Giving a major relief to the cancer patients, the Punjab Government has released an amount of Rs215.50 crore to various empanelled hospitals in the State where as many as 18,185 cancer patients were undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, in a message issued on the eve of Cancer Awareness Day, reiterated the state government’s resolve to eradicate Cancer and ensuring Punjab a cancer free state in the coming years. “The awareness regarding this disease is extremely important as if it is diagnosed at the earliest stage it could be treated well,” said Badal while making 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 excessive use of pesticides and other chemicals because they are harmful to our health rather they should go in for organic food. Besides, Badal also suggested the regular health checkups so that any symptom of Cancer could be detected at the earliest. Along with launching various schemes and cancer eradication programmes and the Chief Minister’s Cancer Rahat Kosh Scheme, 118 medicines prescribed to the cancer patients have also been provided on subsidized rates.
Badal said that in collaboration with the Central Government, a 200- bed cancer treatment hospital would be coming up soon in the upcoming Medi-city at SAS 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. He also called upon all the social organisations, NGOs and other voluntary organizations to join hands with the Punjab government in its drive to eradicate cancer from Punjab.