CHANDIGARH, JUNE 1 — State expenditures for bone, joint, and trauma treatments under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana have surpassed ₹84 crore, driven by a growing need for specialized surgical care throughout Punjab.
According to data released by the State Health Agency, orthopaedic interventions have become some of the most frequently utilized services under the health initiative. Health officials noted that degenerative joint diseases and mobility issues are becoming increasingly common among the aging population, leading to a higher volume of patients seeking treatment for chronic pain and joint deterioration at government facilities.
“The burden of orthopaedic disorders has been on an exponential rise, and thus, has brought to light the indispensable need to buttress accessible and affordable operative care across the state of Punjab,” State Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said. He stated that the program aims to deliver cashless trauma and joint treatments to thousands of residents, lowering household medical costs while restoring physical mobility.
The state has registered more than 45 lakh individuals under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana to date. Regional data shows that Ludhiana district leads in utilization with over 4.8 lakh beneficiaries, followed by Patiala district with approximately 4.1 lakh enrolled residents.
Hospital records show that knee replacements constitute the largest share of procedures performed under the cashless scheme, followed closely by hip reconstructions and complex fracture fixations requiring surgical implants. Because orthopaedic surgeries often involve expensive hardware, long hospital stays, and extensive physical rehabilitation, they have historically created severe financial stress for local families.
Patient cases illustrate the direct impact of the state funding. Gulshan Taneja, a 43-year-old factory worker from Khera Gajju, received cashless treatment valued at ₹86,750 at Rajindra Hospital in Patiala for a severe ligament tear following an industrial accident. Taneja presented with joint instability, swelling, and an inability to bear weight before undergoing surgery.
“I am recovering now and it’s thanks to the Sehat card that I did not have to pay any money for my treatment,” Taneja said following his discharge, noting that the program succeeds in reducing direct out-of-pocket medical bills for working families.
