The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday approved the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country to provide cashless medical treatment worth Rs 10 lakh to residents of the state.
Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna scheme will benefit the entire population of three crore residents, and more than 550 private hospitals have been empaneled for the scheme so far, and the number will be enhanced to 1000 in the coming days.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann addressed the media on the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and gave details on how it will work. CM Mann informed that the government will make a health card. The health cardholders can get treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh in private as well as Government hospitals.
However, people who could not get health cards can still get cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh. Below is what CM Mann said-
Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Explained
Addressing the media, CM Mann said, "The Aam Aadmi Party has always been committed to the welfare of common citizens. This new health scheme is our top priority. Every resident of Punjab will now be eligible for cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per year, without needing to fill any forms or go through any formalities.”
He clarified that, unlike other schemes that involve reimbursement or complex procedures,
“There’s no need to pay the hospital and then seek reimbursement. There’s no paperwork. People can get treated and go straight home after recovery. The Punjab Government will handle all the billing and payments directly.”
What if you don't have a health card in Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna?
CM Mann said, “People don’t need to fill any forms. All they need is their Aadhaar card or Voter ID. We are issuing official health cards to all residents, but even if someone doesn’t have the card yet, they can walk into any empaneled hospital, and the card will be generated on the spot after showing ID.”
Calling it one of the biggest health initiatives ever introduced by any state, CM Mann further said, "This is a massive health scheme, perhaps not even available in some developed countries. And even if it is, they have conditions. We don’t have any conditions. Every resident of Punjab will be covered, entire families are eligible.”
Can you get treatment in private hospitals in Punjab?
The answer is yes. CM Mann clarified, "So far, 552 private hospitals have been empaneled, in addition to all government hospitals in Punjab. In the coming months, the number of private hospitals will increase to over 1,000, and our goal is to reach 1,500 empaneled private hospitals very soon.”
He assured that access will be available within 10 to 20 km for almost every resident. “Wherever you live in Punjab, within a 10–20 km radius, you will find a hospital that’s covered under this scheme," said CM Mann.