Punjab's big move: Free treatment up to ₹10 lakh for all from this day, no more medical debt

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The people of Punjab will no longer need to spend their savings or take out loans to treat serious illnesses. The Mann government has taken a revolutionary step in the health sector, launching a free treatment scheme up to Rs 10 lakh from January 15. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal will launch this ambitious scheme, which will transform the state's health infrastructure.

The government aims to bring Punjab's entire population of 30 million under the health security umbrella through this scheme. The scheme's process has been simplified so that everyone in need can easily avail of its benefits. No extensive paperwork will be required; any citizen can register simply by showing their Punjab Aadhaar card and voter ID card. To facilitate registration, special camps will be set up at more than 9,000 Common Service Centers (CSCs) in cities and villages across the state. The minister assured that patients will be eligible for treatment immediately upon enrollment, although it may take 10 to 15 days for the smart card to be generated and delivered to their homes.

The most significant feature of this scheme is its comprehensiveness. There are no income or class restrictions—it will cover the general public, as well as government employees and pensioners. Dr. Balbir Singh said that it is often seen that a serious illness of a earning member of a family devastates the entire family financially and leaves them burdened with debt. This scheme will provide a shield for such families. The government has set a target of issuing cards to 6.5 million families across the state within the next four months, so that every citizen of Punjab can receive treatment without worry.