Chandigarh, Aug 1 (PTI) Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday said that 708 lung cancer patients have received cashless treatment worth Rs 3.43 crore under the state government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY).
Marking World Lung Cancer Day, the minister said the scheme is ensuring access to life-saving treatment while also encouraging early detection and preventive healthcare.
According to the state health agency, 708 lung cancer patients have benefited under the scheme so far. Of these, 413 men received treatment worth Rs 1.89 crore, while 295 women availed treatment worth Rs 1.53 crore.
Dr Singh said lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally, but early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve survival. He urged people to seek medical attention without delay if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss or difficulty breathing.
The minister also highlighted Punjab’s tobacco control efforts, saying the state has emerged as the lowest tobacco-consuming state in the country, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).
He attributed this achievement to sustained awareness campaigns, effective tobacco control measures and public participation.
He appealed to people to stay away from tobacco and adopt healthy lifestyles, saying prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the burden of lung cancer.
The World Health Organisation identifies lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with tobacco use being the biggest risk factor.
In India, delayed diagnosis and tobacco consumption continue to contribute significantly to the disease burden.
Data released by the State Health Agency showed that the highest number of beneficiaries belonged to the 61-75 years age group, with 286 patients receiving treatment worth Rs 1.34 crore.
This was followed by the 46-60 years age group, where 247 patients received treatment worth Rs 1.24 crore.
The scheme also covered 100 patients aged 31-45 years, nine patients aged 19-30 years and two patients aged 13-18 years, indicating that lung cancer affects people across different age groups.
District-wise, Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 179 patients who received treatment worth Rs 1.46 crore.
Sangrur followed with 163 patients receiving claims worth Rs 56.62 lakh, while Faridkot reported 149 beneficiaries with treatment worth Rs 37.85 lakh.
Other districts where patients benefited under the scheme include Amritsar (55), Jalandhar (42), Patiala (20), SAS Nagar (19), Ludhiana (11), Fatehgarh Sahib (1) and Pathankot (1).
Together, these districts accounted for 640 beneficiaries and treatment worth Rs 3.17 crore.
Dr Balbir Singh said the state government would continue strengthening cancer screening, expanding access to quality healthcare and ensuring that every eligible family benefits from the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
He also said the government is promoting holistic recovery through its “CM Di Yogshala” initiative. PTI VSD MPL MPL
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