Mohali, July 5: The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has successfully protected the livelihood of a Mohali barber by providing a free knee operation worth ₹53,455 at the District Hospital. Mohd Julfukar had been unable to work or support his family following a traumatic road accident that left him with severe knee damage. The state healthcare program absorbed the entire financial cost, allowing the patient to focus entirely on his rehabilitation without the burden of medical debt.
The case mirrors a broader trend in the state’s healthcare delivery, where fracture and joint repairs have become a primary focus. Official statistics from the State Health Agency indicate that the government has sponsored 190 orthopaedic operations totaling ₹53.38 lakh recently. Among these, bone-stabilization surgeries accounted for 79 cases, demanding an expenditure of ₹16.75 lakh and averaging a package value of ₹21,209 per patient.
“I kept thinking, ‘If I cannot stand, how will I work? And if I cannot work, how will I look after my family?’” Julfukar maintained, recalling the weeks following his accident. He declared that the inability to stand for long intervals had jeopardized his career. “I was very worried. For the first time in months, I felt hopeful after learning about the scheme.”
Prior to the intervention, Julfukar had been dragged for several meters after losing control of his motorcycle during a road mishap. The injury effectively halted his daily operations, as the physical demands of his trade became too painful to bear. With his recovery now progressing smoothly, he expects to welcome customers back to his shop shortly.
“It feels wonderful that I will be back at work,” Julfukar affirmed. “Today, every customer who walks into his shop is a reminder that timely healthcare can make all the difference.”
Commenting on the state health data, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh advised citizens to prioritize personal safety to reduce the occurrence of such debilitating accidents. He urged motorists, manual laborers, and senior citizens to take proactive steps to minimize safety hazards.
“Many serious injuries can be prevented through greater public awareness and adherence to safety measures,” Dr. Balbir Singh asserted, adding that drivers should consistently utilize protective gear like helmets and seat belts to avoid severe fractures.
