Aid for Seriously Ill Patients in Madhesh Province Stuck Due to Budget Shortage

The Madhesh provincial government’s financial aid program for patients with serious illnesses has come to a halt because of a lack of budget. More than 4,000 patients are still waiting for support, and over Rs 40 crore is needed to help them.

The Ministry of Health and Population had been providing Rs 1 lakh per person to patients suffering from 13 serious diseases, including cancer, heart and kidney problems, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, stroke and arthritis.

Last fiscal year, 517 patients didn’t get the aid due to budget limitations. This year, about 900 patients (including those left from last year) have received help, but now the budget is finished.

According to Santosh Thakur, a public health officer, “We were given only Rs 9 crore this year, which has already been used up. Now we still need Rs 50 crore to help the remaining patients.”

Two months ago, the ministry requested Rs 38 crore from the Finance Ministry, but the money hasn't arrived yet. Because of this, the financial aid program has been completely stalled.

Every day, around 50 new patients with serious conditions are added across the eight districts of Madhesh, and about 20 to 25 people submit applications for help daily.

Without quick action and more funds, thousands of patients in urgent need are left waiting.