CM scheme: Rs 17.64 cr given to cancer patients in Barnala

Tribune News Service

Barnala, January 17

The Punjab Government has provided financial assistance of Rs 17.64 crore to 1,388 cancer patients in Barnala district, who had applied for the monetary benefit under its Chief Minister Cancer Relief Fund Scheme.

While sharing details, Barnala Deputy Commissioner Dharam Pal Gupta said the Punjab Government had provided financial assistance of Rs 2.79 crore to 189 cancer patients in 2018 under the scheme.

He said similarly in 2012, Rs 1.86 crore was provided to 194 patients; in 2013, Rs 1.61 crore to 154 patients; in 2014 Rs 2.60 crore to 192 patients; in 2015 Rs 2.66 crore to 192 patients; in 2016 Rs 2.89 crore to 229 patients. In 2017 Rs. 3.23 crore was given to 238 patients as financial assistance under the scheme.

“An amount upto Rs. 1.50 lakh is being provided to the cancer patient under the Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh scheme,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

Only residents of Punjab are eligible for this scheme and a copy of voter card/Aadhaar card/ration card/driving licence could be submitted as a proof of resident of the state.

The State Health Department has empanelled several hospitals for cancer treatment under the Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh Scheme, which was started in June 2011.

Hospitals have been instructed to purchase cancer medicines/drugs on the rate contract finalised by the Health Department.

“Prescribed pro forma to avail of the monetary benefit under this scheme is available in government health institutions, district and sub-division level hospitals and all community health centres. The pro forma could also be downloaded from the website of the Health Department — www.pbhealth.gov.in,” the Deputy Commissioner said.