Chandigarh, September 25— Punjab’s new Chief Minister Health Scheme opened to a strong start on its first day, with 1,480 families registering for cashless medical insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh. The state government has rolled out the program as a universal safety net, promising coverage to all 3 crore residents.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh launched the scheme online from the State Health Agency office, calling the day “historic” for Punjab. “This is the first state in the country where every citizen will get Rs 10 lakh in health insurance coverage, without any income restrictions,” he said. The program was introduced from Tarn Taran and Barnala districts before its phased expansion statewide.
Officials noted that the design of the scheme makes registration simple and accessible. Citizens only need to provide their voter ID and Aadhaar card to enroll, and no income ceiling has been fixed. “The process is fully transparent and easy so that everyone can take benefit,” Singh said, adding that the enthusiastic first-day registrations reflect public trust.
The coverage allows beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment at all government hospitals as well as more than 500 empaneled private facilities across Punjab. The state will bear the full cost of care, a move Singh said will protect families from “having to sell property or take loans for major surgeries and treatments.”
More than 2,300 health packages are included, ranging from cancer, heart, kidney, and liver treatments to accident care and routine medical services. Officials said this broad scope is intended to provide comprehensive protection across health needs.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, under whose leadership the scheme was launched, called it a landmark reform. “This initiative will give every Punjabi family a sense of security and set an example for the entire country,” Mann said in a statement.
The government framed the scheme as part of its broader vision to reshape public health services in Punjab, with the aim of guaranteeing treatment for all citizens without financial strain. As Singh noted, “Punjab has taken a new direction today, and this scheme will be remembered as a turning point.”
