Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major step towards expanding accessible healthcare, the Punjab government has accelerated the rollout of its flagship Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, offering cashless treatment coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually across Punjab.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses and ensure that no patient is denied timely treatment due to lack of funds. He urged residents to complete their registration early instead of waiting for emergencies.
Officials revealed that nearly 39 lakh Sehat Cards have already been issued, with the programme aiming to cover around 65 lakh families—benefiting close to 3 crore people in the state. Registrations are being carried out through camps, Common Service Centres, Suvidha Kendras, and other public platforms.
The scheme provides access to more than 2,300 medical procedures, including treatment for heart ailments, cancer, kidney diseases, orthopaedic surgeries, and neonatal care. Services are available across over 850 government and empanelled private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh, ensuring widespread reach.
Government data shows that over 1.09 lakh beneficiaries have already availed treatment under the scheme in the current policy year, with expenses amounting to nearly ₹340 crore—highlighting its growing utilisation.
Addressing misconceptions, officials clarified that the programme is not limited to economically weaker sections but is intended for all eligible residents. They also emphasized that treatment under the scheme is completely cashless within approved packages, covering hospitalisation, diagnostics, medicines, and follow-up care.
The scheme represents an expansion of earlier healthcare initiatives, doubling the coverage limit and widening eligibility criteria. Authorities stressed that early registration is essential, as verification and card issuance may take time.
With the initiative, the government aims to build a digitally integrated and inclusive healthcare system, ensuring that quality medical services are within reach of every household in the state.
