92-Year-Old Ludhiana Farmer Receives Life-Changing Surgery Under Punjab's New Health Insurance Scheme
In a heartening demonstration of accessible healthcare, a 92-year-old man from Ludhiana district has successfully undergone a free surgical procedure for a complex bladder stone condition, made possible by Punjab's recently launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (MMSBY). This landmark case occurred just three days after the scheme's inauguration, showcasing its immediate benefits for vulnerable populations across the state.
Rare Medical Condition Treated Successfully
Ram Rattan Singh, a dairy farmer from Ayali Kalan village in Ludhiana, was operated upon at Sukhveen Hospital in Jagraon on Sunday. Doctors removed a rare, flower-shaped bladder stone measuring 85 mm—an uncommon medical occurrence, particularly at such an advanced age. The patient had been suffering from this condition for over a decade, with his health deteriorating significantly in recent years.
Dr Divyanshu Gupta, administrator of Sukhveen Hospital, explained the surgical challenges: "Given the patient's age, the surgery involved a significant risk. However, it was performed successfully. The patient is stable and recovering well." The surgery was conducted early Sunday morning, and by afternoon, Singh was able to interact with family members, expressing relief at his improved condition.
Scheme Provides Enhanced Health Coverage
Singh's case highlights the upgraded benefits under MMSBY. Previously covered under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana with Rs 5 lakh annual coverage, his card was upgraded to MMSBY, which offers health coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh per family per year. For this particular surgery, the cost ceiling under the scheme was Rs 18,500, with the patient paying nothing out-of-pocket.
Dr Gupta emphasized the scheme's social impact: "He is extremely poor and could not have afforded surgery otherwise. When such patients receive timely treatment, it feels like the benefit has reached the right person."
Family's Financial Struggles and Relief
Singh's grandson, 20-year-old Arshpreet Singh, shared the family's economic challenges: "The family could never have afforded the surgery without health insurance. We are landless and earn our livelihood by rearing three milch animals and some farm labour." He described how his grandfather's condition had worsened over two years, leaving him bedridden and unable to perform basic functions.
"We were scared because of his age, but seeing him recover now is a huge relief," Arshpreet added, underscoring the emotional and financial burden lifted by the scheme.
Comprehensive Implementation of MMSBY
Launched on January 22, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana provides cashless treatment for up to Rs 10 lakh annually to approximately 65 lakh families across Punjab. The scheme features:
- 823 empanelled hospitals (both government and private)
- Automatic upgrading of existing health insurance beneficiaries
- Rs 1,200 crore earmarked by the Punjab Government
However, the Punjab Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association has noted that at least Rs 2,500 crore would be required for smooth implementation. While doctors have been assured of payment clearance within 15 days, concerns remain regarding fixed treatment package rates amid rising healthcare costs.
Awareness Campaigns and Future Prospects
To ensure maximum reach, ministers and MLAs are visiting their constituencies to educate citizens about MMSBY benefits. This proactive approach aims to bridge information gaps and enable more families to access quality healthcare without financial hardship.
This successful surgery not only marks a personal victory for Ram Rattan Singh but also serves as a powerful testament to the potential of government health schemes in transforming lives and providing equitable medical care to society's most vulnerable members.
