CHANDIGARH, August 25 — Punjab’s healthcare assistance initiative has delivered Rs 26.59 crore in financial support across 15,494 breast cancer treatments, addressing the economic burden faced by affected households. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana offers eligible families up to Rs 10 lakh in annual cashless care at network hospitals statewide.
“The objective of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent eligible patients from accessing quality healthcare,” declared Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh. He asserted that continuous medical backing remains essential for conditions requiring extended clinical intervention.
According to figures released by the State Health Agency, patients aged 50 to 59 represented the largest demographic beneficiary group with 4,515 treatments, while women in their 40s accounted for 4,141 cases. Medical specialists highlighted that younger patients in their 30s and 40s often face more aggressive variants requiring combination therapies, whereas cases diagnosed after age 50 frequently respond well to hormone-based regimens.
Hospital records show that the scheme covers diverse interventions, including breast-conserving surgery, modified radical mastectomy, advanced radiation techniques, and hormonal therapies. Family members of beneficiaries confirmed that the program removed significant economic stress during prolonged recovery periods.
“Majority of them are able to finish their treatment with this support,” affirmed Dr Karuna Singh of the Advanced Cancer Institute, Bathinda. She stated that removing financial barriers ensures patients adhere to multi-year follow-up schedules and complete necessary post-operative care.
