BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Insurance Scheme’ in Punjab, calling it misleading and impractical. Chugh highlighted the scheme’s major flaw of capping health coverage at Rs 1 lakh per family, leaving the remaining Rs 9 lakh dependent on the financially strained state government. He raised concerns about the feasibility of funding such a significant amount when the state is already facing financial challenges.
Chugh pointed out that the scheme’s restrictive package capping on medical procedures like heart surgery and brain surgery makes it difficult to provide comprehensive treatment. He contrasted this with the Central government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, which sets package rates based on actual treatment costs. Chugh criticized the Punjab government for imposing low caps on critical procedures, leading reputable hospitals to opt out of the scheme, ultimately affecting the access to quality healthcare for the poor and middle class.
The BJP leader also questioned the delay in implementing the ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Scheme,’ stating that despite the scheme being announced after 48 months, its execution is still pending. He expressed concerns about the state’s financial burden, with Punjab’s debt exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore and additional debt accumulating rapidly. Chugh highlighted the disparity between the government’s financial priorities, citing examples like the lack of funds for employee benefits contrasted with expenses on promotional activities.
