CM Mann Warns Against Misinformation on Sehat Yojna Program

Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made a strong appeal to state residents to disregard what he described as “malicious propaganda” circulating about the government’s flagship healthcare initiative, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

In a video message released Tuesday, Mann emphasized that the program was designed to provide universal access to quality healthcare, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations across Punjab.

“The Punjab government launched this ambitious scheme to ensure that every resident of Punjab, especially those from the weaker sections of society, has direct access to quality medical treatment,” Mann stated in his address.

The healthcare program, which Mann described as the first of its kind in India, provides cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family. This comprehensive coverage aims to significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for residents while ensuring they receive high-quality medical care.

According to the Chief Minister, the state government has successfully enlisted most private hospitals under the initiative. Officials have established standardized rates for approximately 2,600 medical procedures and treatments, with the government committed to reimbursing healthcare providers directly at these pre-agreed rates.

“Hospitals are duty-bound to provide treatment at the rates fixed by the government, and they must ensure that treatment is given free of cost to the beneficiaries,” Mann explained, addressing concerns about potential charges being passed on to patients.

The program has reportedly garnered substantial public support, with many Punjab residents already taking advantage of its benefits. Mann described the initiative as providing “major relief” to families who would otherwise face significant financial hardship when seeking medical treatment.

However, the Chief Minister expressed concern about what he characterized as deliberate misinformation campaigns designed to undermine public confidence in the program. He suggested these efforts were coming from “anti-Punjab forces” seeking to discourage eligible residents from utilizing the scheme’s benefits.

“These misnomers are intended to discourage people from availing the benefits of the scheme, which is completely unwarranted and undesirable,” Mann stated. “Treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna will be completely free of cost, and no fees will be charged from patients by the hospitals.”

The Chief Minister issued a stern warning to healthcare facilities that might attempt to charge patients covered by the program. He urged residents to report any instances where hospitals demand payment under the scheme, promising “strict, punitive, and exemplary action” against institutions engaging in such practices.

Punjab’s healthcare initiative represents a significant expansion of public health coverage in a country where out-of-pocket medical expenses remain a leading cause of financial hardship. According to health policy experts, comprehensive state-level programs like this can help bridge crucial gaps in India’s healthcare system, particularly for economically vulnerable populations.

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna builds upon other state and national healthcare initiatives in India, including the central government’s Ayushman Bharat program, which provides health insurance to low-income families. Punjab’s approach stands out for its universal coverage model that extends benefits to all resident families regardless of income level.

As the program continues its implementation phase, healthcare policy observers will be watching closely to assess its effectiveness in expanding access to medical services, reducing financial burdens on families, and improving overall health outcomes across the state.