In a significant New Year announcement for Punjab's residents, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday approved the launch of a major health insurance initiative. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, set to roll out from the coming month, promises to provide cashless medical treatment worth Rs 10 lakh to every family in the state.
A Flagship Initiative for Universal Healthcare
During a review meeting of the health department, CM Mann described the scheme as a pivotal move towards ensuring universal healthcare. He emphasized that the program is designed to offer quality medical facilities without citizens having to spend a single rupee from their pockets. Punjab will become the first state in India where every single family is entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh annually under such a government scheme.
The Chief Minister stated that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Beema Yojna is a flagship health assurance project of the Punjab government. Its core objectives are to provide financial protection and guaranteed access to quality healthcare for all eligible residents. This initiative marks a substantial leap in the state's journey towards achieving comprehensive health coverage for its population.
Extensive Coverage and Key Benefits
The scheme boasts an extensive coverage plan that includes a wide array of medical needs. It will cover major illnesses, critical care, various surgeries, and life-saving treatments. Beneficiaries can avail these services at a vast network of empanelled hospitals, which includes both government and private facilities across Punjab and Chandigarh.
CM Mann detailed that all related expenses will be covered under the scheme. This comprehensive list includes:
- Hospitalisation costs and medical procedures
- ICU and critical care services
- Diagnostics, medicines, and consumables as per approved packages
- Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses
The primary aim is to ensure cashless and paperless healthcare at the empanelled hospitals, drastically reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for secondary and tertiary treatments. The scheme is also expected to strengthen equitable access to healthcare services, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
Doubling the Coverage and Removing Barriers
A key enhancement in this new scheme is the doubling of the coverage limit. Previously, a family could avail treatment only up to Rs 5 lakh. The new limit has been increased to Rs 10 lakh per family per year, significantly expanding the safety net for Punjab's citizens.
In a move to ensure inclusivity, the Chief Minister clarified that there will be no income limit to be eligible for this scheme. Every citizen of Punjab, whether a government employee, a pensioner, or from any other walk of life, will be entitled to this free healthcare benefit. The government's vision is clear: no citizen should have to forgo necessary medical treatment due to financial constraints.
The scheme will also leverage digital platforms for timely grievance redressal and beneficiary support, making the process more efficient and user-friendly. The state health department has been directed to make all necessary arrangements for the smooth and successful launch of this ambitious program next month.
