Punjab's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna Emerges as National Healthcare Model
In a significant development for public health, Punjab has established a new benchmark in large-scale healthcare delivery through its flagship 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna'. The state is now being recognized as a leading national model, with over 30.51 lakh families enrolled and free treatment approvals worth Rs 292 crore within just three months of the scheme's launch, according to Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh.
Impressive Enrollment and Treatment Figures
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dr Balbir Singh revealed that the scheme has successfully registered 30,51,325 beneficiaries to date. It has issued 1,77,097 free authorisations for medical treatment, with the total approved value reaching Rs 292 crore. Of this amount, Rs 267 crore has already been approved, demonstrating rapid implementation and scale.
The minister further detailed that 71,000 claims have been settled under the scheme, with Rs 60 crore disbursed to empanelled hospitals. This highlights the scheme's operational efficiency and commitment to providing accessible healthcare across the state.
Assurance of Timely Payments to Hospitals
To ensure smooth functioning, Dr Balbir Singh assured hospitals of prompt payments, stating that the Bhagwant Mann government has implemented a robust mechanism to clear dues. "All pending dues up to March 31 will be cleared by April 15. No hospital will have a single rupee pending from our side," he emphasized.
He also outlined a new payment framework effective from April 1:
- Claims up to Rs 1 lakh will be settled within 15 days.
- Bills above Rs 1 lakh will be cleared within a week of submission.
- In cases involving disputes or verification requirements, the process will be completed within a month.
Transformative Impact Across Age Groups
The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has already made a profound impact on lives, covering a wide demographic range. Dr Balbir Singh noted that beneficiaries include individuals from a one-year-old infant to a 99-year-old grandmother who received cancer treatment. The scheme has facilitated complex medical procedures, such as over 100 heart-related diseases and successful treatments like a patient with a ruptured sinus at Patiala Medical College.
This initiative underscores Punjab's dedication to improving public health outcomes and serving as an exemplary model for other states in India.
