CHANDIGHAR : The Punjab government launched a ₹10 lakh cashless medical cover scheme from January 22, marking a major expansion of universal healthcare in the state. The initiative, named Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, promises free and cashless medical treatment for every eligible family in Punjab. The announcement came from Balbir Singh, who described the scheme as a transformative step for public health.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP office in Chandigarh, the Health Minister said the programme fulfils a key promise made by Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal. He stressed that the goal is to ensure quality healthcare without financial stress for citizens.
According to the minister, the Punjab ₹10 lakh medical cover scheme will remain completely free. Moreover, the government will bear all costs related to enrolment and treatment. No private agency or individual can charge any fee at any stage.
मुख्यमंत्री सेहत योजना की शुरुआत के साथ पंजाब देश का पहला राज्य बना जहाँ हर परिवार को हर साल ₹10 लाख तक मुफ्त, कैशलेस इलाज की गारंटी मिलेगी। https://t.co/quMnFOhSfi
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 22, 2026
Free Health Cards to Be Delivered Door to Door
Under the new healthcare plan, health cards will be issued free of cost and delivered door to door. The government plans to reach every household across the state. To achieve this, youth club volunteers will distribute tokens to residents during home visits.
After receiving a token, citizens must visit designated enrolment centres. They need to carry their Aadhaar card and voter ID for verification. Officials will then issue the health card without charging any amount.
Balbir Singh clearly warned against misuse. He said strict legal action will follow any attempt to create fake cards or charge money. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to fraud under the Punjab ₹10 lakh medical cover scheme.
The minister added that the entire process, from card preparation to hospital treatment, remains fully state-funded. Therefore, citizens should not pay even a single rupee for services.
Strict Action Against Fraud and Illegal Charging
The Health Minister also referred to recent complaints from Muktsar and Mansa. In these cases, some individuals allegedly charged ₹50 for making health cards. Authorities responded swiftly.
According to Balbir Singh, the government suspended the accused officials, cancelled their licences, and registered FIRs. These actions, he said, send a strong message that exploitation will not be tolerated. Moreover, enforcement teams will continue monitoring the rollout closely.
The minister emphasised that transparency remains central to the scheme. He urged citizens to report any demand for money immediately. The administration, he added, will continue strict checks during the enrolment drive.
Coverage for 65 Lakh Families Across Punjab
The Punjab ₹10 lakh medical cover scheme aims to benefit nearly 65 lakh families. Any Punjab resident with an Aadhaar card and voter ID will qualify for coverage. The scheme offers cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family at empanelled hospitals.
Health officials said the coverage includes a wide range of medical procedures. These include surgeries, emergency care, and advanced treatments. The programme thus expands the state’s public health safety net significantly.
The Mann government believes this move will reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Additionally, it may ease pressure on government hospitals by offering more treatment options.
As Punjab prepares for the January 22 launch, officials say awareness campaigns will intensify. The government wants every eligible family to enrol without confusion or delay.