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Journalism of Courage
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised concerns in Parliament over the alarming rise in cancer-related deaths in Punjab and across the country, urging the central government to provide free treatment for patients.
Highlighting the financial burden of cancer care, Seechewal said, “Cancer treatment is prohibitively expensive, and many hardworking individuals simply cannot afford it.” He pointed out that Punjab witnesses 105 cancer deaths daily, reflecting a severe health crisis in a state historically known for its agricultural and military contributions.
Citing data from the National Cancer Registry Program under the Indian Council of Medical Research, Seechewal revealed that India recorded 1.4 million new cancer cases in 2022, with media reports estimating 4,109 new cases daily. He also noted the increasing prevalence of lung cancer among men and breast cancer among women.
He expressed concern over the disease’s growing impact in rural areas, where healthcare resources are scarce, adding, “The death of a patient due to a lack of treatment or money raises serious questions about our healthcare system.”
Seechewal stressed that the existing financial aid for cancer treatment is insufficient and called for enhanced support, particularly in underserved regions. He also highlighted the human toll of the disease, pointing out that cancer claimed 790,000 lives in 2021, a figure that rose to 900,000 in 2022.
“This is a deeply worrying trend,” he said, urging the government to prioritise affordable healthcare to address the escalating crisis.
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