CHANDIGARH, MAY 28 — State health registries show that a wave of seasonal illnesses, led primarily by acute febrile infections, is driving a surge in patient volumes across Punjab’s public healthcare infrastructure.
The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has emerged as an important safety net during this period, providing cashless indoor treatment to thousands of residents. Recent statistics compiled by the State Health Agency show that acute febrile cases accounted for 5,840 hospital admissions over a four-month span, translating to 1.31 crore rupees in processed claims.
Public health experts state that acute febrile illness covers a wide range of undiagnosed or early-stage infections marked by a sudden high temperature. Additional data from the state reports 1,396 cases of enteric fever totaling 30.47 lakh rupees, 377 cases of pneumonia at 11.06 lakh rupees, and 326 cases of acute bronchitis costing over 9.24 lakh rupees. Conversely, extreme heat stroke and monsoon-related conditions like chikungunya showed minimal impact, combining for fewer than two dozen documented cases.
“Immediate diagnosis and treatment under the scheme can help save many lives, as patients are less likely to delay seeking medical help due to cost concerns,” Dr. Vikas Goyal, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, Patiala, said.
Goyal noted that hot weather often deters people from seeking early medical consultations, which can cause routine conditions to worsen into more severe illnesses that require hospitalization. He stated that the availability of upfront, cashless care helps mitigate these delays.
The seasonal shift has also prompted warnings from pediatric departments regarding vulnerable populations. Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir, Head of Pediatrics at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, stated that young children are highly susceptible to sudden complications from dehydration and persistent high temperatures.
Dhir noted that community-level intervention is necessary to prevent wider outbreaks. He stated that collaborative efforts involving Anganwadi workers, ASHA staff, and educational institutions are essential to spread awareness about sanitation, routine vaccinations, and effective vector control as the summer progresses.
