Punjab spends Rs 1,310 crore on free treatment for over seven lakh patients

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said Rs 1,310 crore has been spent so far on the treatment of more than seven lakh patients under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which offers free cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh to a family.

Addressing a gathering at a card distribution function for the scheme in Mohali, Mann described it as the world's only unconditional and completely free healthcare scheme. He said it allows families to access treatment without worrying about the cost, while Aam Aadmi Clinics are strengthening affordable healthcare across Punjab.

Mann said the government's larger aim was to ensure that every citizen remains healthy and to build a "Rangla Punjab". "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 Rs 10 lakh without putting any financial burden on the beneficiaries," he said. He added, "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 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," he claimed.

Highlighting what he called financial relief through various government measures, Mann said schemes such as the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, free bus travel scheme, regulation of private school fees, Meri Rasoi Scheme and Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna were together providing substantial savings and benefits to families. "According to our assessment, every family is benefiting by around Rs 1.82 lakh annually. These initiatives are aimed at putting money back into the hands of the common man by reducing expenditure on essential services," he said.

Mann also said healthcare infrastructure had been strengthened through a network of 1,100 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have recorded around 5.5 crore OPD visits. He announced that a three-month instalment under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, a financial assistance scheme, would be released on October 1.

Targeting the BJP-led Centre, Mann accused it of withholding 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. 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," he added. Overall, Mann said the health scheme and other welfare measures were aimed at reducing household expenses while expanding access to treatment and public services in Punjab.