Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
World Lung Cancer Day: Punjab funds cashless treatment for 708 patients under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 1, 2026: Marking World Lung Cancer Day, the Punjab Government on Saturday reiterated its commitment to ensuring affordable cancer care and strengthening prevention measures, stating that no patient should be denied timely treatment because of financial constraints.
Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), a total of 708 lung cancer patients have received cashless treatment, with claims amounting to ₹3.43 crore, according to data provided by the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer globally, but prevention and early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
“With the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, we are ensuring that people receive timely treatment without having to worry about the cost. Our responsibility does not end with providing treatment. We must ensure that people reach hospitals in time and that financial constraints never come between a patient and quality healthcare,” he said.
The data showed that 413 men received cashless treatment worth ₹1.89 crore, while 295 women availed treatment amounting to ₹1.53 crore under the scheme.
Age-wise, the highest number of beneficiaries was recorded in the 61–75 years age group, with 286 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1.34 crore. This was followed by the 46–60 years age group, in which 247 patients received treatment worth ₹1.24 crore.
The scheme also supported 100 patients in the 31–45 years age group, nine patients aged between 19 and 30 years, and two patients in the 13–18 years age group, indicating that lung cancer can affect people across age groups.
District-wise, Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 179 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1.46 crore. Sangrur followed with 163 beneficiaries and claims worth ₹56.62 lakh, while Faridkot recorded 149 beneficiaries who received treatment worth ₹37.85 lakh.
Other districts where patients availed treatment under the scheme included Amritsar, with 55 beneficiaries; Jalandhar, 42; Patiala, 20; S.A.S. Nagar, 19; Ludhiana, 11; and Fatehgarh Sahib and Pathankot, with one beneficiary each. Together, these districts accounted for 640 beneficiaries and treatment worth ₹3.17 crore.
Highlighting Punjab’s tobacco-control efforts, Dr Balbir Singh said the state’s reported achievement of having the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, as recognised in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), reflected the impact of sustained awareness campaigns, tobacco-control measures and public participation.
“Prevention remains the most effective weapon against lung cancer. I urge every citizen to remain tobacco-free, adopt a healthy lifestyle and contribute towards building a healthier, cancer-free Punjab,” he said.
The minister urged people to remain alert to warning signs such as a persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and breathlessness, and seek medical attention without delay. He said early diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates and treatment outcomes.
Dr Balbir Singh added that the Bhagwant Mann Government would continue to strengthen cancer screening, expand access to quality treatment and ensure that all eligible families receive benefits under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
“Behind every claim approved under the scheme is a patient who has received a second chance at life and a family that has been protected from catastrophic healthcare expenses,” he said.
The Punjab Government is also promoting holistic approaches to support physical and mental well-being through initiatives such as CM Di Yogshala, which encourages regular yoga and meditation as part of daily life.