CHANDIGARH, March 22: — The Punjab government has established a new benchmark in public healthcare by implementing a universal model that provides ₹10 lakh in cashless treatment to every resident of the state. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), the administration has moved away from the targeted approach of the central Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring that medical access is a guaranteed right rather than a benefit for a select few.
The state has allocated ₹2,000 crore in the 2026–27 Budget for this initiative, which covers approximately 3 crore residents across 65 lakh families. Health officials stated that this represents a significantly higher per capita investment compared to national alternatives. Unlike federal programs that rely on specific socio-economic databases for eligibility, the Punjab model includes every household regardless of income or occupation.
“Healthcare coverage should extend to every resident, not just a selected few,” Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh affirmed. He maintained that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state is prioritizing need over pre-defined eligibility lists.
The scheme currently includes 2,300 treatment packages covering serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney ailments. To simplify the process, residents can register using basic identification like Aadhaar or Voter ID at local Seva Kendras or online, eliminating the need for complex income certificates.
