On World Lung Cancer Day, the Bhagwant Mann Government has underlined a simple but important message: no one should lose a battle against lung cancer because they cannot afford treatment. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), the state is not only paying for life-saving care but also investing in preventing the disease before it begins.
The numbers show that commitment is translating into real support. So far, 708 lung cancer patients have received completely cashless treatment under the scheme, with claims worth ₹3.43 crore. For hundreds of families, that has meant focusing on recovery instead of worrying about hospital bills.
On this occasion, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the world, but it is also one where prevention and early detection can change outcomes. “With Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana we are ensuring that people get timely treatment without having to worry about the treatment cost. Our responsibility does not end with providing treatment. People should be able to reach hospitals in time and that financial constraints never stand between a patient and quality healthcare,” he said.Highlighting Punjab’s progress in tobacco control, the Health Minister said the state has set an example for the rest of the country.
According to the data received from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, of the 708 beneficiaries, 413 are men, who received treatment worth ₹1,89,68,865, while 295 women availed cashless treatment amounting to ₹1,53,19,215.