Chandigarh: Punjab has spent Rs 20.22 crore on the cashless treatment of 8,069 cancer patients under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, with adults aged 36–60 years accounting for more than half of all beneficiaries. June recorded the highest number of patients treated under the scheme.
A cancer diagnosis brings emotional distress, but for many families, the financial burden can be just as overwhelming. Alongside concerns about recovery, they often struggle with the cost of treatment. Through the Bhagwant Mann Government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, the state aims to ease this financial pressure by providing cashless healthcare to eligible patients.
How Is Punjab Supporting Cancer Patients?
According to figures shared by the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, 8,069 cancer patients received cashless treatment under the scheme up to July 18, 2026, with the government spending Rs 20.22 crore on their care.
Behind these numbers are thousands of families trying to make decisions at a time when every delay matters. Cancer treatment has improved significantly, with advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies offering patients better chances than before. But medical progress only helps when patients can reach treatment in time.
The age profile of beneficiaries also tells an important story. Cancer is often associated with old age, but the data shows that a large share of patients are in their working years. Of the patients treated under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, 4,285 were between 36 and 60 years of age, making them the largest group. Another 3,376 patients were above 60 years, while 399 beneficiaries were aged 17–35 years and nine were below 17.
What Impact Is The Scheme Having On Cancer Patients?
For families, a cancer diagnosis can quickly become a financial crisis. Treatment may involve repeated hospital visits, expensive procedures and long-term care. Even when the disease is treatable, the cost can decide how quickly a patient begins the fight.
Darshan Devi from Samana knows that uncertainty. As her pain increased, doctors advised surgery, but the estimated cost of Rs 4–5 lakh was a major concern for her family. After she was approved under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, her cancer surgery was performed without any out-of-pocket expense. For her, the scheme was not simply a healthcare benefit; it removed one of the biggest obstacles standing between diagnosis and treatment.
Punjab’s treatment data shows that demand for cancer care has remained consistent through the year. The number of patients receiving treatment increased from 842 in January to 1,080 in February, 1,175 in March and 1,350 in April. Although the figure fell slightly to 1,275 in May, June recorded the highest number of treatments at 1,468 patients. In the first 18 days of July alone, 879 patients had already received care.
The rising requirement for cancer services also reflects a larger national challenge.
What Does The ICMR Data Reveal About Cancer In India?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has estimated that India recorded nearly 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022, with the burden expected to increase in the coming years. Changing lifestyles, population ageing and improved detection are among the factors contributing to the growing number of cases.
But numbers alone do not capture the full picture. Cancer remains a disease where time often determines outcomes. A delay in diagnosis or treatment can allow the disease to progress and may make care more difficult and expensive. For families already under stress, arranging money quickly can become an additional battle.
Since the launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana on January 8, 2026, a total of 2,68,274 beneficiaries have availed treatment under the scheme, accounting for 5,31,386 treatment cases. As of July 20, 2026, the total value of treatment provided under the scheme stands at Rs 950.35 crore.
What did Dr Balbir Singh say about the Yojana?
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann Government’s focus through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana was to ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to cancer treatment. “Cancer is becoming one of the major public health challenges of our time. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, eligible patients are being provided with access to quality cancer care without worrying about treatment costs,” he said.
Minister Dr. Balbir Singh also appealed to people not to ignore warning signs such as persistent lumps, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, or changes in bowel and bladder habits.
