How to Access Financial Aid
Follow these steps in order — each unlocks the next.
Get a Confirmed Diagnosis
Ensure you have a diagnosis letter from a recognised Centre of Excellence (CoE). This is required for all government scheme applications.
Contact a CoE Hospital
Approach one of the government CoE hospitals listed on our Doctors page. They process NPRD 2021 fund applications on your behalf.
Gather Documents
Collect: diagnosis report, Aadhaar, income certificate, BPL card (if applicable), hospital bills, and doctor's prescription.
Apply for IGST Exemption
If your medicine is imported, apply for IGST exemption simultaneously — this can save 12–18% on drug costs immediately.
Reach Out to Us
Contact Taraasha Foundation for navigation support, grant identification, and help with application paperwork — completely free.
Government Schemes
ELIGIBILITY
Indian citizens diagnosed with a rare disease listed under NPRD 2021
HOW TO APPLY
Apply through a Centre of Excellence (CoE) hospital. The hospital submits to the Rare Disease Fund on your behalf.
ELIGIBILITY
Below poverty line patients requiring treatment at Central Govt Hospitals
HOW TO APPLY
Apply through the Medical Superintendent of the treating Central Govt hospital.
State Rare Disease Funds
Respective State Governments
ELIGIBILITY
State resident diagnosed with a notified rare disease
HOW TO APPLY
Check your state health department website or contact your nearest Government hospital.
NGO Grants & Support Programmes
Taraasha Foundation Patient Fund
TaraashaFocus: LSD patients across India · Support: Travel, diagnostics, counselling subsidies
IIHMR Patient Assistance Program
Focus: Rare metabolic disorders · Support: Partial treatment cost support
NORD India (Network of Rare Disease Orgs)
Focus: All rare diseases · Support: Financial counselling and grant navigation
Organisation for Rare Diseases India (ORDI)
Focus: All rare diseases · Support: Connects patients to CSR funds and government grants
Insurance Tips for LSD Patients
Rare disease patients often face unfair insurance rejections. Know your rights.
Always mention the ICD-10 or ORPHA code for your disease when filing a claim — this helps insurers classify rare diseases correctly.
Under IRDAI guidelines, no insurer can reject a claim solely because the disease is rare. Cite IRDAI Circular 2020/IRDAI/HLT/REG if rejected.
If your employer's group health insurance excludes rare diseases, you can escalate to the Insurance Ombudsman.
Critical Illness riders sometimes cover enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) — check your policy wording carefully before assuming exclusion.
Some state public sector banks offer priority loans at subsidised rates for rare disease treatment — ask your branch manager.
Need Help Navigating These Schemes?
Our team has helped over 200 families access government schemes and NGO grants. We guide you through paperwork, applications, and appeals — completely free of charge.