The state director of health is authorized and directed to make rules and regulations specifying to what extent and on what terms and conditions indigent cancer patients of this state may receive financial aid for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in any approved hospital in this state. The director of health is authorized to furnish aid to indigent cancer patients of this state who are citizens of this state and who through no fault of their own are financially unable to provide proper treatment for themselves, to the extent of and within the available funds as the state director of health shall deem proper. The state director of health shall have the power in his or her discretion to administer aid in any manner that in his or her judgment will afford the greater benefit to cancer patients throughout the state, and shall have the power, to the extent of and within the available funds which may be provided by the general assembly.