PGI stops registration of cancer patients under Punjab scheme

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 23

The PGI has stopped the registration of new cancer patients under the ‘Mukh Mantri Cancer Raahat Kosh Scheme’ from August 1 due to staff shortage. Under the scheme, financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh is given to each cancer patient.

Sources in the PGI said there was only one outsourced employee to deal with a large number of cancer patients at the Private Grant Cell. Almost 15-20 patients come here every day for treatment. About 50 persons come for enquiry, besides 50-60 telephonic confirmation calls — all being handled by a single employee.

“Several patients are coming to enquire about the grant, but we are refusing them as the Medical Superintendent has ordered not to register new patients under the Rs 1.5-lakh grant scheme from August 1. Patients coming from far-off places are facing a lot of inconvenience due to this,” a PGI official said. 

Manju Wadwalker, official spokesperson, PGI, said, “Besides treating cancer patients from the state, we are also made to keep an account of the scheme. Due to a huge rush of patients, we have written to the Director, Health and Family Welfare Department, for more manpower. We have also held several meetings with the department from 2014 to 2018, but to no avail.”

However, Satish Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), said, “The PGI had asked us for more staff like typists, which we have provided. The PGI authorities have agreed and they are accepting all grant cases.” 

4,450 beneficiaries in 5 yrs

According to PGI records, during the last five years, about 4,450 beneficiaries have taken grant from the state government under the ‘Mukh Mantri Cancer Raahat Kosh Scheme’. Of the total beneficiaries, 2,800 have been sent to the funding agency. Now, there are 1,650 patients who are under treatment and taking medicines through the private grant cell. 

‘Cumbersome’ process

Patients find the process of financial assistance too cumbersome as forms filled by them to claim the benefit moves between civil surgeon, Health Department and the PGI before the patient gets financial aid for treatment.

“At the civil surgeon level, forms are rejected over small clerical mistakes like any issue with the Aadhaar or voter card. At times, forms are also rejected if they are not being taken up with the civil surgeon within five days,” a patient from Jalandhar said.