Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed doubling the government’s one-time financial assistance for patients suffering from cancer and five other serious diseases, raising the amount from Tk50,000 to Tk1 lakh in the 2026–27 fiscal year.
He made the proposal while presenting the Tk9.38 trillion national budget in Parliament on Thursday afternoon. He said the enhanced support will be provided under the country’s social security programmes.
“One-time assistance for those suffering from cancer and five other incurable diseases will be increased from Tk50,000 to Tk100,000,” Khosru told lawmakers during his budget speech.
The assistance programme currently covers patients suffering from cancer, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, stroke paralysis, congenital heart disease and thalassemia.
The proposed increase comes as treatment costs for chronic and life-threatening illnesses continue to place a heavy financial burden on affected families across the country.
Khosru also announced a proposed allocation of Tk1.44 trillion for the social security sector in the 2026–27 fiscal year. He said the move reflects the government’s continued focus on expanding welfare support for vulnerable groups.
If approved by Parliament, the increased assistance will take effect from 1 July, 2026 under the new fiscal year’s social protection programmes.
