Chandigarh, July 8 —For healthcare push, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched the Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana, a universal health insurance scheme offering free treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per person annually.
Speaking at the launch event in Chandigarh, CM Mann said the scheme marks a shift from earlier limited-access models. “People were earlier stuck between blue and yellow ration cards to avail healthcare. We have now removed that barrier. Any resident of Punjab will be eligible — no exclusions,” he said.
The scheme will come into effect from October 2, with digital health cards to be issued based on Aadhaar or voter ID verification. According to officials, residents can avail cashless treatment in empanelled private and government hospitals across the state.
“Big hospitals are part of this scheme. People should not worry — all eligible treatments will be covered,” Mann added, assuring citizens of hassle-free access to quality healthcare.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh termed the initiative a “boon” for the people of Punjab. “Now, if someone has a medical emergency, they just need to bring their Aadhaar card. That’s all. The treatment will be taken care of under this scheme,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal said the program reflects AAP’s commitment to “nation building through real governance.” He also took aim at previous administrations, crediting the AAP government’s reforms for Punjab’s rise in the national education ranking.
“In 2017, Punjab was ranked 29th in the central government’s education survey. Now, it’s number one. What we achieved in three years could’ve been done by the Akali Dal or the Congress too — but they were too busy protecting their own interests,” he said.
The scheme is expected to benefit nearly three crore people in the state, and officials said more details on hospital empanelment and claim procedures will be made public in the coming weeks.
