nathalal Parikh Cancer Research Institute and B.T. Savani Hospital in Rajkot; Bharat Cancer Hospital, Kiran Multi Super Speciality Hospital, and AAIHMS in Surat.