Mohali, July 5: A local barber from Mohali is set to resume his business after receiving a free knee surgery under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, a state-run health initiative by the Bhagwant Mann government. Mohd Julfukar, who faced losing his primary source of income after a severe motorcycle crash, underwent a successful anterior arthroscopic meniscus repair at the District Hospital in Mohali. The entire procedure, valued at ₹53,455, was fully funded through the government scheme, sparing his family from impending financial distress.
The medical intervention came at a critical time for the family, as the injury threatened the barber’s ability to perform his daily duties. Orthopaedic treatments form a significant part of the state health program’s recent operations, with data from the State Health Agency revealing that 190 orthopaedic procedures worth ₹53.38 lakh were conducted during the current reporting period. Fracture fixation surgeries, specifically Open Reduction Internal Fixation, represented over 41 percent of these cases, totaling ₹16.75 lakh in state expenditure.
“When I learnt that my treatment would be covered, I felt a huge burden had been lifted,” Julfukar stated while discussing his recovery. He asserted that the financial implications of the surgery had initially caused immense anxiety for his household. “The pain was bad enough, but the cost of the operation frightened me even more. I did not know where the money would come from.”
The accident occurred when Julfukar swerved to avoid a stray animal on the road, causing his motorcycle to overturn and trap his leg underneath. Because his profession demands standing for extended hours, the resulting knee damage made regular work impossible. Following the successful operation, he expressed optimism about returning to his shop and community.
“Cutting hair is not just my job; it is how I support my family and meet people every day,” Julfukar affirmed. “I am thankful that I got this chance.”
In light of the rising number of fracture-related treatments under the state plan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh called for greater public caution on the roads and in workplaces. The minister maintained that preventive measures remain essential despite the availability of comprehensive free medical care.
“While advanced surgical care is now available free of cost to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, many serious injuries can be prevented through greater public awareness and adherence to safety measures,” Dr. Balbir Singh declared.
