Patiala, April 1: The Punjab government has extended the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme to employees and retirees of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), offering cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per family. Aam Aadmi Party State General Secretary Baltej Pannu and PRTC Chairman Advocate Harpal Juneja officially inaugurated the initiative on Wednesday during a specialized two-day camp organized for the transport department’s workforce.
The scheme allows beneficiaries to access free treatment and diagnostic tests across a network of approximately 900 private empaneled hospitals, as well as all government healthcare facilities. Mr. Pannu stated that the initiative marks a significant step in transforming Punjab into a model state for health and education. He maintained that the government has already issued nearly 30 lakh health cards across the state, ensuring that high-quality medical care is no longer a privilege requiring overseas travel.
“This camp has been organized to ensure that every member of the PRTC family, whether currently serving or retired, can secure these benefits,” Mr. Pannu affirmed. He noted that the registration process is ongoing and will continue through Thursday to maximize coverage.
Advocate Harpal Juneja described the health card as a vital safety net for the labor force, asserting that the facility would function as a life-saving resource for lakhs of state employees. He declared that the administration aims to cover 65 lakh families in the near future. According to the Chairman, the eligibility criteria have been kept simple, requiring only a Punjab-based Aadhaar card and voter ID to enroll.
The launch event was attended by senior officials, including PRTC Managing Director Bikramjit Singh Shergill and Tourism Advisor Deepak Bali. Representatives emphasized that the shift toward cashless healthcare via Mohalla clinics and upgraded government hospitals reflects a major structural improvement in Punjab’s public service sector.
