CM Mann Urges Public Not to Be Misled by Propaganda Against Health Scheme

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged residents to remain vigilant against what he describes as “misleading and malicious” propaganda targeting the state’s flagship healthcare initiative, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

In a video message released Tuesday, Mann defended the program that provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for every Punjab family, calling it a “first-of-its-kind scheme” in India.

“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 initiative represents a significant policy achievement for Mann’s administration, which has positioned it as a cornerstone of their social welfare agenda. The program aims to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare access across the state, where medical expenses have historically driven many families into debt.

According to Mann, the scheme has garnered substantial public support, with numerous residents already accessing its benefits. “This initiative has provided major relief to families who otherwise would have had to spend huge amounts from their own pockets for treatment in case of illness,” he noted.

The Chief Minister’s comments come amid what appears to be growing criticism of the program from opposition groups. Without specifically naming these critics, Mann characterized them as “anti-Punjab forces” attempting to undermine public confidence in the healthcare initiative.

“Some anti-Punjab forces, who do not want the people of the state to benefit from such facilities, are deliberately spreading falsehoods about this ambitious scheme,” Mann asserted.

In his message, the Chief Minister provided details on how the program operates, likely in response to questions about its implementation. He explained that the government has established fixed rates for approximately 2,600 medical procedures and treatments, creating a standardized payment system for participating hospitals.

The state has successfully empanelled “a majority” of private hospitals under the scheme, according to Mann. These facilities have agreed to provide services at government-established rates, which may differ from their standard charges for private patients.

“The government will pay hospitals as per the mutually agreed rates, regardless of the fact that these hospitals may charge higher amounts from private individuals,” Mann clarified. “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.”

This payment structure represents a significant shift in how healthcare is financed in the state, with direct government payments to providers rather than reimbursement to patients. Mann emphasized that beneficiaries should not be charged any amount for covered services, with the government assuming full financial responsibility.

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is part of a broader trend of state-level healthcare initiatives across India, as regional governments attempt to fill gaps in the national healthcare system. Similar schemes have been implemented in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Delhi, though Punjab’s program claims to offer more comprehensive coverage.

Healthcare experts have noted that such state-level initiatives, while beneficial, often face implementation challenges including provider participation, timely reimbursements, and quality control measures. Mann’s public defense of the program suggests his administration may be working to address some of these concerns while maintaining public confidence in the initiative.

As the program continues to roll out across Punjab, its success will likely be measured by metrics including enrollment numbers, provider participation, claim processing efficiency, and ultimately, improvements in public health outcomes.