Eliminating anemia & cancer govt’s primary focus: Haryana health minister

Chandigarh: Haryana health minister Arti Singh Rao said on Friday that the state govt's primary focus is on completely eliminating anaemia and cancer from Haryana. The number of tests related to cancer screening will be increased to ensure early detection, she said.While expressing concern over the rising number of cancer patients, Rao said cancer patients, along with an attendant, are being provided free travel facilities in govt buses for treatment. In addition, patients suffering from Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancer are being given financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month.To further strengthen cancer treatment facilities, a 50-bed Atal Cancer Care Centre was established at the Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt, equipped with advanced facilities such as mammography, CT simulator, and linear accelerator, she said, adding that this centre is providing comprehensive cancer care not only to patients from Haryana but also to patients from neighbouring states.She added that there was a historic increase in the health budget. While the health budget stood at Rs 2,646 crore in 2014-15, it was enhanced to Rs 9,942 crore in 2025-26, reflecting an increase of about 275 per cent.Arti Rao said to address the shortage of doctors, appointment letters were issued to 746 medical officers and 845 ayurvedic medical officers. Additionally, under the National Health Mission (NHM), 346 medical officers and 154 specialists are currently rendering their services. She added that MRI scan facilities are available in five districts. MoUs were already signed for Panipat and Kurukshetra, while tenders were floated for the remaining nine districts. MSID:: 127802268 413 |