Lok Sabha Question No. 860 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: High rates of Cancer in Punjab
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 860 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH NOVEMBER, 2024

## HIGH RATES OF CANCER IN PUNJAB

## 860. DR. DHARAMVIRA GANDHI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has introduced any schemes to address the high rates of cancer in Punjab, particularly in regions like Malwa;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the number of beneficiaries so far;
- (c) whether the Government is considering additional measures to provide affordable treatment and awareness programmes in high-risk areas for cancer; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (d):- The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, provides technical and financial support to the States and Union Territories including Punjab under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of National Health Mission (NHM). The programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, early diagnosis, referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment and management and health promotion and awareness generation for prevention, of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including cancers(oral, breast and cervical).Under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), 23 District NCD Clinics, 1 District Day Care Centre and 192 Community Health Center NCD Clinics have been set up in Punjab.

A population-based initiative for screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including cancer has been rolled out as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care in the country under NHM. Screening of common NCDs is an integral part of service delivery. As per National NCD portal, till 23 rd November 2024, 19.97 lakhs are screened for oral cancer, 9.92 lakhs screened for breast cancer and 3.91 lakhs screened for cervical cancer in Punjab.

Further initiatives for increasing public awareness about NCDs including cancers and for promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National Cancer Awareness day, World

Cancer Day, use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness. Financial support under National Health Mission (NHM) for awareness generation activities for NCDs including cancer is provided to States/Union Territories as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

'Healthy Eating' is promoted through 'Eat Right India movement' of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). 'Fit India movement' is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Various Yoga related activities are carried out by Ministry of AYUSH.

In addition, the Central Government has implemented Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme. The scheme provides one time financial assistance upto Rs. 120 crore and Rs. 45 crore, including State share for setting up of State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs) respectively in different parts of the country. So far, 19 SCIs and 20 TCCCs have been approved which includes SCI at Government Medical College, Amritsar and TCCC at Civil Hospital, Fazilka.

Cancer is diagnosed and treated at various levels in the health care facilities. The treatment in Government Hospitals is either free or highly subsidized for the poor and needy. Treatment of Cancers is also available under Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary or tertiary care hospitalization to over 12 Crore poor and vulnerable beneficiary families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) is provided under the scheme.

Besides, quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices to all, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in collaboration with the State Governments. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy stores have been set up in some hospitals/institutions, with an objective to make available drugs including drugs for cancer at a substantial discount vis-à-vis the Maximum Retail Price.

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