NEW DELHI: Cancer patients will not require hospitalisation to avail benefits under the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme with the government adopting the guidelines of the tumour board to ensure that such patients do not have to pay out of their pocket.

The health ministry launched anti-fraud guidelines along with data privacy and information security policy on Monday ahead of the launch of the state-run health insurance scheme on September 25.

While patients require hospitalisation to avail benefits under the scheme, the exemption will apply for cancer patients.

Dinesh Arora, Deputy Chief Executive of Ayushman Bharat said, “We have adopted the tumor board guidelines and therefore, cancer patients can avail the benefits up to Rs 5 lakh without hospitalisation. This will also cover chemotherapy , medicines and diagnostics.”

“Based on international best practices and India-specific regulations, 94 controls have been set at various levels for secure handling of sensitive personal data,” health minister JP Nadda said while unveiling the logo of the mega health insurance scheme.

Nadda said no enrolment is required for beneficiaries and there is no payment for obtaining services at empanelled hospitals. “Criminal cases will be filed against fraudulent websites and agents trying to collect money from beneficiaries,” he said.

