CHANDIGARH, MAY 28 — A sudden rise in seasonal fever cases and respiratory infections across Punjab has triggered a substantial volume of medical claims under the state’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, according to recent figures released by the State Health Agency.
Shifting summer temperatures and increased humidity have led to crowded outpatient departments at local government hospitals. Data collected over the last four months indicates that acute febrile illness, a medical condition characterized by a sudden and rapid onset of fever, has become one of the top categories for cashless treatment claims in the state. The agency recorded 5,840 cases of acute febrile illness during this period, with cumulative claim payments reaching 1.31 crore rupees.
Medical professionals state that these conditions can stem from viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Hospital registries show that while public concern often focuses heavily on vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, these stayed comparatively low in the recent dataset, recording 12 and three cases respectively. Instead, water-borne and respiratory ailments made up the bulk of the remaining claims, with enteric fever accounting for 1,396 registrations valued at 30.47 lakh rupees, followed by 377 cases of pneumonia and 326 cases of acute bronchitis.
“The current trend reflects the predictable seasonal load seen in outpatient departments every year, and most cases are manageable at the primary care level,” Dr. Vikas Goyal, Medical Superintendent at the Civil Hospital in Patiala, said.
Goyal stated that high summer temperatures frequently exacerbate vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and respiratory allergies. He noted that the state health insurance scheme serves as an important resource by allowing patients to secure indoor medical attention without financial strain, reducing instances where individuals delay going to a clinic due to out-of-pocket costs.
Pediatric specialists noted that infants and young children face elevated risks during these weather transitions. Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir, Professor and Head of Pediatrics at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College in Faridkot, said that warning signs such as persistent fever, dehydration, poor feeding, or rapid breathing demand immediate clinical evaluation.
“Any fever in a baby below three months requires urgent medical attention,” Dhir stated. He added that community health staff, schools, and parents play a vital part in containing these seasonal waves through local hygiene initiatives and proactive mosquito-control measures.
