India, July 6 -- In a major relief for cancer patients, the Maharashtra government has decided to include Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), reducing the cost of cancer diagnosis. Officials said the process is underway and is expected to be completed within a month.

A PET scan, a key investigation for diagnosing and staging cancer, currently costs Rs.15,000-30,000. For many families, the expense delays diagnosis until the disease has advanced.

Annasaheb Chavan, chief executive officer (CEO) of the MJPJAY and PMJAY schemes, said, "The process to include PET scan tests under MJPJAY is underway. The package rates will be finalised shortly and uploaded on the scheme portal. ...