Chandigarh, August 4: Punjab achieved the lowest tobacco consumption rate in India according to recent National Family Health Survey findings, aligning with state efforts to reduce cancer risks through public health campaigns.
Marking World Lung Cancer Day, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh reported that 708 individuals have utilized the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana for lung cancer care, benefiting from 3.43 crore rupees in fully covered treatments.
Highlighting government priorities, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh declared, “With Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana we are ensuring that people get timely treatment without having to worry about the treatment cost.”
Demographic statistics show that 286 patients aged 61 to 75 along with 247 patients aged 46 to 60 received primary care under the scheme. Coverage also extended to younger age groups, supporting over one hundred individuals under 45 years of age.
Regional distributions reveal significant coverage across southern and central districts, with Bathinda, Sangrur, and Faridkot recording 491 combined beneficiaries receiving over two crore rupees in collective claims.
Outlining future initiatives, Dr Balbir Singh asserted that the government continues to focus on strengthening regional diagnostic infrastructure and integrating wellness programs into community health strategies.
