Punjab's Universal Health Insurance Scheme Launches Registration Drive in Sunam
The registration process for beneficiaries under the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana', a landmark universal health insurance initiative in Punjab, commenced in the Sunam assembly segment on Friday. This ambitious scheme provides free cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family across the entire state, marking a significant step toward accessible healthcare for all residents.
Cabinet Minister Leads the Initiative
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora spearheaded the registration drive, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive healthcare. Arora announced that health cards will be issued to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, covering nearly three crore citizens. Notably, the scheme imposes no income limit for eligibility, ensuring that every family, regardless of financial status, can benefit from this comprehensive insurance coverage.
Expansive Hospital Network and Treatment Packages
The minister revealed that 850 government and private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme so far, with plans to add more facilities soon. This extensive network guarantees that beneficiaries have ample options for receiving medical care. Furthermore, the scheme includes an impressive array of over 2,356 treatment packages, a substantial increase from the previous 1,600 packages. These cover a wide spectrum of medical specialties, such as:
- Orthopaedics and general medicine
- Cardiology and neurology
- Nephrology, urology, and oncology
Specific treatments covered encompass heart-related procedures, cancer care, kidney dialysis and transplants, brain and spine surgeries, maternity and newborn care, accident and emergency services, knee and hip replacements, cataract surgery, and many other essential medical procedures.
Comprehensive Coverage and Efficient Payment System
In addition to hospital expenses, the scheme includes diagnostic services, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare. Citizens can avail themselves of free treatment at any government or private hospital in Punjab or Chandigarh, providing flexibility and convenience. To streamline operations, the state government has already paid advance premiums to the insurance company, enabling hospitals to receive payment within 15 days of treatment. This efficient system aims to reduce financial burdens on both patients and healthcare providers, fostering a seamless healthcare experience for all involved.
