8,069 cancer patients treated at a cost of ₹20.22 crore under ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’

July 29, 2026

has emerged as a major source of relief for patients battling serious illnesses. Thousands of cancer patients have received cashless treatment under the scheme so far, sparing economically weaker families from the burden of expensive medical care. According to the latest data from the State Health Agency, Punjab, 8,069 cancer patients have received free treatment costing ₹20.22 crore up to July 18, 2026.

The released data reveals that patients in the 36-60 age group have benefited the most from the scheme; this category accounts for 4,285 patients. Meanwhile, 3,376 patients aged over 60 also received treatment. Additionally, 399 patients in the 17–35 age group and 9 children under the age of 17 were treated under the scheme. Officials noted that the highest number of cancer patients received treatment during June 2026.

The ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’ was launched by the Punjab government on January 8, 2026. Its objective is to provide quality healthcare services to the needy without imposing a financial burden. Since the scheme’s inception, 5,31,386 treatment cases have been covered, and a total of ₹950.35 crore has been spent on treating various ailments up to July 20, 2026, reflecting the scheme’s extensive impact.

Meanwhile, according to estimates by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), approximately 14.6 lakh new cancer cases were projected in India in 2022. Experts believe that factors such as changing lifestyles, unbalanced diets, tobacco use, and pollution could lead to a further rise in cancer cases in the coming years. In this context, the availability of timely diagnosis and treatment is considered crucial.

Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, stated that the government aims to ensure financial constraints do not hinder any patient’s cancer treatment. He noted that timely treatment increases the chances of recovery, and the ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’ is playing an effective role in achieving this objective.