Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Expands Punjab Health Scheme Coverage
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The decision, announced by Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, is aimed at improving access to treatment and reducing the need for patients to travel to major government hospitals.
Punjab has widened the scope of its Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana by introducing several new medical procedures and allowing their treatment in empanelled private hospitals.
The decision, announced by Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, is aimed at improving access to treatment and reducing the need for patients to travel to major government hospitals.
The expansion is part of the Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana, which provides cashless treatment to eligible residents across a wide network of government and private hospitals.
The scheme is designed to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses and ensure access to both routine and advanced treatments. By adding more procedures and strengthening private hospital participation, the government is improving the reach and effectiveness of the programme.
General surgery has seen a major addition, with procedures like appendicectomy, hydrocele operations, abscess drainage, and gall bladder surgeries both open and laparoscopic now covered in private hospitals under the scheme.
Special emphasis has been placed on women’s healthcare. The updated list includes services such as termination of pregnancy beyond 12 weeks, hysterotomy, treatment for antenatal complications, and examination under anaesthesia for vulnerable groups, including minors and survivors of sexual abuse. These changes are expected to ensure quicker and more accessible care for those in need.
The scheme has also expanded in ophthalmology and orthopaedics. Eye procedures like pterygium removal and entropion correction are now covered, while orthopaedic patients can access surgeries for tendon release, minor joint injuries, and ankle fracture corrections. The cost packages for these treatments range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 27,800.
In a significant policy shift, eligibility has been extended beyond traditional family units. Individuals living alone, such as senior citizens, widows, and parents whose children are settled abroad, can now benefit from the scheme.
Previously, only families with at least two members were eligible. Applicants must submit Punjab Aadhaar and voter ID cards, while minors need birth certificates. Single applicants will require verification from local elected representatives.
According to the State Health Agency, the scheme already covers nearly 65 lakh families. A network of 824 hospitals, including government and private facilities, is currently providing treatment.
With nearly 2,300 procedures and diseases covered, the latest expansion is expected to ease pressure on public hospitals while making healthcare more affordable and accessible across Punjab.
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