Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Universal Health Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana’, launched by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has emerged as a boon for Punjabis by providing cashless free treatment worth more than Rs 914 crore to 5.12 lakh people within just six and a half months of its launch.
Addressing a press conference in Patiala and releasing the latest figures, Dr. Balbir Singh said that more than 50.3 lakh e-Health Cards have been issued under the scheme so far. He said that 733 cancer patients have received treatment under the scheme, while people are also benefiting from knee replacement surgeries, eye operations and heart treatments. Dr. Balbir Singh said that patients are receiving cashless treatment at 868 empanelled government and private hospitals across Punjab. The scheme has benefited 2,50,359 families across the state, while 1.65 lakh beneficiaries have undergone surgeries under this initiative.
He said that the scheme reflects a strong partnership between government and private hospitals. Government hospitals have provided 2,29,551 treatments (45%), while private hospitals have provided 2,83,089 treatments (55%). This balanced participation has significantly improved access to quality healthcare services across Punjab.
The Health Minister expressed concern that while private hospitals in the state are being empanelled under the scheme, the exclusion of PGIMER Chandigarh by the Central Government from this scheme is an injustice and discrimination against Punjabis.
He said that Ludhiana district has issued the highest number of e-cards with 5,46,380 cards covering 2,69,372 families, followed by Patiala with 4,56,730 cards covering 2,15,373 families, Jalandhar with 3,69,335 cards covering 1,85,285 families and Hoshiarpur with 3,45,094 cards covering 1,64,941 families. He added that Patiala and Bathinda are leading in terms of treatments provided.
Replying to a query regarding action against private hospitals, Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Punjab Government has strengthened its audit system. During investigations, Rs 2.98 lakh was refunded to six patients. Besides, 14 hospitals were inspected and found to have updated incorrect information, following which a penalty of Rs 78 lakh was imposed. Sarvodaya Hospital, Jalandhar, has been removed from the empanelled list.
State Health Agency Deputy CEO Dr. Andesh Kang, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal and Civil Surgeon Dr. Shaily Jetley were also present on the occasion.