In Kerala, getting cancer treatment is becoming easier. Many hospitals offer subsidized or free cancer treatment in Kerala. This means that anyone can get the care they need to fight cancer regardless of how much money they have. Kerala ensures that everyone has a fair chance to get better without worrying about the cost.
Let’s explore the options for free cancer treatment in Kerala
1. Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram
Address: Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011, India
Established: 1981
Beds: 515
Doctors: 200
Services:
Free Cancer Services:
- It offers free or subsidised cancer treatment to patients who cannot afford the cost of care.
- 80% of the patients are covered under government schemes
- These include consultation with a cancer specialist, diagnostic tests and treatment for certain types of cancer
2. Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC), Thalassery
Address: Moozhikkara (P.O), Thalassery, Kannur District, Kerala, India-670103
Established: 2001
Beds: 220
Services:
- The MCC is an autonomous institution under the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Kerala.
- It caters to patients from 7 districts of Northern Kerala and neighbouring states.
- The MCC provides a full spectrum of oncological care
- These include Surgery, Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Bone marrow transplantation
- It is also involved in clinical trials
- Also offers rehabilitation services
- It is committed to making cancer care accessible to all, regardless of their financial background.
- They offer several free cancer services
- These include consultation with a cancer specialist
- Diagnostic tests
- Treatment for certain types of cancer, especially for underprivileged patients
- Financial assistance through various schemes for economically disadvantaged patients.
- Free food for patients
- Dormitory for staying within the hospital premises
- Malabar Cancer Centre has a welfare fund that provides financial aid to economically disadvantaged cancer patients for their treatment.
3. Amala Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Thrissur
Address: Near Amala Nagar Railway Station, Guruvayur Road, Amalanagar-680555, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Established: 1978
Beds: 550
Doctors: 200+
Services:
- Amala Cancer Hospital is a not-for-profit charitable institution.
- It is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
- The hospital has a well-equipped research wing that conducts clinical trials and other cancer-related research activities.
- Amala Cancer Hospital provides a wide range of cancer treatment services.
- They include Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy
- Also offers Bone marrow transplantation, Stem cell therapy
- Amala Cancer Hospital is a non-profit organisation that offers cancer treatment at affordable rates.
- They provide financial assistance and free treatment to needy patients.
- Amala Cancer Hospital offers several free cancer services for underprivileged patients.
- Also provides financial assistance through various schemes
4. Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
Address: GWFH+F82, Ulloor - Akkulam Road, near SAT hospital Medical College Junction, Chalakkuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011
Established: 1951
Beds: 1950
Services:
- It is the 1st medical college in Kerala.
- The hospital has 28 departments for general medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, pathology etc.
- It has facilities for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiac ailments.
- It follows the Kerala model of health care.
- Furthermore, it maintains health indices at par with developed nations and above the national average.
- Proposed to start a new critical department
- Offers a range of free cancer services to eligible patients.
- Patients below the poverty line can receive free treatment under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS).
- Also, children up to 18 years of age with cancer are eligible for free treatment under the Cancer Suraksha Scheme.
- Free diagnostic tests like biopsies, blood tests, and imaging studies provided
- Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy also provided
- Supportive services like nutritional counselling and psychosocial support are also provided
- The hospital also has a Free Medicine Bank that provides essential cancer medications to eligible patients.
5. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram
Address: GWCG+FHJ, Jai Nagar W Rd, Chalakkuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011
Established: 1970
Beds: 1200
Services:
- Established under the DST, Govt, of India
- This hospital is dedicated to performing basic and clinical research
- Research in various fields of medical science like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurology and infectious diseases is carried out
- It focuses on advanced treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders
- It is developing indigenous technologies for biomedical devices and materials.
- Studies are ongoing for modern technologies like interventional radiology and cardiac electrophysiology
- Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, epilepsy surgery, paediatric cardiac surgery, base of skull and vascular surgeries is also being done
- It offers free cancer services for eligible patients under various government schemes
- SCTIMST provides free diagnostic facilities, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical services
- Also conducts clinical trials to advance cancer treatment and research.
- The institute has partnerships with several academic and research institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, and has collaborated with the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC)
6. General Hospital Ernakulam
Address: Hospital Rd, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682011
Established: 1845
Beds: 783
Services:
- It is one of the oldest government hospitals in Kerala.
- Received the NABH award in 2012.
- Their oncology department has the most modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, like linear particle accelerators.
- Patients below the poverty line can receive free treatment under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS).
- Children up to 18 years of age with cancer are eligible for free treatment under the Cancer Suraksha Scheme.
- Provides free services like consultation, diagnosis and treatment
7. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center (AIMS), Kochi
Address: Ponekkara Rd, P. O, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682041, India.
Established: 1998
Beds: 1350
Doctors: 600+
Services:
- AIMS is part of the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University)
- It offers comprehensive medical services and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Recognized for its excellence in various medical specialities, including oncology and cardiology
- Patients below the poverty line can avail of various Financial Assistance Programs the hospital provides.
- Amrita Cares: This program provides financial assistance to underprivileged patients for various medical treatments, including cancer.
- Amrita Mitran Charitable Trust: This trust aims to help patients cover the cost of various medical treatments, including cancer care. They do this through various fundraising initiatives and donations.
- They offer subsidised treatment for certain types of cancer
- Amrita Hospital offers free consultations with oncologists for patients referred through government-sponsored schemes like Karunya Arogya Suraksha (KAS) and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).
- Certain diagnostic tests like biopsies and blood tests may be offered free of charge depending on your eligibility for government schemes.
8. Tertiary Cancer Centre, Kozhikode
Address: 7RHV+446, Medical College Rd, Palakottuvayal, Kozhikode, Kerala 673008
Established: 2018
Services:
- RCC has a branch in Kozhikode which provides cancer treatment services
- Equipped with 22 haemodialysis machines
- Similar to the Thiruvananthapuram branch, RCC Kozhikode offers subsidised and free treatment to eligible patients.
9. Government T. D. Medical College, Alappuzha
Address: C85X+72Q, NH 66, Vandanam, Kerala 688005
Established: 1963
Beds: 1050
Services:
- It is the 4th Government Hospital in Kerala.
- Provides comprehensive services like cardiology, nephrology, urology etc
- Also has specialised in Pulmonary, Transfusion and Immunohematology.
- Free or subsidised treatment is offered under the Cancer Suraksha scheme
10. Government Medical College, Kozhikode
Address: Medical College Junction, 17, Mavoor Rd, near Police Station, Kozhikode, Kerala 673008
Established: 1957
Beds: 3025
Services:
- It is the largest hospital in India in by area, covering 270 acres
- It is the 10th largest hospital globally per bed size
- Recognized for Institute of Maternal and Child Health of Medical College for Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders
- They have an Institute of Palliative Medicine, a WHO collaborative centre Initially set up for terminal cancer patients
- Also have an Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
- Government Medical College, Kozhikode, offers free cancer services to eligible patients under various schemes and programs.
- They include the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme for patients below the poverty line.
- Cancer Suraksha Scheme for children up to 18 years
Learn about organisations providing support for free cancer treatment in Kerala
- Cancer Society of Kerala:
This organisation works towards cancer prevention, awareness, and patient support. They offer financial assistance and support services to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
- Thalolam Cancer Care Foundation, Kochi:
Thalolam is a charitable foundation that provides financial assistance and support services to cancer patients, including free or subsidised treatment options.
- Pallium India, Thiruvananthapuram:
Pallium India is an organisation dedicated to providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer. They offer free palliative care services to eligible patients.
- Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust, Kannur:
This trust provides financial assistance to cancer patients for their treatment expenses.
- Cancer Care Charitable Trust, Kochi:
This trust provides financial assistance to cancer patients for their treatment. They also collaborate with hospitals to provide free or subsidised cancer treatment.
- Kerala State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities Ltd.:
This corporation provides financial assistance to economically backward community patients for cancer treatment.
- Karunya Benevolent Fund Scheme:
This is a welfare scheme by the Government of Kerala that provides financial assistance to patients with life-threatening diseases, including cancer.
FAQs
What types of cancer treatment are available for free in Kerala?
Free cancer treatment in Kerala includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and supportive care such as medications and counselling.
Are there any waiting periods for free cancer treatment in Kerala?
The waiting period for cancer treatment may vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, availability of treatment facilities, and the number of patients in the queue. However, efforts are made to provide timely treatment to all eligible individuals.
Can I choose the hospital or cancer care centre for my treatment?
Yes, you can choose the hospital or cancer care centre for your treatment, subject to availability and the specific services each facility offers.
Are there any additional support services available for cancer patients in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala offers various support services for cancer patients, including psychological counselling, nutritional support, transportation assistance, and support groups.
Is follow-up care included in free cancer treatment in Kerala?
Yes, follow-up care is an integral part of cancer treatment in Kerala.
Where can I get more information about free cancer treatment in Kerala?
You can get more information about free cancer treatment in Kerala from government health departments, hospitals, cancer care centres, and official websites providing healthcare-related information in the state.
Is palliative care included in free cancer treatment in Kerala?
Yes, palliative care, which focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer, is an integral part of free cancer treatment in Kerala.
