Punjab's Transport Workers Gain Health Coverage Through Sehat Camp in Patiala
A significant health initiative unfolded in Patiala as a two-day Sehat Camp was organized at the Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) head office on April 1 and 2. This event successfully enrolled numerous transport workers and their families under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), a flagship health insurance scheme of the Punjab government. The camp specifically targeted bus drivers, autorickshaw operators, and taxi workers, extending comprehensive healthcare benefits to this vital segment of the workforce.
Immediate Enrollment and Benefits for Participants
During the camp, several individuals, including PRTC members and their families, enrolled and received Sehat Cards on the spot. Each card provides cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh per family per year, ensuring financial protection against medical expenses. This immediate issuance streamlined the process, allowing workers to access benefits without delay.
Government and Official Statements on the Initiative
Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Balbir Singh, emphasized the importance of this move. He stated, "Bringing transport workers under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is a crucial step. These workers are constantly on the move and often postpone treatment due to concerns about costs. With this coverage, they and their families can now seek care without hesitation, knowing the system will support them when needed."
PRTC Chairperson Harpal Juneja highlighted the critical role of transport workers, saying, "Our transport workers are essential for keeping Punjab connected. Ensuring their health security is equally important. This camp simplifies access and enables them and their families to come under coverage without disrupting their work schedules."
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab General Secretary and Media In-charge, Baltej Pannu, noted the strong participation at the camp. He remarked, "For workers who have spent years without reliable health cover, this assurance brings key changes. It reflects a growing trust in the Bhagwant Mann government's commitment to making healthcare genuinely accessible to all."
Expansion and Impact of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna
The inclusion of transport workers marks an expansion of the scheme's outreach to organized and semi-organized workforce groups, broadening its comprehensive health coverage. To date, over 30 lakh Sehat Cards have been issued across Punjab, with more than 50,000 residents enrolling daily in various districts. The Punjab government has further strengthened the program by allocating Rs 2,000 crore in the 2026–27 budget to enhance its reach and capacity, demonstrating a sustained commitment to public health.
This initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also fosters long-term well-being for Punjab's transport community, aligning with broader efforts to ensure universal health access in the state.
