Srinagar, 2 January 2025— CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday raised concerns about the suspension of the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFFP) scheme, which has left many cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir grappling to afford life-saving treatment.
The scheme, which has been paused since July 2024, was crucial for hundreds of patients who could not otherwise bear the high costs of cancer care.
Tarigami described the program as a lifeline, offering critical financial support to families in desperate need.
"This scheme provided vital assistance to patients facing one of the most challenging battles of their lives," he said in a statement.
"Its suspension has thrown many families into financial distress."
The CPI(M) leader said that the rising number of cancer cases in the region calls for the urgent resumption of the scheme and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to expedite the clearance of pending cases and ensure the allocation of necessary funds.
"The financial aid not only covered treatment expenses but also alleviated the burden of medical supplies and day-to-day necessities," he said.
"The government must act quickly to reinstate the scheme, as it plays a critical role in supporting families facing insurmountable healthcare costs."
(With KNO Inputs)