Shimla, Aug. 25 -- As many as 84,162 cancer patients visited government and private Ayurvedic medical colleges and hospitals in the state for treatment from January 2023 up to August 10, 2026. This was shared by the state government in response to the question of BJP MLA from Nachan Vinod Kumar on August 24, who had sought information on the number of cancer patients in the state and the steps taken by the state government. According to data from the state's health institutions, the number of cancer patients has remained almost stable over the past two years. The data provided in the House, in 2023, there were 2,380 patients, in 2024, 2,443 patients; and in 2025, 744 patients were registered. The state said that taking the seriousness of cancer in the state into consideration, the state government has taken several important steps including the establishment of a State Advisory Board, making cancer case reporting mandatory from February 8, 2024, ensuring the availability of anti-cancer medicines, establishing day-care centres, and setting up a State Cancer Registry/Atlas. To increase awareness about cancer among women, breast and cervical cancer awareness campaigns have been launched. Screening for breast and cervical cancer among women above 30 years of age, as well as oral cancer screening, is being carried out. While responding to a question regarding the natural disaster raised by Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania during the session, revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi launched a scathing attack on the opposition, claiming that the BJP is neither serious about the Rs 1,500 crore issue nor showing seriousness regarding the national anthem. Accusing the central government of reneging on its promise, he clarified in the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a special disaster relief package of Rs 1,500 crore a year ago, yet the state has not received these funds on the ground to date....