SAD Condemns Punjab Government's Health Insurance Scheme as Misleading and Election-Driven
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, accusing it of deceiving the public with its newly launched health insurance scheme. Senior SAD leader N K Sharma, addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, claimed that the scheme, which promises free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per year, actually provides insurance coverage for only Rs 1 lakh per person.
Allegations of Data Collection for Elections
Sharma alleged that the scheme is being used as a tool to collect voter data ahead of the forthcoming assembly elections. He pointed out that the government disbanded 12,000 existing youth clubs and plans to create new ones staffed by its workers to implement the scheme, a move he described as politically motivated.
History of Failed Launches and Misuse of Funds
The SAD leader asserted that this is not the first instance of the government's mishandling of health funds. He revealed that the scheme has been launched five times previously, including during the Tarn Taran by-election, with crores of rupees spent on advertising without a single patient benefiting from medical treatment.
Sharma further criticized the government for allocating Rs 761 crore in the health sector budget but failing to provide medical cover to even five individuals. He also highlighted that the government defaulted on its Rs 200 crore share in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, adversely affecting medical treatment for 15 lakh people.
Financial Discrepancies and Lack of Sincerity
According to Sharma, if the government were genuinely committed to providing Rs 10 lakh medical insurance per person, it would require a budget of Rs 10,000 crore. Instead, the government plans to spend only Rs 1,200 crore, indicating that the actual insurance coverage is limited to Rs 1 lakh per person, with the State Health Agency covering additional claims.
Sharma concluded by labeling the scheme a publicity gimmick designed to fool Punjabis, emphasizing the government's lack of intention to implement it effectively.
