On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day, the Bhagwant Mann government has delivered a simple but important message: no one should lose their battle against lung cancer simply because they cannot afford treatment. Through the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme (MMSY), the state government is not only covering the cost of life-saving treatment but also investing in prevention.

The scheme’s statistics demonstrate this commitment becoming a reality. To date, 708 lung cancer patients have been provided cashless treatment under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, with claims worth ₹3.43 crore approved. This has helped hundreds of families focus on their patients’ recovery rather than worrying about hospital bills.

Health Minister said, “Timely detection and treatment are the greatest weapons.”

On this occasion, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that lung cancer is one of the most deadly cancers in the world, but it is also a cancer where prevention and timely detection can improve treatment outcomes. He said, “Through the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, we are ensuring that people can receive timely treatment without worrying about the cost of treatment. Our responsibility is not limited to providing treatment alone. Our effort is to ensure that people reach the hospital on time and that financial constraints never become a barrier between any patient and quality healthcare.”

Punjab sets an example for the country in tobacco control

Referring to Punjab’s achievements in tobacco control, the Health Minister said that the state has set an example for the entire country. He said, “The recent identification of Punjab as the state with the lowest tobacco consumption in India by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) is a testament to the success of sustained public awareness campaigns, effective tobacco control measures, and active public participation. This achievement further strengthens our belief that prevention is the most effective weapon against lung cancer. I appeal to all citizens to stay away from tobacco, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and contribute to building a cancer-free, healthy Punjab.”

WHO also expressed concern

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with tobacco use being the leading risk factor. In India, the burden is steadily increasing due to increased tobacco consumption and late detection; thus, prevention, public awareness, and timely screening have become more important than ever.

Men outnumber women, but women also benefit from the scheme

According to data received from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, 413 of the 708 patients benefited under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, whose treatment cost ₹1,89,68,865, while 295 women received cashless treatment costing ₹1,53,19,215.

Which age group benefited the most?

A breakdown by age group shows that the highest number of beneficiaries, 286, were in the 61-75 year age group, with a total treatment cost of ₹1,34,56,310. This was followed by 247 patients in the 46-60 year age group, who received treatment costing ₹1,24,83,240. Under the scheme, 100 patients aged 31 to 45, 9 patients aged 19 to 30, and 2 adolescent patients aged 13 to 18 also received assistance, indicating that lung cancer can affect people across age groups.

Bathinda Benefited the Most Patients

According to district-wise data, Bathinda received the highest number of patients, with 179 receiving treatment costing ₹1,46,02,300. This was followed by Sangrur (163 patients) receiving treatment costing ₹56,62,600, and Faridkot (149 patients) receiving treatment costing ₹37,85,760. Furthermore, Amritsar (55 patients), Jalandhar (42), Patiala (20), SAS Patients from Nagar (19), Ludhiana (11), Fatehgarh Sahib (1), and Pathankot (1) also benefited from the scheme. A total of 640 beneficiaries in these districts received treatment costing ₹3,17,04,235.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Dr. Balbir Singh urged people to abstain from all forms of tobacco, not ignore warning signs such as persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and difficulty breathing, and seek timely medical advice. He said that early detection significantly improves both a patient’s chances of survival and the success of treatment.

Goal to Reach the Scheme to Every Eligible Family

The Health Minister stated that the Bhagwant Mann government is fully committed to strengthening timely cancer screening, expanding access to quality treatment, and extending the benefits of the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme to every eligible family. He said, “Behind every claim approved under the scheme is a patient who has been given a second chance at life; and a family who has been protected from the exorbitant cost of treatment.”

In addition, the Punjab government is promoting holistic approaches to promote better recovery and well-being for patients. A 2023 study published in the journal Cancer Nursing (PubMed) found that breathing exercises in yoga reduced symptoms in patients after lung cancer surgery.