Punjab CM to chair cabinet meeting on Dec 29 ahead of assembly session
Chandigarh, December 26
A meeting of Punjab cabinet will be held on December 29.
It will be held at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence. Several important decisions are likely to be taken during the meeting.
The cabinet meeting will be held a day before the state of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, which is scheduled to begin on December 30.
Bhagwant Mann on Friday approved the launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which every family in the state will get free and cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh.
The scheme is set to begin in January, with registration starting soon.Chief Minister Mann directed the health department to complete the necessary arrangements for launching the scheme.
Back in September this year, Mann announced the rollout of a state health insurance scheme under which every family in Punjab will be eligible for cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh.
Speaking about the initiative, Mann said the benefit would be provided through a 'CM Health Card', with the registration process beginning tomorrow."A few days ago, we announced that we would provide Rs 10 lakhs health insurance to every family in the state.
Using the CM Health Card, people will be able to avail the benefit of cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakhs. 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.Mann added that the process will begin in Taran Taran and Barnala districts, where special health camps will be set up for two to three days.
"It will be a simple registration process using Aadhaar card, voter card or Passport," he explained.
In a post on X, the Punjab CM wrote that the card will provide "quality treatment" for 2,000 health services.CM Mann wrote, "People across the state will be able to avail the benefits of the Chief Minister Health Card after registration. Under this card, beneficiaries will receive free and quality treatment for 2,000 health services. Along with all government hospitals, most private hospitals in the state will also be linked to this scheme."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step, but I'm skeptical. We've seen such schemes announced before. The key is whether the common man in villages like Taran Taran will actually get easy access or get stuck in paperwork. Hope they focus on rural healthcare infrastructure too.
Finally some focus on public health! The ₹10 lakh cover is substantial. My only concern is the inclusion of private hospitals - will there be proper checks to prevent overcharging and fraud? The government must have a strong monitoring mechanism.
As someone who has lived in Punjab for work, this is very promising. Medical bills can wipe out savings. If executed well, this could be a model for other states. The use of Aadhaar for registration is smart for reducing duplication.
Bhagwant Mann sir is doing good work. Health card is a need of the hour. But please also look at the condition of government hospitals. More doctors and medicines are needed. Scheme is good but hospitals should also be ready.
While the intent is commendable, I hope the cabinet meeting also discusses the fiscal sustainability of such a large scheme. Punjab's finances need careful management. It should not become a burden that leads to cuts in other essential services later.
V Varun X