Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Promotes State's Healthcare Model During Gujarat Outreach
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken his state's healthcare achievements to Gujarat, positioning them as a model for the western state while launching a scathing attack on the political establishment there. During a press conference in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Mann contrasted Punjab's accessible medical infrastructure with what he described as Gujarat's healthcare gaps.
Healthcare Disparity: Punjab's Village Clinics vs Gujarat's Urban Dependence
Mann emphasized that Punjab has established comprehensive healthcare access at the grassroots level, while claiming that Gujarat residents must travel to major cities even for minor medical issues. "In Gujarat, even if you have a minor problem, you have to go to Ahmedabad, Vadodara or Surat. The middle layer is missing," the Punjab CM stated.
He detailed Punjab's healthcare infrastructure:
- Aam Aadmi clinics in villages offering 42 types of tests and free medicines
- Small hospitals at block levels
- District hospitals providing higher-level care
Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana: Punjab's Cashless Healthcare Revolution
The Punjab CM highlighted his government's flagship health initiative, describing it as a national first. "For the first time in the country, the Punjab government launched Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), enabling cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family per year," Mann announced.
Key features of the scheme include:
- Coverage in both government and private empanelled hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh
- No income criteria or documentation requirements beyond Aadhaar card
- Comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, kidney transplants, cardiac care, mental health, and knee replacements
- Expected to benefit 3.5 crore Punjab residents
Political Critique: BJP-Congress 'Joint Venture' in Gujarat
Mann launched a sharp political attack during his Gujarat visit, claiming the traditional opposition in the state has collapsed. "This is the first state I have seen where both BJP and Congress are working together like a 'joint venture,'" he asserted.
The Punjab CM argued that this political vacuum has created an opportunity for AAP. "Since there has been no real Opposition in Gujarat, people are showing faith in the AAP as it raises their issues and works for the common man," said Mann, who was accompanied by AAP's Gujarat chief Isudan Gadhvi.
Beyond Healthcare: Electricity, Housing, and Anti-Drug Initiatives
Mann expanded his critique to other policy areas, contrasting Punjab's approach with central schemes. He criticized conditional benefits under programs like PM Awas Yojana, stating: "People first got gas cylinders under Ujwala yojana but when they apply for the Awas Yojana, the cylinder and stove are used to deny them homes."
Punjab's alternative approach includes:
- 300 units of free electricity monthly for all residents without conditions
- Free electricity for agricultural purposes
- Resulting in 90% of Punjab households paying no electricity bills
Addressing Healthcare Fraud Concerns and Drug Menace
When questioned about preventing fraud similar to the 2025 PMJAY scandal in Gujarat, Mann revealed technological safeguards. "We have set up a monitoring body and have been using AI in the health ministry. We will monitor that there are no fake bills, fake surgeries and so on," he explained.
The Punjab CM also claimed significant progress against drug addiction, declaring his state has moved beyond the "Udta Punjab" phase. "In Punjab, we initiated a drive against drugs, under which we seized thousands of kilograms of drugs and caught big fish involved in trafficking," Mann stated, adding that properties of traffickers have been demolished.
He revealed cross-state collaboration, noting: "The Punjab Police have several times visited Gujarat to seize drugs from ports and found narcotics worth Rs 20,000 crore being trafficked. We work with the Gujarat Police to catch drugs."
Strategic Expansion: AAP's Western India Footprint
Mann's Gujarat visit represents a strategic move to expand AAP's presence in western India. By showcasing Punjab's governance model and directly criticizing Gujarat's political and healthcare landscape, the Punjab CM is positioning AAP as a viable alternative in a state dominated by the BJP for three decades.
The visit underscores AAP's national ambitions as it seeks to translate its governance successes in Delhi and Punjab to other states, using healthcare accessibility and anti-corruption measures as key differentiators against established political parties.
