Punjab Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday announced that cancer treatment up to Rs 10 lakh will be covered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, providing major relief to cancer patients across the state. The Health Minister was addressing the gathering while observing World Cancer Day at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, New Chandigarh.
He said that the two state-of-the-art cancer institutes—one at Sangrur and the other at New Chandigarh—have emerged as major assets for Punjab, offering world-class and advanced cancer care facilities. Dr Balbir Singh informed that the combined 450-bed capacity of these institutes—150 beds at Sangrur and 300 beds at New Chandigarh—has ignited a ray of hope among cancer patients by providing advanced treatment closer to home.
He emphasized that instead of panicking after diagnosis, patients should fight the disease with strong willpower and a positive attitude. Referring to the “Little Warriors” bravely battling blood cancer at the institute, the Minister said that a strong will and the desire to live can defeat even the deadliest diseases.
He cut a cake with the young warriors and later enjoyed their inspiring ramp walk. Delivering a strong public health message, Dr Balbir Singh said that a healthy lifestyle, nutritious food and awareness are the most effective preventive measures against cancer.
He urged people to avoid packed foods, refined oils, and fried items, and to completely abstain from tobacco, smoking and alcohol consumption. He added that around 1.75 lakh people participate daily in yoga sessions under ‘CM di Yogshala’ across Punjab.
Recalling past challenges, the Minister said that earlier a “cancer train” used to ferry patients from the Malwa region to Rajasthan for treatment. “Today, Punjab has advanced cancer care facilities, attracting patients not only from within the state but also from neighbouring states, including Rajasthan,” he said.
He further stated that these cancer institutes will function on a hub-and-spoke model, connecting all district hospitals through telemedicine and supporting Day Care Cancer Centres being set up in all 23 districts of Punjab by Bhagwant Singh Mann Government. Dr Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for its continuous support, which has enabled the smooth functioning and expansion of both institutes.
He also thanked the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, for its support. Dr Gulia said that the institutes provide comprehensive OPD and IPD services, with continuous capacity enhancement, offering quality cancer treatment at nominal rates for patients suffering from all types of cancer.
On the occasion, prizes were awarded to staff members for their outstanding performances, as well as winners of Rangoli and Poster Competitions. The Little Warriors were also felicitated for their confident ramp walk. A free cancer diagnosis camp was organised as part of the World Cancer Day activities.