Santosh Sahu, a 25-year-old from Odisha, was diagnosed with blood cancer despite leading a healthy lifestyle. Despite borrowing from relatives and friends, Sahu sought treatment at Tata Memorial Center in Mumbai.

The Indian Cancer Society (ICS) helped him, and after six months of chemotherapy, Sahu recovered and became a father five years later. ICS, India's first non-profit cancer-related charity, has received funding from HDFC Mutual Fund's closed-ended funds since 2011. Sahu expressed gratitude for the support.

Usha Thorat, honorary secretary and managing trustee of the ICS said -

“I realized that an organisation like Indian Cancer Society needed steady, predictable funding. Donations tend to be high in some years and low in others and hence the society’s activities were vulnerable to these fluctuations and uncertainties, apart from the length of time spent in raising funds each year. The HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure met precisely this need."

Ann Rawat, director, cancer care, Indian Cancer Society said -

“We have 19 empanelled hospitals. They send us the applications for eligible patients. We screen the applications using an artificial intelligence software. This is further scrutinized by a panel of doctors that meets every week. Within 18 days of receiving the applications, we release up to ₹5 lakh to the hospital concerned to fund the patient’s treatment."

Cancer Fund Revival

HDFC AMC and ICS are launching a Cancer Cure Fund with a fixed maturity of 1,196 days. Investors can donate income generated through the IDCW method to support underprivileged cancer patients. The offer is open from July 28th to August 8th, with HDFC AMC matching donations up to ₹16 crore per year. All investment management and advisory fees are waived, maximizing support for cancer patients.

Usha Thorat further added -

“We are grateful to HDFC Mutual Fund for its philanthropic initiative in launching the HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure. This scheme, a part of the series of Cancer Cure Funds, is making a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged cancer patients, empowering them with access to vital treatment and care. Through these initiatives, HDFC Mutual Fund is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to creating a positive social impact and fostering a better future for those affected by cancer."