Balvinder Singh Calls for Upgradation of Oncology Packages Under PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme in J&K
21/06/2026
Jammu, June 20 (KIP)-Renowned RTI and Social Activist of Jammu & Kashmir, S. Balvinder Singh, has urged the Health & Medical Education Department and the State Health Agency (SHA), J&K, to take immediate steps for upgrading oncology treatment packages under the PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme and to implement the latest Health Benefit Package (HBP)-2022 in the Union Territory.
Mr. Singh stated that many oncology packages currently available under the scheme have become outdated and are no longer fully aligned with the latest standards of cancer care. Several chemotherapy drugs and treatment protocols included in the existing packages are no longer routinely recommended in modern oncology practice, thereby limiting treatment options available to cancer patients.
He pointed out that the Health Benefit Package (HBP)-2022 introduced by the National Health Authority has already been implemented in most parts of the country and has significantly improved access to updated treatment protocols and advanced healthcare services.
Mr. Singh stated that implementation of HBP-2022 in Jammu & Kashmir would enable oncologists to provide treatment in accordance with the latest evidence-based medical practices and nationally accepted treatment guidelines. He emphasized that such a step would greatly benefit cancer patients by reducing their out-of-pocket expenditure and ensuring wider access to modern treatment regimens.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by oncology patients, Mr. Singh said that due to the absence of updated packages, several recommended chemotherapy regimens cannot be offered under the scheme despite being clinically indicated. As a result, patients and their families are often compelled to bear additional financial burdens.
He further stressed the need for inclusion of high-end diagnostic investigations within the scheme packages. Many economically weaker cancer patients are unable to afford costly diagnostic tests that are essential for accurate diagnosis, staging and monitoring of cancer treatment. The lack of coverage for such investigations often causes delays in treatment and increases financial hardship.
Mr. Singh also pointed out that under the existing oncology packages, chemotherapy medicines are generally covered for a maximum of eight cycles. However, in certain cases, oncologists recommend one or two additional chemotherapy cycles in the interest of better patient outcomes. Such additional treatment requirements often remain outside the available package coverage, resulting in avoidable expenditure for patients.
He further observed that while non-specific drugs and consumables are permitted under several other treatment categories within the Ayushman Bharat framework, similar flexibility is not available in Medical Oncology. He emphasized that allowing non-specific drugs and items in oncology treatment would provide doctors greater flexibility to prescribe the most appropriate medicines according to the individual needs of patients.
S. Balvinder Singh appealed to the concerned authorities to take a patient-centric approach and ensure that cancer patients in Jammu & Kashmir have access to updated treatment protocols, advanced diagnostics, adequate chemotherapy coverage and essential medicines under the