Arvind Kejriwal Calls Punjab’s ₹10 Lakh Health Scheme a Milestone in Universal Healthcare
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed the Mukh Mantri Sehat Beema Yojna as a historic step towards ensuring universal healthcare in Punjab, offering ₹10 lakh cashless treatment to every resident.
“What Should Have Happened 50 Years Ago Is Happening Today”
Speaking at the grand launch ceremony of the scheme in Mohali, Kejriwal said that providing free, quality healthcare should have been a national priority decades ago. “This work should have been done 50 years ago. Sadly, it was never on the agenda of those who ruled this country,” he remarked.
He emphasized that AAP has always placed health and education at the forefront of its governance model, in contrast to those “who talk about making India a Vishwaguru (world leader)” while denying people access to basic services.
Lessons from Global Leaders
Drawing comparisons with developed countries like Singapore, Japan, and Germany, Kejriwal stated that their global success was built on foundations of strong health and education systems. “What AAP is doing today is real nation-building,” he said.
He cited Punjab’s dramatic rise in the National Achievement Survey, where the state jumped from 17th place in 2017 to number one today—crediting the state government’s reforms in education and healthcare.
Mukh Mantri Sehat Beema Yojna: What It Offers
Kejriwal announced that the cashless insurance scheme will go live from October 2, with enrolment camps beginning shortly. Under the scheme:
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Every family in Punjab will receive ₹10 lakh worth of free, cashless medical treatment
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Health cards will be issued free of cost
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No income limit or eligibility restrictions apply—every resident is covered
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Cards can be created at Seva Kendras, Common Service Centers (CSCs) or via online registration using Aadhaar or voter ID
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Valid in all government and empanelled private hospitals
Previously, only certain eligible families could avail up to ₹5 lakh in treatment. Now, the scheme includes every citizen of Punjab—government employees, pensioners, and the general public alike.
“This Is What Honest Governance Looks Like”
Kejriwal praised the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government for launching the scheme without imposing any new taxes. “Instead of burdening people, we curbed corruption and redirected public money to public welfare,” he stated.
Describing July 9 as a “historic day for Punjab”, Kejriwal said, “This is the first time in Indian history that an entire state’s population—over 3 crore people—is being given free healthcare access.”