In a major public health initiative, the Punjab government has announced a significant expansion of its flagship health insurance scheme. Starting from January 2025, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana will offer free medical treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh to every family residing in the state.
Universal Coverage and Enhanced Benefits
The scheme, which is an extension of the central Ayushman Bharat program, aims to provide universal health coverage. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made the official announcement, stating that the enhanced benefits will be available from the first day of the new year. The government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 550 crore for the implementation of this scheme in the current financial year.
The key feature is the provision of an annual health cover of Rs 10 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This coverage is portable across India, meaning beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals anywhere in the country. The scheme is designed to protect families from catastrophic health expenditures that often lead to financial ruin.
Seamless Integration and Implementation
The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana will seamlessly integrate with the existing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) infrastructure. All eligible families already holding the Ayushman Bharat Golden Cards will automatically be covered under the enhanced scheme. For new beneficiaries, the government will undertake an extensive drive to issue these cards.
The state's Health Department is working to empanel a wide network of both public and private hospitals to ensure easy access to quality healthcare services. The scheme covers over 1,900 medical procedures, including critical treatments for heart disease, cancer, and organ transplants. The cashless and paperless transaction system is expected to simplify the process for patients during medical emergencies.
A Transformative Step for Public Health
This move is seen as a transformative step towards strengthening Punjab's public health infrastructure. By removing the financial barrier to healthcare, the government aims to improve health outcomes and ensure that no family is forced into poverty due to medical bills. The announcement has been widely welcomed by health activists and the public, who see it as a crucial safety net.
The Rs 550 crore allocation underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing healthcare in its governance agenda. Officials have stated that the scheme will be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure efficient delivery and to expand the list of covered procedures as needed. This initiative positions Punjab as one of the leading states in providing comprehensive health security to all its residents.
