Punjab Launches ‘Chief Minister Health Scheme’ to Provide Free Treatment up to ₹10 Lakh Per Year
Punjab Launches ₹10 Lakh Free Treatment Under Chief Minister Health Scheme
Chandigarh, July 8: In a major step toward universal healthcare, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the ‘Chief Minister Health Scheme’ on Monday, providing free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually for residents of the state. The initiative, described as a landmark in public healthcare, is aimed at ensuring quality treatment without financial burden, especially for the underprivileged.
Healthcare for All: Ending the Compromise Between Life and Cost
Announcing the scheme, CM Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over how citizens in the past had to compromise on medical care due to high expenses.
ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਦੇਖ ਕੇ ਬੜਾ ਦੁੱਖ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਪੁਰਾਣੀਆਂ ਸਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਵੱਲ ਧਿਆਨ ਨਾ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਮਝੌਤੇ ਕਰਨ ‘ਤੇ ਮਜਬੂਰ ਕੀਤਾ। ਅੱਜ ਅਸੀਂ ‘ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਯੋਜਨਾ’ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਤਹਿਤ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਸਾਲ 10 ਲੱਖ ਰੁਪਏ ਤੱਕ ਦਾ ਮੁਫ਼ਤ ਅਤੇ ਵਧੀਆ ਇਲਾਜ ਮਿਲੇਗਾ।
—-… pic.twitter.com/hRcoOVrLn9— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) July 8, 2025
“It used to cause great sadness to see that previous governments, by neglecting people’s health, forced them to compromise with their lives,” Mann said.
“With the Chief Minister Health Scheme, no one will have to choose between treatment and survival.”
The scheme is being positioned as Punjab’s most ambitious healthcare reform to date, setting a new benchmark in cashless health insurance coverage for all sections of society.
Key Features of the CM Health Scheme
Under the Chief Minister Health Scheme:
- Each eligible beneficiary receives ₹10 lakh worth of free treatment annually
- Cashless treatment will be available at both government and empanelled private hospitals
- The scheme covers over 1,500 types of medical procedures, including critical care, surgeries, cancer treatments, dialysis, and more
- All residents of Punjab are eligible, regardless of income bracket
- A centralized helpline and mobile app will assist citizens in accessing information and benefits
This healthcare model is inspired by global best practices and aims to eliminate medical poverty, CM Mann said.
Digital Health Infrastructure to Support the Rollout
The state government is also deploying a digital health infrastructure to streamline access and delivery of services. The Chief Minister emphasized the use of smart cards, Aadhaar-linked verification, and real-time claim tracking to reduce fraud and ensure transparency.
Officials confirmed that the Punjab Health Systems Corporation will oversee the scheme’s operations, while e-governance tools will facilitate monitoring and reporting.
Political Statement on Healthcare Neglect
Mann also took a veiled dig at previous governments, accusing them of ignoring the most basic needs of the people.
“Healthcare was never on their agenda. The result was catastrophic—people drained life savings, fell into debt, or worse, died due to lack of access,” he said.
“Our government will not repeat those mistakes.”
This healthcare scheme is also seen as a signature welfare initiative of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), modeled after Delhi’s successful Mohalla Clinics and public hospital reforms under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership.
Broad Support and Implementation Strategy
The scheme has received backing from healthcare professionals, civil society, and economists. Implementation will begin in phases, starting with coverage for families registered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (MMSBY) and expanding to all state residents within six months.
A network of over 600 hospitals, including PGI Chandigarh, Fortis, and Max, have been empanelled under the new scheme.
Conclusion
The launch of the Chief Minister Health Scheme marks a watershed moment in Punjab’s healthcare history. With its promise of free, quality treatment for all, the scheme has the potential to transform public health access, reduce financial stress, and enhance well-being across the state.
As CM Bhagwant Mann put it, “This is not just a scheme—it is a lifeline.”