PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) — Medical Assistance

What is it

A grant that helps pay for major medical treatment — like kidney transplant, heart surgery or cancer care — for families who cannot afford it.

Am I eligible

Aimed at low-income families facing a costly, serious treatment (such as cancer, kidney or liver transplant, heart or neuro surgery). The fund does not publish a fixed public income cutoff, but in practice help is directed at low-income families — many hospitals cite an annual family income around ₹1 lakh, with ₹1–3 lakh considered only with a strong District Magistrate recommendation in extreme cases. Every grant is at the sole discretion of the Prime Minister's Office, based on need and available funds, so approval is never guaranteed.

What you get

A one-time grant towards treatment cost, usually paid directly to the hospital. Sanctioned amounts commonly range from about ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh, and can go higher in life-threatening cases. The amount is decided case-by-case at the discretion of the PMO.

Documents needed

Tick off what you have. Use “Download checklist” to print a clean list to carry.

How to apply

1. Get a cost estimate for the treatment on the hospital's official letterhead, signed by the treating doctor.
2. Prepare an application with the diagnosis, the estimate, an income certificate and the patient's ID.
3. Get a recommendation from the District Collector / DM, routed through the Civil Surgeon or CMO.
4. Apply online at pmnrf.gov.in or send it by post to the Prime Minister's Office, South Block, New Delhi 110011. Processing usually takes about 30–90 days.

Official link

Last verified: 2026-09-25