Karunya Sparsham: Kerala’s Breakthrough in Affordable Cancer Care

Cancer can be one of the hardest things a person faces, not just physically, but emotionally and financially. For many, the cost of tests, treatments, and medicines can be crushing. But in Kerala, things are starting to change for the better.
The state government has rolled out a new initiative called Karunya Sparsham, which brings hope to thousands of cancer patients across Kerala. Under this project, cancer medicines are made available at very low prices, much cheaper than what’s available in private pharmacies. These medicines are sold through special counters at Karunya Pharmacies, and they come with no profit margin. Only a small 2 percent service charge is added.

Veena George Inaugurating Karunya Sparsham Outlet in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

This is a big relief for patients who are struggling to afford treatment. Some medicines that normally cost over 1.45 lakh rupees can now be bought for just around 11,892 rupees—a massive 93 percent discount. These savings can mean the difference between continuing treatment or giving up, for many families.
The first special Karunya Sparsham counter was started at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Now, similar counters are being set up in hospitals across all 14 districts of Kerala.

These hospitals include ; Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Govt. Victoria Hospital in Kollam, Pathanamthitta General Hospital, Alappuzha Medical College, Kottayam Medical College, Nedumkandam Taluk Hospital in Idukki, Ernakulam Medical College, Thrissur Medical College, Palakkad District Hospital, Tirur District Hospital in Malappuram, Kozhikode Medical College,

Mananthavady District Hospital, Pariyaram Medical College in Kannur, Kasaragod General Hospital.
In total, there are 75 Karunya Pharmacies across Kerala, with 7 of them operating round the clock. These pharmacies already sell around 8,000 branded medicines at discounts ranging from 10 percent to 93 percent. About 250 of these are cancer medicines, now made much more affordable for the common man.
What sets Karunya Sparsham apart is its mission to completely cut out profit-seeking middlemen. The Kerala Medical Services Corporation, which manages the supply of these medicines, has taken a clear stand—no profit, just care. This approach makes Kerala the first state in India to offer anti- cancer drugs at almost zero profit.
But Kerala's efforts don’t stop with affordable medicines. The state has also taken strong steps in preventing cancer. One major effort is the Shaili Survey, a public health campaign launched by the Health Department to track lifestyle diseases. Carried out by ASHA workers during home visits, the survey helps identify people at risk of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, oral, cervical, and breast cancers. Those found at high risk are sent to nearby health centers for further screening and care.

Shaili Logo

In 2024, the Shaili Survey was expanded to include diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy. The goal is simple—catch diseases early and treat them before they become serious. The data collected from the survey helps the government take action where it is needed the most.
Another proud achievement came on Women’s Day when the Health Department launched the Arogyam Anandam - Akattaam Arbudam campaign, a massive cancer screening drive for women. The response was overwhelming. More than 10 lakh women took part in screenings for breast, cervical, and oral cancers across 1,500 hospitals in Kerala.
Out of those screened, 42,048 women were referred for further tests due to suspected cancer. Over 9.66 lakh women were checked for breast cancer, and more than 20,000 were referred for follow-up. About 7.72 lakh women were screened for cervical cancer, and 22,705 were referred for further tests. Around 6.52 lakh were screened for oral cancer, and 2,383 were referred for more checks. So far, 86 cancer cases have been confirmed, many of them in the early stages, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment.
These screenings were provided free of charge to families below the poverty line, and at very low cost for others. The success of the campaign was made possible through strong partnerships between the government, private hospitals, NGOs, cooperative societies, and the general public.
Special camps were also held for groups such as ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, media professionals, Secretariat employees, and IT workers in Technopark. Those who missed the initial rounds of screening can still visit their nearest health centres for check-ups.

Arogyam Anandam - Akattaam Arbudam Logo

The government has also taken steps toward prevention by initiating vaccination programs to protect against cervical cancer. Inspired by models in developed countries, Kerala has earmarked Rs 2.5 crore to set up cancer treatment centres in all district hospitals.
Meanwhile, treatment facilities at RCC in Thiruvananthapuram and MCC in Kannur are being upgraded. The zero-profit anti-cancer medicine counters are part of these broader efforts to reduce the cost of treatment and make cancer care more accessible.
As part of a 100-day action program launched to mark the government’s third anniversary, these special counters are being rolled out quickly to reach more people. According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, this is not just a health mission—it’s a commitment to social justice.
Karunya Sparsham is turning into a model for how government intervention can make a real difference in the lives of people. With affordable medicines and wide-reaching screening programs, Kerala is showing how to fight cancer with care, commitment, and compassion.