Financial Aid for Critical Treatment under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme
In a significant move towards healthcare inclusivity, the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) has emerged as a lifeline for underprivileged patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Launched as a central sector scheme, RAN provides one-time financial assistance to individuals living below the State/UT wise threshold poverty line, enabling them to avail treatment for conditions like heart, kidney, liver, and cancer at Super Specialty Government hospitals/institutes. The maximum financial assistance available under this scheme is Rs. 15 lakhs, offering a glimmer of hope to those facing overwhelming medical expenses. With RAN, the government aims to ensure that no one is denied essential treatment due to financial constraints.
A Three-Pronged Approach to Healthcare Support
The Umbrella Scheme of Rashtra Arogya Nidhi encompasses three key components, each catering to specific medical needs:
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): This component provides financial assistance for the treatment of life-threatening diseases like heart, kidney, and liver conditions at Government hospitals/institutes equipped with Super Specialty facilities. Patients can receive up to Rs. 15 lakhs in financial aid, easing their path to recovery and wellness.
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): For cancer patients, RAN offers financial support to avail treatment at Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs), Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs), and State Cancer Institutes (SCIs). With a maximum financial assistance of Rs. 15 lakhs, RAN ensures that cancer treatment becomes more accessible to those in need.
- Financial Assistance for Rare Diseases: RAN also extends its support to patients suffering from specified rare diseases. These patients can avail financial aid of up to Rs. 20 lakhs, enabling them to seek treatment at Government hospitals/institutes with Super Specialty facilities.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): A Comprehensive Health Cover
In addition to RAN, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is another transformative initiative by the government. This scheme provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empaneled hospitals in India. It aims to support poor and vulnerable entitled families, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention without financial burden.
Government’s Commitment to Affordable Healthcare
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, emphasized the government’s dedication to providing affordable healthcare solutions for all. RAN and AB-PMJAY together showcase the government’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind when it comes to accessing critical medical treatment. By extending financial assistance to the less privileged, the government aims to create a healthier and more resilient society.