Punjab provides Rs.215 crore to empanelled hospitals for treatment of Cancer patients

Chandigarh, November 6, 2014: Giving a major relief to cancer patients and accelerate the efforts of Punjab government in ensuring a Punjab –a cancer free state, the state government has released an amount of Rs. 215.50 Crore to various empanelled hospitals in the state where as many as 18185 cancer patients were undergoing treatment.

In a message issued on the eve of Cancer Awareness Day, Chief Minister Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal reiterated the state government’s resolve to eradicate Cancer and ensuring Punjab a cancer free state in the coming years. He also said that the awareness regarding this disease is extremely important as if it is diagnosed at the earliest stage it could be treated well. He made a fervent appeal to the people of the state to stay away from tobacco, liquor and other harmful toxins. He also urged the farmers and agriculture experts to check the excessive use of pesticides and other chemicals on the crops because they are harmful to our health rather they should go in for organic food, he suggested.  Besides this he also suggested the regular health checkups so that any symptom of Cancer could be detected at the earliest.

Besides launching various schemes and cancer eradication programmes in Punjab, the state government has also initiated Chief Minister’s Cancer Rahat Kosh Scheme. It is   the cashless scheme of providing treatment to cancer patients and an amount of Rs. 1.50 lakh to be provided by the state government in the empanelled hospitals for the cashless treatment of the cancer patients. The 118 medicines prescribed to the cancer patients have also been provided on subsidized rates.

The chief minister also said that in collaboration with the government of India, a 200- bed Cancer treatment hospital would be coming up soon in the upcoming Medi-city at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. Another such Advanced Cancer Diagnostic hospital and Research Institute with 100 beds was being established in Bathinda. Similarly in collaboration with Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital Mumbai, a Cancer Care Centre would also be set up.

Badal also said that the government Medical Colleges and hospitals at Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot would be well equipped with the latest technological advancements and hi-tech machinery for cancer treatment.

Badal called upon all the social organizations, NGOs and other voluntary organizations to join hands with the Punjab government in its drive to eradicate cancer from Punjab.

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