Continuing his series titled Shandaar Chaar Saal Bhagwant Mann De Naal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday presented a four year report card of the health sector. Earlier, he had outlined the AAP Government’s work in agriculture and irrigation. Drawing a clear comparison with the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, which he described as restrictive, he highlighted that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna stands apart due to its intent and execution, positioning it as a model for universal and accessible healthcare.
Presenting data backed results, the Chief Minister said the government has moved beyond announcements and delivered visible change on the ground. He pointed to the provision of ₹10 lakh cashless treatment without conditions and the creation of a system that people actively trust and use. He also criticised those spreading misinformation about the scheme, saying such efforts are aimed at preventing Punjab from progressing towards better health.
Addressing a press conference, Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is a comprehensive healthcare initiative focused on the well being of all citizens. He stated that the scheme ensures direct access to quality treatment, especially for weaker sections of society. He added that it is a first of its kind initiative in the country, offering cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab.
Calling it a matter of pride, he said Punjab has become the first state in India to provide such extensive healthcare coverage. He noted that the scheme reduces the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality health services. He further explained that the initiative aims to achieve universal healthcare, with government employees, pensioners and all citizens eligible for health cards through facilitation centres, Common Service Centres or online registration using Aadhaar or voter ID.
Highlighting the strong public response, he said people have come forward in large numbers to avail the benefits of the scheme, which has provided significant relief to families otherwise burdened by high treatment costs.
Raising concerns about misinformation, the Chief Minister said certain groups are spreading false claims to discourage people from benefiting from the scheme. He added that the government has empanelled a large number of private hospitals and fixed rates for around 2600 treatments and ailments.
Comparing it with Ayushman Yojna, he said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is highly beneficial for people, while criticising the Centre’s scheme as inadequate. He pointed out that while ₹9300 crore has been allocated for a population of 140 crore at the national level, Punjab has earmarked ₹2000 crore for just 3 crore people. This, he said, reflects significantly higher per capita spending in Punjab without restrictive conditions.
Speaking about implementation, he said nearly 900 government and private hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh have been empanelled. Around 25 lakh beneficiaries have registered under the scheme, and more than 1.6 lakh people have already received treatment. He added that ₹1200 crore was allocated for 2025 to 26, while ₹2000 crore has been set aside for 2026 to 27. The scheme currently covers 2356 medical and surgical procedures, including treatment for heart, lung and kidney diseases, cancer and other conditions.
Presenting broader achievements in the health sector, the Chief Minister said 883 Aam Aadmi Clinics are operational across the state, with 100 more set to be dedicated on March 28. In addition, 400 clinics are under construction. These centres offer 47 diagnostic tests and 107 medicines free of cost and have recorded a patient satisfaction rate of 94 percent. He added that OPD footfall has crossed 5 crore, with 1.69 crore patients treated for specific conditions, and the model has gained recognition across the country.
On strengthening healthcare manpower, he said Punjab has seen the largest recruitment of doctors since 2022, including 948 general doctors and 627 specialists, which accounts for 35 percent of total government doctor recruitment in over 75 years. He also mentioned the recruitment of 300 nursing staff and 250 pharmacists, with the hiring process for 672 nurses currently underway.
Focusing on maternal and child healthcare, he said seven Mother and Child Health Centres with a capacity of 250 beds each are under construction. The Dhuri centre with 30 beds was inaugurated on March 17. He added that free medicines are now available in all hospitals. Infrastructure development continues to be a priority, with hotline services operational in all district hospitals and 33 out of 42 sub divisional hospitals. The remaining facilities are expected to receive these services by April to May 2026. He also noted that more than ₹400 crore has been spent on advanced medical equipment.
The Chief Minister further stated that 22 critical care blocks with 50 beds each are under construction, and diagnostic services are being expanded. MRI services will be available in all district hospitals by October 2026, marking a significant increase, while CT scan services have also been expanded. PET scan facilities are planned for Amritsar, Faridkot, Mohali and Patiala, and over 200 empanelled private diagnostic centres are already providing free X ray and ultrasound services.
Highlighting emergency response efforts, he said the Farishte Scheme and Sadak Surakhya Force are ensuring immediate cashless treatment for accident victims. Helpers are rewarded with ₹2000 and a certificate, and more than 600 lives have been saved so far.
On the use of technology, he said dialysis services have been expanded, doubling capacity to 4800 and reducing waiting times. He also noted that an AI enabled cancer screening initiative conducted between September 2025 and March 2026 screened 9294 women for breast cancer. Vision screening was carried out for 1.07 lakh people, with 21660 identified with vision related issues.
Speaking about critical care initiatives, he said the Punjab STEMI Project under Mission Amrit has been implemented in 23 districts for heart attack care, enrolling 29000 patients and identifying over 1700 STEMI cases. He added that the AI enabled Punjab Stroke Project, developed in collaboration with CMC Ludhiana and Medtronic, has already benefited more than 100 patients.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, calling it a significant step in providing relief to patients. On preventive healthcare, he said the CM Ki Yogshala campaign is conducting 8000 yoga sessions daily, benefiting around 2 lakh people.
On medical education, the Chief Minister said seven new medical colleges are under construction, which will add 600 MBBS seats and help position Punjab as a hub for medical education. He concluded by stating that the government remains committed to making Punjab healthier and more progressive in the years ahead.
Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh and other officials were also present on the occasion.
