SAS NAGAR -A serious illness can push an ordinary family into financial uncertainty, but in Punjab, a ₹10 lakh healthcare safety net is now reaching millions of households. At the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Card Distribution Ceremony in Mohali, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted how 1.26 crore health cards have provided security cover to 54 lakh families, with ₹1, 310 crore already spent on the treatment of more than 7 lakh patients under the scheme.
Calling it the world’s only unconditional and completely free healthcare scheme, the Chief Minister said the initiative ensures that families can access treatment without worrying about the cost, while Aam Aadmi Clinics are further strengthening affordable healthcare across the state. He said the government’s larger objective is to ensure every citizen remains healthy and build a ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, at the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Card Distribution Ceremony’ in Mohali, I shared my thoughts with the people. Providing quality healthcare facilities to the people of Punjab is the top priority of our government. Today, health cards were distributed to beneficiaries, giving every family access to free treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh. The people attending the event also wholeheartedly appreciated this initiative of the government. Our goal is to keep every citizen healthy and create a ‘Rangla Punjab’. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the gathering during the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna card distribution function here, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh without charging beneficiaries a single penny. “While people in many foreign countries have to purchase health insurance and pay a premium before accessing medical facilities, Punjab is providing cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh without putting any financial burden on the beneficiaries, ” he said.
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Our objective is not merely to provide treatment but to ensure that no family is forced into debt or financial distress because of illness. Healthcare should not become a luxury available only to those who can afford it.”
He said, “In foreign countries, people generally have to purchase health insurance by paying a premium. In Punjab, our government is providing this health facility without putting any such financial burden on the people. We have ensured that people can access treatment without worrying about whether they have money in their pockets. No family should have to postpone or abandon treatment because of financial constraints.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Expensive treatment can push a poor family into a situation where it has to choose between an unaffordable medical bill and life. We have changed this situation. Today, people can get treatment from a government or private hospital of their choice. This scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh and is a major step towards providing both health and financial security to the people of Punjab. There are no conditions for availing its benefits.”
The Chief Minister said, “Our government’s healthcare initiative represents our broader philosophy of putting the common man at the centre of governance. We understand the difficulties faced by ordinary people because our policies are designed around their everyday needs.”
Taking a dig at his political opponents, he said, “If the treatment is right, there is no need to change the doctor. Similarly, if the government is people-oriented, there is no need to change it.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The transformation is not restricted to healthcare. The colours of ‘Rangla Punjab’ have started becoming visible across different sectors. Punjab is a blessed land with immense potential and we are working to realise the dreams of Shaheed Bhagat Singh by creating opportunities for our people within the state.”
The Chief Minister said, “We want to carve a happy, prosperous and vibrant Punjab. We do not want a California. We want Punjab to become strong on its own soil so that our young people can build their future here.”
Taking a dig at opposition parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who failed to provide meaningful relief to ordinary people are now questioning schemes that are directly benefiting families. People can themselves see the difference between governments that merely made announcements and a government that is delivering benefits at the grassroots level.”
The Chief Minister also hit out at the Centre, saying, “The Centre has withheld funds due to Punjab, but we have not stopped providing facilities to the people. Despite this, we have continued our welfare initiatives and development works.”
He said, “We have plugged leakages and ensured that public money is used for public welfare. We have never said that the treasury is empty. Instead, we have ensured optimum utilisation of government resources.”
“We are also honouring our commitments towards employees and ensuring payment of their legitimate dues, ” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that government employees will also receive a Diwali gift.
“Under previous governments, powerful people benefited from government schemes. Our government is working to ensure that the benefits reach ordinary citizens, ” he said.
During this, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that timely treatment can prevent complications, improve recovery and reduce the long-term cost of illness for families. “MMSY is supporting access to essential services, including dialysis, cardiac treatment, cancer treatment, knee replacement, cataract surgery, C-section deliveries, transplant services and emergency care, ” he added.
The Health Minister further informed that the first kidney transplant at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, was performed entirely under MMSY and further highlighted the successful heart procedure performed on 37-year-old women under MMSY. “This demonstrates the Government of Punjab’s efforts to upgrade its institutions so that advanced super-speciality services are available to the people of the state, ” he added.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang and others were also present.