Chandigarh/Sangrur:- In a major patient-centric initiative aimed at making cancer treatment more accessible and hassle-free, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, a unit of Tata Memorial Centre under the Government of India’s Department of Atomic Energy, introduced cashless treatment through public and private third-party health insurance companies at both its New Chandigarh and Sangrur campuses.

Until now, cashless treatment at HBCH&RC was primarily available to beneficiaries of 15 government healthcare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and other applicable schemes. In financial year 2025-26, around 10,000 beneficiaries got cashless treatment through government healthcare schemes at New Chandigarh and Sangrur campuses.  

“With the new facility, patients covered under private health insurance policies can also avail cashless cancer treatment and related diagnostic services through empanelled insurers, subject to the terms of their respective policies. Following the required insurance approval, the admissible hospital bills will now be settled directly by the insurance provider. Earlier, the patients had to provide documents and bills to the insurers to get the reimbursements, making it a time-consuming process”, said Director, HBCH&RC Punjab, Dr Ashish Gulia.

Dr Gulia added that Sangrur becomes the first public sector hospital in rural Punjab to offer this facility through health insurance.

Dr Gulia added, “Cashless insurance services, along with our digital payment initiatives, are designed to reduce waiting and financial inconvenience for patients and their attendants. HBCH&RC Punjab has also introduced a QR code-based Smart Card top-up facility, enabling patients to scan the QR code on their Smart Card, enter the desired amount and make payment through UPI, eliminating the need to stand in queues for recharging the card.”

“In another initiative, the hospital has launched its first dedicated Direct Donation Link and QR Code, enabling donors to contribute conveniently from anywhere towards strengthening cancer care and patient services. Donors will also receive donation receipts for claiming applicable income-tax exemptions as per prevailing rules”, Dr Gulia added. The direct donation link is: https://tmcpunjab.epay.org.in/ 

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