Punjab Government Reaffirms Commitment to Free Cancer Care on World Lung Cancer Day

August 2, 2026

Chandigarh: On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day, the Punjab Government reiterated its commitment to preventing cancer and ensuring timely, quality treatment for patients across Punjab. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), as many as 708 lung cancer patients have so far received completely cashless treatment, with claims amounting to ₹3.43 crore.

Financial Constraints Should Not Come in the Way of Treatment

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said no person should lose the battle against cancer simply because they cannot afford treatment.

He said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is ensuring timely treatment without the burden of medical expenses. He added that the government’s responsibility goes beyond providing treatment and includes ensuring that patients reach hospitals on time and that financial constraints never become a barrier to quality healthcare.

Punjab Makes Progress in Tobacco Control

Dr. Balbir Singh said lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the world, but prevention and early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

Highlighting Punjab’s progress in tobacco control, he said the state has emerged as a leading example in the country. According to NFHS-6, Punjab has recorded the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country.

The Minister attributed this achievement to sustained awareness campaigns, strong tobacco-control measures and active public participation. He urged citizens to remain tobacco-free, adopt a healthy lifestyle and contribute towards building a healthier, cancer-free Punjab.

Men and Women Both Benefit from the Scheme

According to data received from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, among the 708 beneficiaries receiving treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, 413 were men and 295 were women.

Treatment worth ₹1,89,68,865 was provided to male beneficiaries, while female beneficiaries received treatment amounting to ₹1,53,19,215.

Highest Number of Beneficiaries in the 61–75 Age Group

The age-wise data shows that the highest number of beneficiaries belonged to the 61–75 years age group. A total of 286 patients in this category received treatment worth ₹1,34,56,310.

This was followed by the 46–60 years age group, with 247 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1,24,83,240. The scheme also benefited 100 patients aged 31–45 years, nine patients aged 19–30 years and two adolescent patients aged 13–18 years.

Bathinda Records the Highest Number of Beneficiaries

Among the districts, Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 179 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1,46,02,300.

Sangrur followed with 163 patients and claims worth ₹56,62,600, while Faridkot recorded 149 beneficiaries receiving treatment worth ₹37,85,760.

Other districts benefiting under the scheme include Amritsar with 55 patients, Jalandhar with 42, Patiala with 20, S.A.S. Nagar with 19, Ludhiana with 11, Fatehgarh Sahib with one and Pathankot with one patient.

Together, these districts account for 640 beneficiaries, with treatment worth ₹3,17,04,235.

Persistent Cough and Breathlessness Should Not Be Ignored

The Health Minister urged people to avoid tobacco in all forms and remain alert to warning signs of lung cancer, including persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and breathlessness.

He advised people experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention at the earliest, stressing that early detection can improve treatment outcomes and survival prospects.

Focus on Cancer Screening and Quality Treatment

Dr. Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann Government remains committed to strengthening cancer screening, expanding access to quality treatment and ensuring that every eligible family receives the benefits of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.

He said every claim approved under the scheme represents more than financial assistance—it provides a patient with an opportunity for recovery while protecting the family from catastrophic healthcare expenses.