CHANDIGARH, March 22 —Punjab government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is now providing double the financial protection of the central Ayushman Bharat program. While the national scheme limits coverage to ₹5 lakh for identified vulnerable groups, Punjab’s universal policy grants ₹10 lakh to every family, successfully filling the gaps for middle-income households previously excluded from government aid.
The financial commitment from the state is substantial, with ₹2,000 crore dedicated to 3 crore people. Officials noted that this funding structure reflects a clear prioritization of health, as it translates to nearly ten times the investment per person when compared to the national budget allocations for healthcare.
The impact of this inclusive approach is already being felt on the ground. In one instance, 98-year-old Mukhtiar Kaur from Moga received specialized chemotherapy-related care fully covered by her Sehat Card. Family members stated that the universal nature of the card allowed treatment to begin immediately without the delays often associated with verifying eligibility in database-driven programs.
“With higher per-person investment, Punjab is ensuring that access to treatment is defined by need, not eligibility or income,” Dr. Balbir Singh declared. He stated that the government has already issued more than 9 lakh Sehat Cards, with a network of 900 empanelled hospitals ready to provide care.
To ensure no family is left behind, the state has deployed youth club members for door-to-door registration drives. This proactive strategy aims to provide every resident with a Sehat Card at their doorstep, reinforcing the government’s stance that quality healthcare is a fundamental public right.
