Halt in cancer treatment fund leave patients struggling: Tarigami

Srinagar, Jan 2: CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Thursday expressed concern over the halting of the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFFP) scheme, leaving patients struggling to afford treatment.
Tarigami in a statement said that the scheme, which has been on hold since July 2024, was a lifeline for hundreds of cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir who cannot afford the high costs of treatment.
“This scheme was a great boon for patients, providing critical support to families during such distressing times. Its suspension has left many in dire need of financial assistance,” he said.
The CPIM leader said that there is a growing number of cancer cases in the region. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to expedite the clearance of pending cases and allocate adequate funds to resume the scheme.
“The financial assistance not only helped cover treatment costs but also provided relief for families burdened with the expense of medicines and other essentials,” he added.
He added that immediate steps should be taken to reinstate the scheme, as it plays a vital role in supporting families who cannot afford the hefty expenses of cancer treatment.