SAHIBJADA AJIT SINGH NAGAR (Mohali) Jan 22— Punjab has become the first state in the nation to provide a comprehensive welfare net of free healthcare, education, electricity, and bus travel for women following the launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) on Thursday.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the flagship health initiative in Mohali, which guarantees free medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for every family in the state. The scheme removes previous income caps, making premium private healthcare accessible to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, regardless of their financial or social standing.
During the launch, Arvind Kejriwal noted that the initiative marks a historic shift in how governments serve the public. He said that for 75 years, previous administrations claimed the treasury was empty whenever asked to provide for the people.
“The AAP government proved that all the guarantees could indeed be fulfilled,” Kejriwal said. He mentioned that while traditional parties are consumed by internal power struggles, the current administration has built 1,000 mohalla clinics in four years, outperforming the combined efforts of previous governments over seven decades.
The AAP leader added that the scheme ensures no farmer or laborer will have to mortgage their land or jewelry to afford life-saving surgeries. “For both major and minor illnesses, all medicines and tests up to ₹10 lakh will be free. As soon as a patient is admitted to a hospital, everything will be free,” he said.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the health cards, which can be obtained through Aadhaar or voter ID registration, will provide access to 850 empanelled hospitals. He noted that the scheme covers over 2,356 treatment packages, including complex procedures like cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, and organ transplants.
“No resident of Punjab will ever be forced to forgo treatment due to lack of money,” the Chief Minister said. He mentioned that the state has already settled advance premiums with insurance providers to ensure hospitals are reimbursed within 15 days, preventing any delay in patient care.
The Chief Minister also noted that this move complements other successful initiatives like the Schools of Eminence and the provision of over 61,000 government jobs. He said the government remains focused on the welfare of ordinary citizens through a model of service inspired by the teachings of the Guru Sahiban.
