The Punjab government has introduced a significant initiative for Universal Health Coverage by offering 100% health coverage to the entire population of the state through the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana’. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria announced this during the Governor’s Address at the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly. Under this scheme, every family in Punjab is entitled to cashless health cover up to Rs 10 lakh per year for a wide range of medical procedures.
Governor Kataria emphasized that the scheme will operate through a vast network of around 900 government and empanelled private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh. This network aims to provide seamless access to quality healthcare services for the residents. The Governor also highlighted the efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab, including initiatives like increasing medical college seats and anti-drug campaigns.
The Punjab Governor mentioned the significant recruitment drive for medical professionals undertaken by the state government. Since 2022, Punjab has recruited 934 doctors for government hospitals, constituting a quarter of the total doctors serving in the state. The state has also initiated the recruitment of specialist doctors and nursing personnel to enhance healthcare services. Additionally, the government has launched the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to combat drug abuse and trafficking effectively.
