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4 West Bengal Government Schemes to Fund Your Cancer Treatment (2026)
The government offers various programs to cover cancer treatment costs and help ease the financial burden of fighting an illness.
West Bengal Cancer Scheme Comparison (2026)
| West Bengal Scheme | Coverage Limit | Eligibility Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Swasthya Sathi Card | Up to Rs 5 Lakh/year | All residents (universal coverage) |
| Chief Minister’s Relief Fund | Case-dependent grant | Low-income without other coverage |
| Financial Assistance (Health Dept) | Subsidized rates | BPL / Economically weaker sections |
| Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) | Up to Rs 15 Lakh | BPL patients in central institutes |
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and the associated financial strain of medical treatments can add to the psychological stress. Thankfully, the government has programs to help offset some of the costs associated with medical treatment and provide peace of mind during this difficult time.
Here are 4 government schemes offered by the state of West Bengal to provide treatment aid to cancer patients:
1. Free Cancer Treatment In State-Run Hospitals
The West Bengal Government offers free treatment for cancer patients in every government medical institution within the state. This service, furnished by the State Health Department and rendered to every citizen in the state, provides access to beds, cancer medicine, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical procedures for all types of cancer – free of cost.
2. Swasthya Sathi Scheme
An entirely state-funded scheme, every resident of the state, i.e every family and every citizen, irrespective of age, is entitled to receive a basic health cover for tertiary and secondary healthcare in any of the 1,500 enlisted hospitals.
- The scheme is completely cashless, paperless, smart card-based and run on an IT platform
- The scheme can also be accessed through its mobile application
- Patients are entitled to receive annual coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs on a family-floater basis, with no capping on family size
- Every beneficiary family is provided with an online Swasthya Sathi smart card on the day of enrolment, which will be utilised to avail benefits under this scheme
- All pre-existing diseases of the patient are covered
- The premium is borne by the State Government
- Patient can claim transport allowance of ₹200
- A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under Swasthya Sathi Scheme if:
- They are already insured under any other government-sponsored health scheme
- They receive medical allowance in their salary
Read more about Swasthya Sathi Scheme, here.
3. Financial Assistance To The Workers For Critical Disease
The Labour Welfare Board of the Government of West Bengal provides financial assistance to construction labourers for the treatment of critical diseases like cancer, heart disease, renal disease etc.
- The applicant has to be a resident of West Bengal and registered with the state’s labour welfare board
- The patient and their family members are entitled to receive ₹15,000 as subsidy
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a duly completed and signed application form,Aadhar card/voter ID/birth certificate, construction labour card, medical estimation letter and proof of residence
Read more about Financial Assistance to the Workers for Critical Disease, here.
4. Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, West Bengal (CMNRF)
The Labour Welfare Board of the Government of West Bengal provides financial assistance to construction labourers for the treatment of critical diseases like cancer, heart disease, renal disease etc.
- The applicant has to be a resident of West Bengal and registered with the state’s labour welfare board
- The patient and their family members are entitled to receive ₹15,000 as subsidy
- To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a duly completed and signed application form,Aadhar card/voter ID/birth certificate, construction labour card, medical estimation letter and proof of residence
Read more about Financial Assistance to the Workers for Critical Disease, here.
Please note: These are estimated costs of treatment at most private hospitals in the country. The costs may vary based on region, severity of disease and mode of treatment.
P.S. This article is for information purposes only and don’t replace professional medical guidance. Health decisions should be made in consultation with qualified medical experts who can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the West Bengal Swasthya Sathi card cover oncology treatments?
Yes. The Swasthya Sathi scheme provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries.
Cancer-related benefits typically include:
- Cancer surgeries
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Radiation therapy
- Hospitalization and related medical expenses
Other secondary and tertiary care procedures covered under the scheme
Treatment can be availed at empaneled hospitals participating in the Swasthya Sathi network.
Can patients use Swasthya Sathi for treatment outside West Bengal?
Yes. The Swasthya Sathi scheme offers portability benefits for certain specialized treatments at selected empaneled hospitals outside West Bengal.
Depending on the treatment package and hospital empanelment status, beneficiaries may be able to access care at renowned institutions such as:
- Tata Memorial Hospital
- Christian Medical College (CMC)
Patients should verify hospital empanelment and package eligibility before seeking treatment outside the state.
Who is eligible for the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF)?
The West Bengal Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) is intended to support financially vulnerable residents requiring assistance for medical treatment.
Eligibility generally includes:
- Permanent residents of West Bengal.
- Patients facing financial hardship.
- Individuals who are not adequately covered under other major health insurance or government assistance schemes.
- Patients requiring costly medical treatment, including cancer care and major surgeries.
The fund provides partial financial assistance that is usually directed toward approved treatment expenses at government-recognized healthcare facilities.
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