Punjab E News:Â The major step taken by the Punjab government for the treatment of a serious disease like cancer has become an example for the entire country. The state has provided relief to thousands of people by establishing two modern hospitals in Sangrur and New Chandigarh (Mullanpur). Thanks to these hospitals, cancer patients no longer have to travel to large cities like Delhi or Mumbai. This change is the result of the Punjab government’s vision, hard work, and foresight.
The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center in New Chandigarh is a highly modern facility with 300 beds, and all the necessary amenities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Punjab government provided 50 acres of land free of cost for this hospital. Furthermore, over ₹510 crore worth of medical infrastructure was developed, including new buildings, operation theaters, scanning machines, power, water, and accommodation for patients. This demonstrates the government’s grand vision and its dedication to public service.
The Punjab government decided to run this hospital in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Center (TMC). TMC handles treatment, doctors, and technical services, while the Punjab government provides the necessary budget, facilities, medicines, and equipment. By signing the third MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) in August 2025, the government has shown its full commitment to running this project for the long term. This is an excellent example of a strong partnership.
The government also ensured that free or low-cost treatment is available to the poor and needy. For this, the Chief Minister Punjab Cancer Relief Fund and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana have been linked to the hospitals. Under these schemes, every needy patient is receiving free treatment up to ₹5 lakh. Today, 85% of patients in both these hospitals are receiving either completely free or highly subsidized treatment all made possible by the Punjab government.
In 2025, the Punjab government took several other major steps. Robotic surgery facilities were introduced at the New Chandigarh hospital, making operations more modern and precise. The government provided the first 80 surgeries completely free for common patients. This clearly indicates the government’s intent to offer high-tech medical services, previously only available in private hospitals, to the poor and common people.
A new agreement was signed between the government and TMC on August 21, 2025. Under this agreement, future work will include cancer screening, anti-tobacco campaigns, training for nurses and doctors, and spreading cancer awareness to rural areas. Due to the government’s efforts, over 1.7 lakh people were screened for cancer, for which the hospital also received an honor on Independence Day 2025.
Although there is currently some staff shortage in the hospitals such as nurses and technicians the Punjab government is taking it seriously and is addressing the problem through new recruitments soon. The government is also planning to bring in new staff from medical colleges and nursing schools so that these hospitals can operate at full capacity in the future.
The Punjab government has proven that when a government prioritizes public health, the impossible becomes possible. Through ₹510 crore in medical facilities, free treatment, state-of-the-art technology, and relief schemes for the poor, Punjab has started a strong fight against a disease like cancer. This is not just a hospital; it is a beacon of hope in the lives of millions and the full credit goes to the Punjab government.
