AAP Government Launches Universal Healthcare Scheme in Punjab
Chandigarh: In a significant move toward universal healthcare, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann officially launched the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna' (MMSY) in Mohali on Thursday. This ambitious scheme extends free cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh to every family across the state, marking a transformative step in public health infrastructure.
Comprehensive Coverage for All Families
The universal healthcare cover will be extended to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, encompassing both hospital treatments and diagnostic services without any income restrictions. To facilitate this extensive coverage, more than 850 public and private medical facilities have already been integrated into the scheme, with plans to further expand this network. The scheme has notably expanded its treatment packages from 1,600 to over 2,356 packages, covering a wide range of medical services.
Specialised medical services under MMSY include:
- Cardiology and oncology
- Neurology and nephrology
- Orthopaedics and urology
- General medicine and many other critical treatments
Kejriwal emphasized the historic nature of this initiative, stating, "Today is a historic occasion not only for Punjab but for the whole country." He highlighted that the health insurance scheme would provide poor families access to even the most expensive private hospitals, ensuring equitable healthcare for all citizens.
Implementation and Accessibility
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann detailed the implementation process, explaining that health cards can be obtained through multiple channels:
- Facilitation centres and common service centres
- Online registration using Aadhaar card or voter card
- Door-to-door assistance by youth club members
Mann proudly announced, "It is for the first time that no income limit had been fixed for any health scheme in the state. Punjab had become the first state in the country to guarantee free healthcare, free education, free electricity, and free bus travel for women." He assured citizens that any individual can now receive free treatment at any government or private hospital in Punjab or Chandigarh, with the state government having already paid the advance premium to insurance companies for smooth implementation.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure
Kejriwal announced further expansion of healthcare infrastructure, revealing plans to open 2,500 'pind clinics' in villages over the next four to five months. This builds upon the existing network of over 1,000 mohalla clinics established in the past four years. The scheme covers comprehensive medical services including:
- Cardiac procedures and cancer treatment
- Kidney dialysis and transplants
- Brain and spine surgeries
- Maternity and newborn care
- Accident and emergency services
- Knee and hip replacement surgeries
- Cataract surgery and many other critical treatments
Political Context and Criticism
During the launch event, Kejriwal took swipes at opposition parties, stating that while "power-hungry opposition parties remain consumed by internal battles, only AAP can secure a safe future for Punjab." He specifically mentioned that Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal leaders should praise good initiatives, noting that their families would also benefit from this non-discriminatory scheme.
Kejriwal also criticized past governments, alleging rampant drug abuse during their regimes and claiming that "big ministers used to sell drugs and distribute them through government vehicles." He referenced previous chief ministers who claimed empty treasuries and government deficits.
Comparison with Central Schemes
Mann contrasted the state scheme with central initiatives, pointing out that while the Centre launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for LPG connections, it later made such families ineligible for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He also referenced previous state government schemes that he claimed had limitations in their implementation.
Focus on Governance Over International Travel
Kejriwal highlighted the dedication of the Punjab government by contrasting it with other chief ministers attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. He remarked, "Many chief ministers are currently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, along with their wives and children... But Punjab CM is sitting here preparing health cards for the people." He praised Mann's commitment to governance over international travel.
The event concluded with Kejriwal and Mann personally handing over Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna cards to eligible beneficiaries, symbolizing the government's commitment to accessible healthcare for all Punjab residents.
