NEW DELHI: The Punjab government has spent Rs 20.22 crore on cashless cancer treatment for 8,069 patients under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana till July 18, 2026, according to data released by the State Health Agency (SHA).The data showed that 4,285 beneficiaries, or more than half of those treated, were aged between 36 and 60 years. Another 3,376 patients were above 60 years, while 399 were aged 17 to 35 and nine were below 17.Cancer treatment under the scheme rose steadily through the year, with June recording the highest monthly caseload of 1,468 patients. A further 879 patients received treatment during the first 18 days of July.Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann government was committed to ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent patients from accessing timely cancer care. He also urged people to seek medical attention for symptoms such as persistent lumps, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding and prolonged cough, stressing that early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
