Punjab is set to launch a Rs 10 lakh cashless healthcare scheme covering every family in the state. With no income cap, thousands of hospitals onboard and full medical coverage, will this redefine public healthcare in India?
Punjab to roll out free medical treatment upto Rs 10 lakh
Chandigarh: Punjab is set to roll out a major universal healthcare initiative as the state government prepares to formally launch the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY)’ on January 15. The scheme will offer free and cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family, covering the entire population of the state.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced on Friday that the ambitious healthcare programme aims to provide comprehensive medical security to all residents, irrespective of income or social status.
According to the health minister, the scheme will benefit nearly 65 lakh families across Punjab. Any resident possessing a valid Aadhaar card and voter ID will be eligible to enrol. Emphasising its inclusive nature, Singh said there would be no income ceiling or exclusion criteria, ensuring that 100 per cent of the state’s population is covered.
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The formal launch will be carried out by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the presence of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal.
To facilitate smooth enrolment, the government will organise over 9,000 enrolment camps across the state. Beneficiaries can also register through Common Service Centres (CSCs). Once enrolled, families will receive dedicated MMSY health cards, enabling them to access medical services seamlessly.
The minister added that a helpline will soon be operational to assist citizens with enrolment and other queries related to the scheme.
Dr Singh said that nearly 2,200 medical procedures are included under the scheme. Beneficiaries will be able to avail secondary and tertiary healthcare services at 824 empanelled hospitals, including 212 public hospitals, eight central government hospitals, and over 600 private hospitals. The list of empanelled hospitals is expected to expand further.
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On the occasion, an agreement was signed between the State Health Agency, Punjab, and United India Insurance Company. Under the arrangement, the insurance company will provide coverage of ₹1 lakh per family, while treatments costing between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh will be funded by the State Health Agency.
Chief Minister Mann has earlier stated that the scheme will ensure cashless and paperless treatment, significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in both rural and urban areas. Expenses related to hospitalisation, surgeries, ICU care, diagnostics, medicines, and pre- and post-hospitalisation care will be covered under approved packages.
