Free Cancer Treatment in India: Full Guide & Hospitals

Cancer treatment can be emotionally draining and financially devastating, especially for families with modest means. However, free cancer treatment in India is no longer just a hopeful idea; it’s a growing reality. Thanks to expanding government cancer treatment programs, NGO support, charitable hospitals, and fundraising platforms like ImpactGuru, thousands of patients across India are now getting access to life-saving care. From free chemotherapy in India to radiation therapy, surgical treatments, and even advanced options like bone marrow transplants and immunotherapy, the country’s healthcare ecosystem is evolving to be more inclusive and affordable.

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Whether you’re exploring free cancer hospitals in India, checking bone marrow transplant costs, or looking for support with breast or blood cancer treatments, this guide will walk you through every important option. We’ll also highlight how medical crowdfunding can ease financial stress when you need urgent help the most.

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Government Cancer Treatment Programs in India

When it comes to providing free cancer treatment in India, the government plays a vital role. Various schemes, hospitals, and health missions aim to reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure they get access to proper medical care at minimal or no cost.

Find the best hospital in India

There are various government cancer treatment programs that cover cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These include:

• • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This government cancer treatment program offers cashless, free cancer treatment in India up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care, including free cancer treatment in empaneled hospitals.

• • Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): This government funding program helps below-poverty-line (BPL) cancer patients receive financial support for treatment in government hospitals.

• • Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): Provides financial aid to poor patients suffering from major life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

• Chief Minister’s Relief Funds (State-wise): Most Indian states have CM funds that cover free chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgeries for eligible residents.

Eligibility and Documents Required for Free Cancer Treatment in India

To access government cancer treatment programs in India, patients generally need the following:

• • Income certificate or BPL card

• • Aadhaar card or other identity proof

• • Medical documents confirming a cancer diagnosis

• • State-specific health card (if applicable)

• • Recommendation from a registered medical officer

Once approved, patients can avail free chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and even financial support for complex treatments like bone marrow transplants.

Also Read- Best Cancer Hospitals In India

How Free or Affordable Chemotherapy Programs Work in India

Chemotherapy is a crucial part of cancer treatment, used to destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth. While effective, it can be financially challenging for many families. However, in India, there are several ways to make chemotherapy affordable or even free through government schemes, public healthcare support, and NGO aid.

Understanding Chemotherapy Costs in India

The chemotherapy cost in India depends on various factors, such as cancer type, treatment duration, city, hospital type, and drugs prescribed. Here’s a breakdown to give patients a clear picture:

Cost Category	Estimated Range (₹)
Pre-procedure tests (X-ray, CT scan, PET CT, biopsy, etc.)	₹15,000 – ₹40,000
Cost of chemotherapy in government hospitals	₹0 – ₹6,50,000
Oral chemotherapy (in tablet form)	₹1,00,000 – ₹25,00,000
Chemotherapy for breast cancer	₹1,60,000 – ₹27,50,000
Cost of drugs and drug combinations	₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000
Chemotherapy injection price	₹18,000 – ₹25,000
Follow-up consultation (per session)	₹600
Blood tests to monitor progress	₹4,000 – ₹5,000
Daycare or hospital stay (2–5 days)	₹3,000

In total, a single full round of chemotherapy can cost anywhere between ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs in private settings, or even more for complex cases like breast cancer or blood cancer.

City-wise Chemotherapy Cost in India

City	Cost Range (₹)
Mumbai	₹3,000 – ₹50,000
Delhi	₹4,000 – ₹45,000
Bangalore	₹4,000 – ₹50,000
Chennai	₹4,000 – ₹45,000
Hyderabad	₹4,000 – ₹40,000
Pune	₹4,000 – ₹40,000
Gurgaon	₹4,000 – ₹50,000

While these costs may vary by hospital and patient profile, government facilities and trust-run hospitals aim to bring this cost down to zero or a minimum for eligible patients.

Making Chemotherapy Cost in India Free or Affordable

Despite these high costs, chemotherapy can be accessed for free or at subsidized rates through:

• • Government cancer treatment programs (like Ayushman Bharat and state insurance programs) cover partial or full treatment expenses.

• • Public hospitals are offering chemo at minimal cost or free for eligible low-income patients.

• • Non-profit organizations and cancer charities that provide drug cost coverage, financial aid, and logistical support.

• • Patients are usually required to submit basic identity documents, income proof, and medical records to avail of free cancer treatment in India. The list has already been shared in the above section.

In summary, while the raw cost of chemotherapy can be significant, India offers multiple channels, both public and private, that make it possible for thousands of patients to receive low-cost or completely free chemotherapy every year.

Is There a Free Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant for Cancer in India?

Bone marrow and stem cell transplants are life-saving procedures for patients suffering from cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and certain blood disorders. However, they are also among the most expensive treatments in oncology. Thankfully, multiple government cancer treatment programs and schemes, along with free cancer treatment hospitals in India, are working to make these treatments affordable, or even free, for eligible patients.

Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in India

The cost of a bone marrow transplant (BMT) in India typically ranges from ₹15 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs in private hospitals, depending on the complexity of the case, type of transplant (autologous or allogeneic), donor matching, and post-transplant care. Here’s a general breakdown:

• • Autologous transplant (using patient’s stem cells): ₹15 – ₹20 lakhs

• • Allogeneic transplant (donor stem cells): ₹25 – ₹40 lakhs

• • Donor matching and stem cell harvesting: ₹2 – ₹5 lakhs

• • Hospitalization and isolation unit care: ₹5 – ₹10 lakhs

• • Follow-up care and medications: ₹2 – ₹6 lakhs

This makes BMT inaccessible to many low-income families, but there are still ways to access free cancer treatment in India through free or subsidized bone marrow transplant programs.

Availability of Free Stem Cell Transplants in India

India has performed over 19,000 reported transplants across more than 95 transplant centres, making it one of the global leaders in BMT access and affordability. Here’s how free or subsidized transplants are made possible:

1. Central Government Health Schemes (CGHS)

Under CGHS and similar pediatric support schemes, children below 18 years from underprivileged backgrounds can get free bone marrow transplants in government-funded or partnered hospitals such as:

• • Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata

• • AIIMS, New Delhi

• • PGIMER, Chandigarh

• • CMC, Vellore and Ludhiana

• • Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

• • SGPGI, Lucknow

• • Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi

• • Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore

These schemes fully or partially cover transplant expenses, from hospitalization to stem cell matching.

2. Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY)

The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides financial coverage for BMT under specified conditions. Patients below the poverty line or holding a PM-JAY card can access free or cashless bone marrow transplants in empaneled hospitals across India. This includes both treatment and post-operative care.

3. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants

These national illness funds are set up for life-threatening diseases like cancer. They cover transplant costs primarily in central government hospitals, including AIIMS and other public institutions. Patients must meet income eligibility and diagnosis criteria to qualify.

4. Government Hospitals Offering Free or Subsidized BMT

Several public hospitals in India also offer low-cost or free BMT services for economically weaker patients, such as:

• • Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (site of India’s first BMT in a 9-year-old girl with leukaemia)

• • Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), Chennai

• • SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH), Cuttack

• • Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi

These centers not only perform transplants at significantly reduced costs but also assist patients in applying for financial aid from government funds or NGOs.

Bone marrow transplants are lifesaving but financially draining procedures. If you’re not eligible for free BMT programs or need urgent funds for related expenses, consider starting a fundraiser on ImpactGuru. The platform has helped many families raise funds for transplants.

Radiation Therapy in Government Hospitals 

Radiation therapy is a critical part of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy or shrink cancer cells. It’s especially effective for solid tumors such as breast, lung, prostate, and head and neck cancers. Often used alongside chemotherapy or surgery, radiation therapy helps control tumor growth and reduce recurrence. However, in private hospitals, the costs can be overwhelming, unless you access treatment through government hospitals or subsidized programs.

Radiation Therapy Cost in India

The cost of radiation therapy in India depends on factors like the type of radiation used (e.g., external beam, IMRT, brachytherapy), the number of sessions needed, and the hospital type.

Here’s a typical radiation therapy cost breakdown:

• • Basic Radiation Therapy (External Beam): ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000

• • Advanced Techniques (IMRT, IGRT, CyberKnife): ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000

• • Per Session Cost (Private Hospitals): ₹3,000 – ₹10,000

• • Consultation & Treatment Planning Scans: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000

• • Supportive Medications & Tests: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000

A complete course often involves 25–30 sessions, which can lead to expenses adding up to several lakhs in private setups.

Where to Get Free Radiation Therapy in India

Fortunately, some hospitals act as free cancer hospitals in India and offer free or subsidized radiation therapy, especially for patients from low-income families. These hospitals are supported by government cancer treatment programs like Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), and various state health programs.

Here are some key government hospitals known for providing free or low-cost radiation therapy:

• • Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai

This government hospital offers free or subsidized radiation therapy to underprivileged patients. Equipped with IMRT, IGRT, and other advanced radiation equipment.

• • AIIMS, New Delhi & regional branches

Delivers comprehensive cancer care, including radiation, often free of cost to BPL patients and Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries.

• • Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai

A pioneer in cancer care in India, it offers completely free radiation therapy to over 60% of its patients.

• • Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru

A government-funded regional cancer center, offering affordable radiation therapy and social welfare assistance.

• • Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi

Provides radiation therapy through its oncology wing, with support from central health schemes.

• • SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack

A key cancer care center in Eastern India is offering low-cost radiation treatment to eligible patients.

Though these are not entirely free cancer hospitals in India, they still offer treatment at a subsidized cost, along with guiding patients in applying for financial support through central/state schemes.

Even with subsidies, radiation therapy sessions and supportive care can add up. If you’re unable to cover these out-of-pocket expenses, ImpactGuru allows you to raise funds online.

Are Free Immunotherapy and Other Targeted Therapies Available in India?

Advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and hyperthermia have become increasingly common, especially in cases where chemotherapy or radiation alone isn’t enough. These therapies offer personalized, often less aggressive, alternatives, but they come at a high cost. Fortunately, there are ways to access these therapies as free cancer treatment in India, especially through select government hospitals and health schemes.

Immunotherapy Cost in India

Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to target cancer cells. However, it’s one of the most expensive cancer treatments in India.

• • Immunotherapy Cost per cycle: ₹1.5 lakhs – ₹4 lakhs (depending on the drug, like nivolumab or pembrolizumab)

• • Total cost (multiple sessions): ₹10 lakhs – ₹30 lakhs or more

• • Applicable cancers: Immunotherapy applies to lung, kidney, melanoma, breast (triple-negative), and certain blood cancers

Due to the high cost, immunotherapy is usually offered in private hospitals, but some government cancer centers or free cancer hospitals in India are gradually introducing it for eligible patients.

Free or Subsidized Immunotherapy in India

While immunotherapy cost cannot be offered freely as widely as chemo or radiation therapy, its access to eligible patients is expanding under:

• • Government cancer treatment programs include Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY), Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund, and Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN).

• • Tata Memorial Centre (Mumbai, Varanasi, Kolkata): This hospital offers access to new therapies under clinical trials or as subsidized care for financially weaker patients. It is also considered one of the free cancer hospitals in India for eligible patients.

• • Patients must consult with oncologists at government or tertiary care centers to determine eligibility and available support.

Hormone Therapy and Hyperthermia Treatment

These therapies are typically used in specific cancer types:

• • Hormone therapy is common in breast and prostate cancer, and drugs like tamoxifen or leuprolide are often available at low or no cost in government hospitals and Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

• • Hyperthermia therapy, which uses heat to destroy cancer cells, is still limited in availability but offered as part of experimental or supportive care in select institutions like the Tata Memorial Hospital.

Can You Get Financial Help for These Therapies?

Yes. If the treatment isn’t covered by a government cancer treatment program, or can’t be offered as free cancer treatment in India due to eligibility issues, patients can:

• • Apply for grants from central/state health ministries.

• • Seek help from NGOs like the Indian Cancer Society or CPAA, which occasionally support advanced therapy costs.

• • Raise funds on ImpactGuru, a crowdfunding platform where many patients have received financial support for cancer treatment.

Free Cancer Treatment Options by Type in India

While general cancer schemes cover multiple treatment types, specific free or low-cost care is available for certain common cancers like breast, blood, lung, and kidney. Here’s how patients suffering from these cancers can access affordable care in India through government schemes, public hospitals, and charitable support.

Free Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women. Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, which can be expensive. However, free or subsidized treatment is available at many government hospitals.

• • AIIMS (Delhi), Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), and Adyar Cancer Institute (Chennai) offer free diagnostics, surgery, chemo, and follow-up care.

• • Ayushman Bharat, state health schemes, and Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi help cover the costs.

• • Jan Aushadhi Kendras supply hormone therapy drugs like tamoxifen at subsidized rates.

• • For early-stage patients, screening and treatment are often completely free in regional cancer centers.

Free Blood Cancer Treatment in India

Blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma often require bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, all high-cost treatments.

• • Government hospitals like Tata Memorial, AIIMS, and CMC Vellore offer free or subsidized chemotherapy and BMT for eligible patients, especially children.

• • Central government schemes, including the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund and CGHS pediatric funds, support free BMT for children under 18.

• • NGOs and crowdfunding platforms like ImpactGuru also help raise funds for expensive blood cancer treatments.

Free Lung Cancer Treatment in India

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and often requires a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and sometimes immunotherapy.

• • AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Kidwai Institute, and Tata Memorial offer affordable or free treatments, including radiation and chemo.

• • Ayushman Bharat and state-sponsored schemes cover lung cancer treatment under them

• • hospitals.

• • Patients needing immunotherapy for lung cancer can apply for financial grants or access clinical trials at research hospitals.

Free Kidney Cancer Treatment in India

Kidney cancer treatment may involve nephrectomy (surgical removal), targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. These treatments can cost lakhs in private care, but are available for free or at reduced cost in government centers.

• • Hospitals like AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute (Lucknow) provide free diagnosis and surgery for eligible patients.

• • Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries can undergo targeted therapy or immunotherapy in empaneled centers with cashless benefits.

• • Jan Aushadhi stores offer some post-surgery medications at minimal cost.

Top Government and Charitable Hospitals for Free Cancer Treatment in India

While we’ve mentioned many hospitals throughout this blog under different treatment types, here’s a consolidated list of the most reputed government and charitable institutions offering free cancer treatment in India or at subsidized cost. These centers cater to patients from across the country and offer services like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplant, and immunotherapy, either completely free or at highly reduced costs.

1. Tata Memorial Centre – Mumbai, Varanasi, and Kolkata

This is the first hospital in comprehensive cancer care in India. It offers subsidized or free chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and bone marrow transplants. The hospital is well-known for research and clinical trials, including immunotherapy access. It offers various services, from diagnosis and treatment to research and clinical trials, and is considered one of the free cancer hospitals in India for eligible patients.

2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) – Delhi & Regional Branches

AIIMS offers free or minimal-cost cancer treatment under schemes like Ayushman Bharat and RAN. It is equipped for all major treatments: surgery, radiation, chemo, and transplants.

3. Adyar Cancer Institute – Chennai

As one of the oldest cancer hospitals in India, Adyar Cancer Institute provides completely free treatment to over 60% of its patients, especially low-income groups.

4. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology – Bengaluru

This institution is a regional cancer center under the Karnataka government, which offers affordable and subsidized treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

5. Safdarjung Hospital – Delhi

This hospital provides radiation, chemo, and basic surgical treatment. It is also linked with Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi and other health schemes.

6. SCB Medical College and Hospital – Cuttack

As a regional cancer care center, it offers radiation and chemotherapy at low cost. Additionally, it supports patient aid schemes and financial support applications.

7. Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) – Chennai

RGGGH is a government-run facility offering low-cost or free chemotherapy and radiation services.

 8. Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) – Lucknow

The hospital offers advanced surgical and medical oncology services, including kidney cancer care.

9. Christian Medical College (CMC) – Vellore and Ludhiana

CMC is well-known for bone marrow transplants and long-term cancer care. It also accepts CGHS and other financial assistance schemes for eligible patients.

10. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) – Chandigarh

PGIMER offers comprehensive cancer services including surgery, chemo, BMT, and pediatric oncology.

Conclusion

Facing cancer is hard, but paying for treatment shouldn’t make it harder. As this blog has shown, free cancer treatment in India is not just a distant hope but a growing reality, thanks to government health schemes, charitable hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Whether it’s free chemotherapy in India, bone marrow transplants, radiation therapy, or even advanced treatments like immunotherapy, patients today have more avenues than ever to access affordable or completely free care. Top institutions like Tata Memorial, AIIMS, Adyar Cancer Institute, and others offer quality treatment backed by public health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund, and Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi.

Still, for some families, even subsidized costs can be overwhelming, especially for long-term treatments or rare cancer types. In such cases, turning to crowdfunding platforms like ImpactGuru has helped thousands raise funds for urgent treatment, hospital stays, medications, and post-care recovery.