A Ray of Hope: Fighting Cancer with Ayushman Bharat
A cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging battles a family can face. The emotional and physical toll is immense, and the financial burden of treatment, which can run into many lakhs, is often catastrophic. Recognizing this, the Government of India has made cancer care a cornerstone of the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) scheme. It provides a powerful financial shield, ensuring that no eligible family is denied high-quality cancer treatment due to a lack of funds.
Yes, it is possible to get comprehensive cancer treatment, including expensive therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, completely **free of cost** under this scheme. This detailed guide will explain which cancer treatments are covered, what the cashless package includes, and the step-by-step process to avail this life-saving benefit at India's top hospitals.
Which Cancer Treatments Are Covered by Ayushman Card?
Oncology (the study and treatment of cancer) is a priority area for Ayushman Bharat. The scheme covers a wide array of procedures across the three main branches of cancer care. The ₹5 lakh cover is designed to handle the multi-stage nature of cancer treatment.
- Surgical Oncology: This includes a wide range of surgeries to remove tumors from various parts of the body, such as mastectomy for breast cancer, colectomy for colon cancer, and many more complex procedures.
- Medical Oncology (Chemotherapy): The cost of chemotherapy sessions, which can be very expensive, is fully covered under the scheme's packages. This includes the cost of the anti-cancer drugs administered during hospitalization.
- Radiation Oncology (Radiation Therapy): The scheme covers various types of radiation therapy used to destroy cancer cells, including external beam radiation and brachytherapy.
- Diagnostics: Crucial diagnostic tests required to confirm and stage cancer, such as biopsies, CT scans, and MRIs, are also covered as part of the hospitalization package.
What's Included in the "Free" Cancer Treatment Package?
The PMJAY package rates for cancer treatment are comprehensive. When you use your Ayushman card at a hospital, the approved package includes:
- All consultation and procedure fees for the oncology team.
- The full cost of chemotherapy drugs and radiation sessions.
- Bed charges (General Ward/ICU) for the duration of the treatment cycle.
- All associated medicines and diagnostic tests during hospitalization.
- Follow-up care for up to 15 days after discharge.
This ensures that the beneficiary has zero out-of-pocket expenses for the entire treatment process within the hospital.
Step-by-Step Process for Cashless Cancer Treatment
To ensure a smooth experience, follow this process:
- Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before anything else, ensure your name is on the beneficiary list. You can easily do this by following our guide on how to check your name in the Ayushman list.
- Step 2: Find a Top Empanelled Cancer Hospital
This is a critical step. Go to the official PMJAY Hospital Search Portal, select your state, and in the 'Speciality' filter, choose **'Oncology'**. This will show you all the hospitals equipped for cancer care. Prioritize large government medical colleges, regional cancer centers, and premier institutions like AIIMS or the Tata Memorial network.
- Step 3: Visit the Ayushman Mitra Desk with Reports
Go to the selected hospital's Ayushman Mitra helpdesk. Carry your Ayushman Card, Aadhaar Card, and all existing medical reports (biopsy reports, scans, etc.) that confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
- Step 4: The Pre-Authorization Process
The Ayushman Mitra and the hospital's oncology department will assess your case and submit an online pre-authorization request for the required cancer treatment package(s). Given the nature of the illness, these are typically processed on a priority basis.
- Step 5: Receive Comprehensive Cashless Treatment
Once approved, the hospital will begin your treatment, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. The entire process will be cashless, and the hospital will manage all the paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Are very expensive chemotherapy drugs covered?
The scheme has defined packages that include the cost of standard, approved chemotherapy drugs. For very high-cost targeted therapies or immunotherapies, coverage may be limited. However, a vast majority of common cancer treatments are fully covered.
Q. Can I continue my treatment at different hospitals?
Yes. For long-term treatments like chemotherapy, which happen in cycles, you can get treated at any empanelled hospital. The national portability of the card allows you to move between cities or states for your treatment if needed.