Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised alarms in Parliament about the rising cancer death toll in Punjab and across India. He expressed his concerns about the situation, emphasizing the need for action to address this serious issue. He urged the central government to ensure that patients receive free treatment for their condition.
Highlighting the financial strain of cancer treatment, Seechewal stated, “The cost of cancer care is extremely high, making it unaffordable for many hardworking people.” He emphasized that Punjab experiences 105 cancer-related deaths every day, indicating a serious health crisis in a state known for its agricultural and military heritage.
Citing data from the National Cancer Registry Program of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Seechewal pointed out that India reported 1.4 million new cancer cases in 2022, which averages to around 4,109 new cases every day. He also pointed out a worrying trend: lung cancer is becoming more common among men, while breast cancer is increasingly affecting women.
He voiced his worries about the rising impact of cancer in rural areas, where healthcare resources are limited. He stated, “When a patient dies because they can’t get treatment or afford care, it raises serious concerns about our healthcare system.
Seechewal emphasized that the current financial assistance for cancer treatment is inadequate and urged for increased support, especially in areas that lack resources. He also drew attention to the devastating impact of the disease, noting that cancer caused 790,000 deaths in 2021, which increased to 900,000 in 2022.
