Did the President’s Fund Issue a New Notice Offering Funds for a Specific List of Diseases?

Due to financial constraints, many patients consider getting assistance from the President’s Fund when they must undergo medical operations and procedures that require a substantial sum of money. 

Social Media Posts 

A viral message on social media claims that the President’s Fund is offering financial assistance for selected diseases, including cancer, kidney diseases, brain surgeries, and others, confusing social media users into believing this is happening under a new government initiative. 

FB | Archived

We came across recent as well as older posts dating back several years, carrying the same image, indicating that the viral message has been circulating for several years.

We decided to do a fact-check on this. 

Fact Check 

1. Reviewing Mainstream Media

We reviewed mainstream media sources to verify whether the current government has announced any new decision or notice regarding the President’s Fund. However, we could not find any news or announcements to support the claim of a new initiative.

2. Examining the President’s Fund Act (No. 7 of 1978)

We referred to the President’s Fund Act of 1978, which outlines how the fund operates. The Act states that the allocation of funds is based on decisions made by the Board of Governors, which includes:

• The President of the Republic (Chair of the Board),
• The Prime Minister,
• The Speaker,
• The Leader of the Opposition,
• The Secretary to the President, and
• Two members appointed by the President.

While the Act does not specify any particular diseases, it authorises the Board to allocate funds for purposes deemed beneficial to the public. This includes:

• The relief of poverty,
• The advancement of education, knowledge, and religion,
• The recognition of individuals who have served the nation,
• Any other purpose that benefits or interests the public as decided by the Board.
• The Act allows the Board to decide on fund allocations based on its priorities at any given time.

3. Contacting the President’s Fund

We contacted the Assistant Secretary of the President’s Fund, Roshan Subhash, to clarify the viral message. Here’s what we learned:

The Source of the Viral Message: The viral message depicts an old billboard displayed inside the President’s Fund building. This billboard was installed several years ago and is not related to any recent decision or notice.

Accuracy of the Billboard Information: The facts mentioned in the viral message are accurate. However, they are not based on a new announcement.

Number of Diseases Listed: The viral billboard lists 13 diseases eligible for assistance, while the official website of the President’s Fund currently lists 37 types of surgeries under the section “Diseases Covered by the Fund.”

 Subhash explained that the Board periodically revises the list of priority diseases based on circumstances. Despite this, the fund can support any medical condition if deemed necessary by the Board, irrespective of whether it is listed.

4. Application Process for Assistance

We also inquired about how to apply for assistance from the President’s Fund. According to Subhash:

Applicants can download the required forms from the President’s Fund website. The application can be downloaded from here.  

Completed forms and required documents can be submitted via registered post or in person at the President’s Fund office in Colombo.

Applicants can view the status of their applications via this status check link on the President’s Fund Website.

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Conclusion

The viral social media posts claiming that the President’s Fund is offering assistance for specific diseases under a new notice by the current government are misleading. The disease information is accurate, originating from an old billboard displayed at the President’s Fund building; hence, it is not based on any new decision or announcement. 

Furthermore, the list of diseases eligible for assistance can change over time, but the funds retain the flexibility to address any medical condition if approved by the Board.