The Punjab Government has taken a historic step toward Universal Health Coverage by extending full health coverage to every resident under the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday. Speaking during the opening day of the Budget Session, the Governor said the initiative entitles all families to cashless health cover of up to Rs 10 lakh per year for 2,356 medical and surgical procedures.
Governor Kataria said the scheme is being implemented through an extensive network of government and empanelled private hospitals, totaling around 900 facilities across Punjab and Chandigarh, ensuring broad access to quality treatment. He described the initiative as transformative for the state’s healthcare landscape, providing financial protection and improving access to critical medical services.
The Governor also highlighted the state government’s efforts to strengthen medical infrastructure, including the largest-ever recruitment of doctors in Punjab’s history. Since 2022, 934 doctors have joined government hospitals, accounting for nearly 25% of the current workforce. Additionally, 400 specialist doctors and 500 nursing positions are being recruited to expand healthcare services across the state.
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On drug rehabilitation, the Governor outlined the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, aimed at combating substance abuse and trafficking. Punjab now operates 548 opioid-assisted treatment clinics, alongside 36 government and 177 private de-addiction centers, and 19 government and 74 private rehabilitation facilities. De-addiction services have also been extended to 19 jails, ensuring continuity of care for incarcerated individuals, with over 10.63 lakh patients benefiting from the network so far.
Governor Kataria further noted that AAP-led welfare measures have extended beyond health. Around 90% of households in Punjab have benefited from free electricity provision of up to 300 units, reflecting the government’s focus on public welfare. He also mentioned the expansion of medical college seats and other social development initiatives.
The Governor’s address faced interruptions from Congress lawmakers, who protested government policies by raising slogans and staging a walkout. Despite the disruption, Kataria emphasized that these initiatives mark a significant leap for Punjab in healthcare access, drug rehabilitation, and public welfare, setting a model for other states to follow.
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