Health Desk
Tv10 Punjab
Sandeep Dhand ( Nutritionist And Health Educator )
The Punjab government has started registration for a new healthcare scheme that aims to provide free medical treatment to every family in the state. From January 22, the registration process has begun, marking a major step toward universal health coverage in Punjab. Under this scheme, families will be able to receive free treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of people.
According to official information, the scheme is expected to benefit around 65 lakh families, covering nearly 3 crore residents across the state. The goal is to ensure that no citizen is denied medical care due to financial constraints. This initiative is being described as one of the most ambitious healthcare programs introduced in Punjab so far.
A Big Step Toward Universal Healthcare
Healthcare expenses can be a heavy burden for families, especially during serious illnesses or medical emergencies. Hospitalization, surgeries, and long-term treatments often push families into debt. Keeping this challenge in mind, the government has designed this scheme to cover a wide range of diseases and medical procedures.
Under the new health scheme, more than 2,000 diseases, medical procedures, and surgeries will be covered. Patients can receive treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family, completely free of cost. This makes Punjab one of the few states offering such a high insurance cover for healthcare services to its entire population.
Who Will Benefit From the Scheme
One of the most important features of this scheme is that it is universal. This means that every resident of Punjab is eligible, regardless of income level, occupation, or family size. There is no limit on the number of family members covered under one health card. Each citizen will be included, and every family will receive a health card that lists all family members.
The scheme applies to both government hospitals and selected private hospitals. All government hospitals in the state are already included, and around 500 private hospitals have been empaneled so far. More private hospitals are expected to join in the coming months to expand access to healthcare services.
What Is Covered Under the Scheme
The scheme focuses mainly on hospitalization-based treatment. This means that benefits will be available when a patient is admitted to a hospital. Expenses related to surgeries, medical procedures, tests during hospitalization, medicines, and post-surgery care will be covered under the scheme.
However, outpatient department (OPD) services are not included. Patients visiting hospitals for routine check-ups or consultations without admission will have to bear those costs themselves. Despite this limitation, the scheme offers significant relief for serious and costly medical conditions that require hospital stays.
No Premium, No Extra Charges
A major relief for families is that there is no premium to be paid. Unlike many insurance schemes where beneficiaries need to pay a yearly amount, this scheme is fully funded by the state government. Families do not need to contribute any money to be part of the program.
Once registered, beneficiaries can use the health card at any empaneled hospital. The entire cost of treatment will be settled directly by the government, ensuring cashless treatment for patients. This reduces stress for families during medical emergencies and allows them to focus on recovery rather than expenses.
Registration Process and Required Documents
To make registration easy and accessible, the government has started setting up registration camps. Initially, the registration process has begun in two districts as part of a pilot project. In these areas, special camps are being organized where residents can apply for the health card.
For registration, people need to carry basic documents such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID card, and two passport-size photographs. The health card will be issued in the name of the head of the family, and it will include details of all family members.
In each of the two pilot districts, 128 registration camps are being organized. The registration drive in these areas is expected to continue for 10 to 12 days. Before starting the camps, awareness activities are being carried out so that people are informed about the scheme and know when and where to register.
Pilot Project Before Statewide Rollout
Although the scheme applies to the entire state, the registration process has been launched in a limited area first. This pilot approach allows the government to collect feedback from beneficiaries and identify any issues in the system. If improvements are needed, changes can be made before expanding the registration process across the whole state.
Once the pilot phase is completed successfully, registration will begin in other districts. After the registration process is completed statewide, the scheme will be officially implemented in full scale.
Inclusion of Frontline Workers
The scheme will also cover government employees, community health workers, and childcare workers. This ensures that people who are directly involved in public service and community welfare are also protected under the health scheme. Their inclusion highlights the aim of making healthcare truly universal and inclusive.
Questions Raised on Financial Sustainability
While the scheme has been widely welcomed for its intention and scope, questions have also been raised about its financial sustainability. Critics have asked how such a large healthcare program will be funded, especially considering the existing financial challenges faced by the state.
Concerns have been expressed about whether sufficient funds will be available to support long-term implementation without affecting other development programs. The government has maintained that healthcare is a priority sector and that necessary financial planning has been done to support the scheme.
Aiming to Set an Example
The introduction of this health scheme reflects an effort to strengthen the public healthcare system and reduce dependence on costly private treatment. By offering high-value coverage to all residents, the scheme aims to reduce health-related poverty and improve overall health outcomes in the state.
If implemented effectively, the scheme could serve as a model for other states looking to provide universal healthcare coverage. Access to free and quality healthcare can lead to early diagnosis, better treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life for citizens.
Conclusion : The launch of this universal health scheme marks a significant development in Punjab’s healthcare journey. By offering free treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family, the government has taken a bold step toward ensuring health security for all residents. While challenges related to funding and execution remain, the scheme has the potential to transform healthcare access in the state.
As registration expands and hospitals continue to be added, the success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, transparency, and continuous improvement based on public feedback. For millions of families, this scheme brings hope, relief, and the promise of a healthier future without the fear of financial hardship due to medical expenses.