Chandigarh/Mohali: The Punjab government on Thursday rolled out one of the country’s most ambitious public healthcare initiatives, ‘Chief Minister Sehat Yojana’, under which 65 lakh families will receive free medical treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh per year. The scheme was formally launched in Mohali by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Addressing a large public gathering, Kejriwal said the government had fulfilled its promise of providing free and quality healthcare to every family in Punjab, without any conditions or discrimination. “Now even the poorest citizens will be able to get treatment in the same top-class hospitals where the rich go,” he said, calling the scheme a historic step in India’s healthcare journey.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries can avail treatment in both government and private hospitals, simply by presenting a health card. Coverage includes treatment for major illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, kidney ailments (dialysis and transplant), knee replacement surgeries, maternity care, and other serious and expensive medical conditions.
“A Historic Day for Punjab”: Kejriwal
Kejriwal described the launch as a landmark moment not just for Punjab, but for the entire country. “Punjab has become the first state to truly guarantee healthcare security for all—along with free electricity, free education, and free bus travel for women,” he said.
He recalled that during election campaigns, AAP leaders had promised free healthcare under “Kejriwal’s Guarantee,” a promise critics had dismissed as impossible due to financial constraints. “They said the treasury was empty. But today, every guarantee has been fulfilled,” he said, targeting previous Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal governments.
Sharp Attack on Opposition
Taking a swipe at opposition leaders, Kejriwal said while some chief ministers were busy vacationing abroad, Punjab’s chief minister was working round the clock to issue health cards for the people. “That is the difference between their politics of luxury and our politics of public service,” he remarked.
Massive Expansion of Health Infrastructure
Kejriwal highlighted the government’s healthcare achievements over the past four years, noting that nearly 1,000 Mohalla Clinics have been established across the state, with 500 more under construction. He added that within the next few months, 2,500 ‘Pind Clinics’ would be set up to ensure healthcare access in every village.
He also said the government had recruited 1,100 specialist doctors, addressed equipment shortages, ensured availability of free medicines, and upgraded government hospitals to standards comparable with private facilities.
“No One Will Avoid Treatment Due to Poverty”: CM Mann
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shared emotional anecdotes, recalling how elderly people often refused treatment in the past to avoid burdening their families with debt. “That painful era is over,” he said. “No one in Punjab will now be denied treatment because of lack of money. The government will bear the full cost.”
Mann clarified that the scheme is not an election promise, but a fully implemented policy. “Those who registered today are covered from today itself,” he said, adding that only an Aadhaar card is required to avail benefits.
The scheme covers all families—rich or poor, across all religions and castes—without any exclusions or conditions. Officials said detailed guidelines and hospital empanelment lists will be released soon.
With this initiative, the Punjab government aims to set a new benchmark in universal healthcare and social security in India.
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