CHANDIGARH, MAY 17 — In observance of World Hypertension Day, the state’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has expanded its reach to support thousands of residents managing high blood pressure, providing medical coverage to patients ranging from 40 to over 90 years old.
The initiative operates as a vital safety net across Punjab, particularly assisting older demographics who face heightened risks from the condition. Recent data from the State Health Agency reveals that the program has successfully administered care to exceptionally elderly patients, including a 94-year-old individual in Gurdaspur and a 98-year-old resident in S.A.S. Nagar.
Medical authorities stated that the financial backing provided by the scheme prevents families from delaying necessary medical interventions due to monetary constraints. Hospital records indicate that the heaviest patient volume is concentrated among individuals between the ages of 40 and 80, with districts such as Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, and Faridkot recording the widest distribution of cases across both genders. In urban centers like Amritsar and Ludhiana, admissions show a notable concentration among women aged between 50 and 77.
Cardiology specialists noted that the clinical complications of long-term high blood pressure are appearing much earlier than in previous decades. Dr. Saurabh Sharma, Associate Professor and Head of the Cardiology Department at Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, stated that while the majority of cases persist among older populations, medical professionals are increasingly observing the condition in younger adults. He noted that modern lifestyle adjustments, stress, and irregular routines contribute to the rise, making timely institutional care critical.
Health department officials affirmed that the availability of the health card has altered how families respond to cardiovascular emergencies. Representatives reported that families who previously avoided or delayed hospitalization out of financial anxiety are now seeking immediate treatment. This shift has significantly reduced the instances of severe complications, such as strokes and renal failures, by ensuring early clinical stabilization.
