Tarn Taran/Barnala (Gurpreet Singh): The state government’s ambitious Chief Minister Health Card initiative is witnessing enthusiastic public participation, with more than 41,000 residents from Tarn Taran and Barnala districts enrolling for the scheme so far.
Launched to provide Rs 10 lakh in cashless health insurance per family per year, the scheme has quickly struck a chord with citizens, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where access to affordable healthcare has long been a concern.
Camps See Surge in Footfall
Across both districts, registration camps have seen a steady stream of applicants, prompting authorities to increase the number of help desks to meet rising demand. Officials reported long queues and active participation from families eager to secure their health cards.
“The response has been very encouraging,” said a senior official coordinating the enrollment process in Tarn Taran. “It shows that people are not only aware of the scheme but also believe in its potential to make quality healthcare more accessible.”
In Barnala, health department workers, local volunteers, and ASHA workers have been deployed to assist citizens with documentation and digital registration, ensuring that no eligible family is left out.
Relief from Medical Expenses
With healthcare costs on the rise, the Rs 10 lakh cashless coverage per household is being seen as a game-changer, especially for low- and middle-income families. Beneficiaries can avail of services at empanelled government and private hospitals, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.
“Until now, getting proper treatment meant borrowing money or delaying care,” said Balwinder Singh, a farmer from Barnala who registered at one of the camps. “This card gives us some peace of mind.”
Drive to Continue in Phases
Health department officials confirmed that more registration drives will be held in the coming weeks to maximize coverage. Special camps are being planned in villages and remote pockets to ensure every eligible family is reached.
Once issued, the digital health cards will allow beneficiaries to access treatments without advance payments, with hospitals directly reimbursed through the scheme.
Government Encourages Participation
State authorities have urged residents to come forward and register, emphasizing that the health card is not just an insurance document, but a step toward universal healthcare coverage.
“This isn’t just a welfare measure—it’s a foundation for a healthier Punjab,” said a spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office.
