LUCKNOW, June 14 -- In a move aimed at helping patients undergoing treatment under the Asadhya Yojana at King George's Medical University (KGMU) amid the exposure of an alleged medicine procurement scam there, the medical university's vice chancellor Prof Sonia Nityanand on Saturday decided that financial assistance for one round of tests and treatment would be transferred directly into the bank accounts of patients, said KGMU officials. The decision was taken in a meeting. The Asadhya Yojana provides free treatment to patients suffering from critical illnesses, including cancer. However, the renewal of benefits and treatment processes under the scheme had been disrupted after an investigation was launched into alleged irregularities in medicine procurement. As a result, doctors had become reluctant to issue new Asadhya cards, while the renewal process for existing beneficiaries had also come to a standstill. During Saturday's meeting, authorities approved several changes to the scheme's eligibility and renewal process. The validity of Asadhya cards, which was earlier renewed every three years, will now be reviewed annually. Additionally, the requirement of submitting an income certificate showing an annual income below Rs.35,000 has been replaced with the submission of a household ration card. The disruption had affected a large number of patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment. KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said immediate financial assistance would be provided to all existing registered beneficiaries for one cycle of treatment and investigations. Thereafter, patients seeking continued benefits will be required to submit the prescribed documents, including ration cards, for verification. Renewal of benefits will be approved only after the verification process is completed. He further said registration of new patients under the Asadhya Yojana will also be carried out according to the revised guidelines. "The interim arrangement has been made to address the hardships faced by patients and to ensure that treatment of critically ill beneficiaries remains uninterrupted," Dr Singh said....