Chandigarh: The Punjab government will roll out a major public healthcare initiative, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, providing free health insurance cover of up to ₹10 lakh per family. The scheme will be formally launched on January 15 by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Under the scheme, residents holding Punjab Aadhaar cards or voter ID cards will be eligible for coverage. Most beneficiaries are expected to receive their CM Health Cards within three to four months.

Who can benefit and what does the scheme offer?

The health insurance scheme will allow families to avail cashless medical treatment at more than 800 government and private hospitals across Punjab. The coverage includes a wide range of treatments, ensuring financial protection during medical emergencies.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the scheme is aimed at ensuring free and quality healthcare for every citizen, regardless of income. Registration for the scheme will begin tomorrow, with a simple process using Aadhaar card, voter ID or passport.

When and how will registration begin?

The registration process will start in Tarn Taran and Barnala districts, where special health camps will be organised for two to three days. The state health department has been directed to complete all preparations to ensure a smooth rollout.

With the CM Health Card, people can access cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. The registration for this scheme will start tomorrow. Under this health card, every citizen of Punjab will get free and better treatment," the Chief Minister said.

Punjab Health Minister on water safety and Indore incident

Reacting to the recent deaths caused by contaminated drinking water in Indore, the Punjab Health Minister expressed condolences to the affected families and said their treatment should be provided free of cost. He criticised the handling of the situation, calling it deeply concerning, especially as Indore had previously been awarded the Clean City tag.

Addressing water safety in Punjab, the minister said that in areas where uranium has been detected in groundwater, the government has ensured the supply of treated canal water. In water-scarce regions, drinking water is being supplied from neighbouring villages, he added.