Channeling their creative talents for charity, a group of budding artists from local schools showcased their works in the annual “Art from the Heart” exhibition last weekend, raising over $15,000 for children’s hospital programs.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued a strong public appeal urging citizens not to be misled by what he described as “misleading and malicious propaganda” being circulated about the state’s flagship healthcare initiative, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

In a video message released Tuesday, Mann defended the program as a transformative healthcare solution designed to benefit all Punjab residents, with special emphasis on disadvantaged communities.

“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 offers unprecedented coverage in the Indian context, providing cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per family. This comprehensive approach represents a significant expansion of healthcare accessibility in the state.

“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab has become the first Indian state to offer such extensive healthcare coverage,” Mann noted. “This scheme will significantly reduce the financial burden on the public, while ensuring access to quality health services.”

According to the Chief Minister, the initiative has already garnered substantial public support, with many families taking advantage of the program’s benefits. He emphasized that the scheme provides crucial financial relief for families who would otherwise face substantial out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment.

The program’s implementation comes at a time when healthcare costs continue to rise across India, putting quality medical care increasingly out of reach for many lower and middle-income families. Universal healthcare initiatives like this are being watched closely by other states considering similar models.

Despite the program’s apparent success, Mann expressed concern about what he characterized as deliberate misinformation campaigns. “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,” he warned.

The Chief Minister provided specific details about how the program operates, noting that the government has successfully brought numerous private hospitals into the network. He explained that standardized rates have been established for approximately 2,600 different medical conditions and treatments.

“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, addressing concerns about payment mechanisms.

He emphasized the strict accountability measures in place, stating that participating healthcare facilities must adhere to government-established rates and provide completely free treatment to program beneficiaries. Mann underscored that payments flow directly from the government to the hospitals, ensuring that beneficiaries face no out-of-pocket costs.

Healthcare initiatives of this scale typically face implementation challenges and resistance from various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. However, Mann’s forceful defense suggests the government remains committed to the program despite any opposition.

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna represents one of the most ambitious healthcare programs undertaken at the state level in India. Its success or failure could influence healthcare policy development across other Indian states grappling with similar challenges of healthcare affordability and access.

As the program continues to roll out, observers will be watching closely to see if it can deliver on its promises of comprehensive, accessible healthcare for all Punjab residents regardless of economic status.