Chandigarh, June 19: The Punjab government has integrated comprehensive psychiatric treatments into its universal healthcare model to address the growing national mental health crisis. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, citizens can now access entirely cashless medical care for a wide range of conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and bipolar conditions.
The initiative directly addresses a massive treatment gap highlighted by the World Health Organization, which estimates that between 15 and 20 crore individuals across the country require mental health assistance. By removing financial barriers, the state health department aims to encourage early intervention and reduce the social stigma historically associated with seeking psychiatric consultation.
Detailing the medical coverage now available at public medical facilities, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated that mental well-being must be handled with the same urgency as physical ailments.
“Mental health deserves the same priority as physical health. Conditions like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders are treatable, and people should not delay seeking professional help,” the Health Minister declared.
He maintained that the inclusion of specialized procedures ensures that financial constraints do not prevent any citizen from receiving quality clinical care.
The administration noted that advanced therapeutic options, including Electroconvulsive Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, have been packaged alongside standard diagnostic investigations at government hospitals. Official data reveals that 457 beneficiaries have already utilized these specialized packages, with treatment claims reaching Rs. 55 lakh. To complement clinical interventions, the government is also promoting preventative wellness through the CM Di Yogshala program, utilizing community yoga to help residents manage daily stress and build emotional balance.
