Punjab Health Minister Announces Significant Progress in Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna
In a major development for healthcare in Punjab, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh revealed on Friday that approximately nine lakh health cards have been issued under the state's flagship Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna. The announcement was made during a review meeting at the district administrative complex in Jalandhar, where the minister interacted with mediapersons to provide updates on the scheme's implementation.
Rapid Expansion and Overwhelming Public Response
Dr Balbir Singh emphasized that the Punjab government is actively working to ensure every family in the state is covered under the scheme, which has received an overwhelming response from the public. He highlighted that the enrolment process has accelerated significantly, with around 60,000 health cards being issued every day at present. To further boost this momentum, the government has deployed additional staff and machinery, and plans to increase the number of registration camps in the coming days.
Free Treatment for Majority of Patients in Government Hospitals
The health minister claimed that more than 70% of patients in government hospitals are being treated free of cost under the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna. This statistic underscores the scheme's impact in providing accessible healthcare to a large segment of the population. Dr Balbir Singh assured that the government is committed to maintaining this level of service, with no pending dues for empanelled hospitals up to January 31, thanks to a timely release of Rs 500 crore to the insurance partner.
Financial Support and Future Plans
To ensure seamless operations, the Punjab government has already disbursed Rs 500 crore to its insurance partner, facilitating prompt payments to all hospitals empanelled under the scheme. The minister confirmed that there are no outstanding dues for hospitals as of the end of January, reflecting the administration's dedication to efficient healthcare delivery. With these measures in place, the state aims to continue expanding coverage and enhancing healthcare access for all residents under the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna.
