Srinagar, Sep 3, KDC: Renowned cancer researcher and cancer biologist Dr. Umer Majeed Khaja has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to revamp the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP), describing it as a significant and timely measure to strengthen financial support for economically vulnerable cancer patients and their families.
The revamped scheme expands the income eligibility criteria, enhances the financial assistance available to eligible patients, and provides scope for multiple financial sanctions during treatment. The expansion of coverage to hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY-SEHAT network is also expected to improve access to financial support for patients receiving cancer treatment across the region.
Dr. Khaja said that the decision is particularly important against the backdrop of the growing cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir and the considerable economic pressure that prolonged cancer treatment can place on families.
“I warmly welcome the Government’s decision to strengthen the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor. Cancer is not only a serious health challenge; it can also become a severe financial crisis for families. Repeated chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, diagnostic investigations, medicines and supportive care can impose substantial expenses, particularly on families with limited financial resources,” Dr. Khaja said.
The cancer researcher also recalled his public appeal issued on May 30, 2026, in which he highlighted the rising cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir and called attention to the need for a stronger financial assistance mechanism for cancer patients and their families.
“At that time, I felt it was important to bring the issue of the financial burden of cancer into the public and policy discussion. I am therefore encouraged to see the Government taking steps to strengthen financial assistance for patients from economically vulnerable families,” he said.
Dr. Khaja emphasized that he does not view the present development simply as an individual policy response, but as a welcome example of how health data, public discussion, patient experiences and policy action can come together to address an important public-health challenge.
“Whether through research, public awareness or policy discussions, our ultimate objective should be to ensure that no cancer patient is disadvantaged in accessing essential treatment simply because of financial hardship. Strengthening financial assistance is an important component of making cancer care more equitable and patient-centred,” he said.
Welcoming the broader institutional coverage under the revised scheme, Dr. Khaja said that accessibility and implementation would be equally important.
“The success of any financial assistance programme ultimately depends on how easily an eligible patient can access it. Timely processing, transparent eligibility criteria, effective dissemination of information and minimal procedural barriers will be essential to ensuring that the intended beneficiaries actually receive the support,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of making patients and their families more aware of the availability of such assistance.
“Many families facing cancer may not be aware of the financial support mechanisms available to them or may hesitate to seek assistance. There should therefore be active efforts to ensure that patients are informed about their eligibility and the procedure for accessing support at the point of care,” Dr. Khaja added.
Dr. Khaja, who has professional associations with leading global cancer research organisations and is involved in international collaborative cancer research, further called for a comprehensive and sustained strategy to address the cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing prevention, risk-factor reduction, early detection, timely diagnosis, treatment, research, survivorship and financial protection.
“Financial assistance can provide much-needed relief to families, but it should form part of a broader cancer-control strategy. J&K needs continued investment in prevention, early detection, research and accessible cancer treatment alongside mechanisms that protect families from catastrophic healthcare expenditure,” he said.
Dr. Khaja said the Government’s decision should be viewed as a positive development for cancer patients across Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the revised scheme would be implemented efficiently and reach those who need it most.
“I appreciate this important step by the J&K Government and hope that the strengthened scheme will translate into tangible relief for cancer patients and their families. At the same time, I hope this development will contribute to a larger and sustained policy conversation on the growing cancer burden and the need to make cancer care in Jammu and Kashmir more accessible, affordable and equitable,” he concluded. (KDC)
