Punjab Chief Minister Issues Stern Warning Against False Propaganda Targeting State Health Scheme
In a firm and direct address to the public, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called upon the residents of the state to remain vigilant and not be misled by what he termed as "misleading and malicious" propaganda being circulated by "anti-state forces." The focus of this alleged misinformation campaign is the state's flagship healthcare initiative, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.
A Landmark Initiative for Universal Healthcare Access
Delivering his message through a video statement, CM Mann provided a comprehensive overview of the ambitious scheme. "The Punjab government launched this ambitious scheme to ensure that every resident of Punjab, especially those from the weaker sections of society, has direct access to quality medical treatment," he stated emphatically.
Elaborating on the program's scope, Mann highlighted its groundbreaking nature. "To provide comprehensive healthcare to the people, the state government has introduced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country, under which every resident family in Punjab is entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh," he explained.
Punjab Pioneers Extensive Healthcare Coverage
The Chief Minister expressed immense pride in this achievement, positioning Punjab as a national leader in public health welfare. "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab has become the first Indian state to offer such extensive healthcare coverage. This scheme will significantly reduce the financial burden on the public, while ensuring access to quality health services," Mann declared.
He further noted the overwhelming public embrace of the initiative. "The scheme has received an overwhelming response from the people of Punjab, who are coming forward in large numbers to avail its benefits. This initiative has provided major relief to families who otherwise would have had to spend huge amounts from their own pockets for treatment in case of illness," the CM added, underscoring its practical impact.
Addressing Allegations of Misinformation and Clarifying Processes
However, Mann issued a stern caution against deliberate falsehoods. "Some anti-Punjab forces, who do not want the people of the state to benefit from such facilities, are deliberately spreading falsehoods about this ambitious scheme," he warned, urging citizens to rely only on official information.
To dispel any confusion, the Chief Minister provided detailed clarifications on the operational aspects of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna:
- Hospital Empanelment: The state government has successfully empanelled a majority of private hospitals under the scheme, ensuring wide accessibility for beneficiaries.
- Treatment Rates: Government-fixed rates have been established for approximately 2,600 different ailments and medical treatments, bringing transparency and standardization.
- Payment Mechanism: Hospitals will be compensated directly by the government based on these mutually agreed rates, regardless of their higher charges for private patients.
Ensuring Accountability and Zero Cost for Beneficiaries
Emphasizing strict accountability, CM Mann made it unequivocally clear that the financial onus rests entirely with the state. "Hospitals are duty-bound to provide treatment at the rates fixed by the government, and they must ensure that treatment is given free of cost to the beneficiaries," he asserted.
In his concluding remarks, Mann reinforced the scheme's core promise. "Hospitals will be paid directly by the government, and not even a single penny will be charged from the beneficiaries, despite attempts by forces inimical to the state to paint a different picture," he stated, reaffirming the government's commitment to shielding citizens from healthcare-related financial distress.
