Dec 19, 2017-XThe government has proposed to provide Rs5,000 monthly allowance to persons suffering from cancer, kidney failure and paralysis caused by spinal injuries.
The proposal has been tabled at the Cabinet for approval, said Health Minister Deepak Bohara at a press meet on Sunday.
The families of patients suffering from the diseases are living in financial hardship, Minister Bohara said. “With the additional allowance, they can live a relatively comfortable life.”
On the sustainability of the programme, he said the ministry would manage the required fund through tax that the government levies on alcohol and tobacco products.
According to the Health Ministry data, around 17,000 patients are eligible for the allowance. The government will require Rs85 million each month which would double the current budget of Rs 1 billion for free health programme.
The government has recently added liver disease, thalassemia (intracranial haemorrhage), anemia and stroke to the list of heart diseases, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s under which the poor patients can claim the free service.
The government has been providing Rs100,000 aid to patients of heart diseases, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Besides extending free kidney transplantation services through public hospitals, the government has been providing poor patients financial support to undergo dialysis.
Impoverished people with the listed diseases and conditions can apply for the scheme on the recommendation of an eight-member district committee headed by the Chief District Officer.
Another committee chaired by the Health secretary will endorse funds for those eligible.
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