CM Sehat Yojana: Punjab Expands Cancer Care Coverage To Rs 10 Lakh Under

On February 04, 2026, the Punjab government announced a major boost to cancer care in lieu of World Cancer Day. The proposal is to expand the coverage under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana to Rs 10 lakh per patient. Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, made this announcement at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in New Chandigarh. This reflects a push to make cancer treatment more accessible across the state of Punjab.

This decision is a step forward in Punjab’s healthcare system. For years, patients suffering from cancer in the state had to travel outside of Punjab for treatment. This practice often pushed people into debt. By strengthening local infrastructure and financial protection, the state is trying to reverse this trend and bring quality and affordable health care accessible to the citizens in Punjab.

In India, one of the costliest treatments is for cancer, in the form of medical care. Often requiring multiple therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple follow-ups. The expanded coverage of Rs 10 lakh under the CM Sehat Yojana aims to remove the barriers cancer patients face in terms of financial blocks. For most low and middle-income families, the cost of cancer care can be overbearing for many patients. By increasing the insurance ceiling, the state hopes to ensure that patients receive life-saving care. This is a step towards providing quality healthcare with equality without the extra financial burdens.

Strengthening Cancer Infrastructure

This expansion of the coverage provided is made by investments in cancer treatment facilities within the state. Two major projects to solve this issue were establishing two cancer institutes in Sangrur and New Chandigarh. These institutes have become the central strategy of Punjab’s new cancer care. As reported by the Indian Express, these centres offer 450 beds and modern oncology services. Their establishment was long overdue. Officials have reported that the new facilities are already attracting patients from nearby states.

Why This Is Different?

The key features of this plan are the adoption of a hub-and-spoke healthcare model. Under this system, major cancer centres will be connected with 23 district hospitals, and the patients there will be treated through telemedicine. This allows specialists, experts and doctors to reach smaller towns without ever requiring the patients to travel these long distances. For a state with such a large rural population, decentralised access to healthcare is convenient.

The challenges will remain, despite the promise of an expanded scheme. For the long-term success of this scheme, thorough execution of awareness plans, developing infrastructure, and training the healthcare professionals is required. This initiative offers hope to thousands of families to seek equal treatment while also reducing financial burdens.