In a notable example of the reach of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a life-saving surgery worth nearly ₹4 lakh was carried out without any upfront payment, showcasing how the scheme is enabling timely medical care on the ground.
The patient, 37-year-old Sukhpal Kaur from Chandigarh, was admitted to PGIMER Chandigarh after being diagnosed with a severe aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition involving the heart and blood vessels that required urgent surgery. The estimated cost of the procedure, along with hospital stay and specialized treatment, was close to ₹4 lakh, a sum that would have been difficult for the family to arrange at such short notice.
Once her Sehat Card was verified at the hospital, doctors were able to begin treatment immediately without waiting for financial arrangements. The entire procedure was covered under the scheme, which provides health insurance of up to ₹10 lakh per family.
A member of her family shared that the situation escalated very quickly, and doctors stressed the need for immediate surgery. Arranging such a large amount instantly was not feasible, but the Sehat Card ensured there was no delay in starting treatment.
Explaining the medical urgency, Dr. Sachin Mahajan from PGIMER Chandigarh said that aortic dissection is an extremely critical condition where even a brief delay can increase the risk significantly. He added that under the scheme, once eligibility is confirmed, doctors can proceed without waiting for financial approvals, allowing uninterrupted care in such high-risk cases.
Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that saving a life in such circumstances is deeply fulfilling. He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the scheme is making a tangible difference by ensuring that families can access immediate medical treatment without the burden of arranging funds.
With a growing number of families benefiting from the program and several high-cost treatments being covered, the initiative continues to improve access to healthcare across the state. The Punjab Government has also urged residents to register for the Sehat Card at designated centers so they can take advantage of cashless treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.
