CHANDIGARH: 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. “On World Lung Cancer Day, Punjab’s recent achievement as the state with the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, as recognised by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), reflects the success of our sustained awareness campaigns, strong tobacco control measures and the active participation of our people. This milestone strengthens our belief that prevention remains the most effective weapon against lung cancer. I urge every citizen to stay tobacco-free, adopt a healthy lifestyle and help us build a healthier, cancer-free Punjab,” he added.
The World Health Organization continues to identify lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with tobacco use remaining its biggest risk factor. In India too, rising tobacco consumption and delayed diagnosis continue to increase the disease burden, making prevention, awareness and timely screening more critical than ever.
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.
The age-wise analysis shows that the highest number of beneficiaries belongs to the 61–75 years age group, with 286 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1,34,56,310. This is followed by the 46–60 years age group, where 247 patients received treatment worth ₹1,24,83,240. The scheme has also supported 100 patients aged 31–45 years, nine patients aged 19–30 years, and two adolescent patients aged 13–18 years, demonstrating that lung cancer can affect individuals across different age groups.
District-wise, Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 179 patients receiving treatment worth ₹1,46,02,300, followed by Sangrur with 163 patients and claims worth ₹56,62,600, and Faridkot with 149 beneficiaries receiving treatment worth ₹37,85,760. Other districts benefiting under the scheme include Amritsar (55 patients), Jalandhar (42), Patiala (20), S.A.S. Nagar (19), Ludhiana (11), Fatehgarh Sahib (1) and Pathankot (1). Together, these districts account for 640 beneficiaries and treatment worth ₹3,17,04,235.
Minister Dr Balbir Singh urged people to avoid tobacco in all forms, remain alert to warning signs such as a persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and breathlessness, and seek medical attention at the earliest. He emphasised that early diagnosis significantly improves survival and treatment outcomes.
The Minister added that 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. “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.
Moreover, the Punjab Government is also encouraging holistic approaches that support recovery and well-being. A 2023 study published in Cancer Nursing (PubMed) found that yoga breathing exercises helped people recover better after lung cancer surgery by reducing symptoms and improving recovery. The ‘CM Di Yogshala’ (CMDY), an initiative of the Government of Punjab, aims to promote physical and mental well-being by encouraging regular yoga and meditation as part of daily life.
