Punjab is set to roll out a major expansion in healthcare coverage from January 2026 under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a flagship state government initiative that will provide free medical treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh to every family in the state.
The scheme, approved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, marks a significant increase from the existing coverage limit of ₹5 lakh and positions Punjab as one of the first Indian states to offer such extensive universal health coverage to all residents, including government employees and pensioners, without any income eligibility criteria.
The expanded health assurance programme aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on households by ensuring cashless and paperless medical treatment at a wide network of empanelled government and private hospitals across Punjab and neighbouring Chandigarh. Under the scheme’s comprehensive coverage, treatment expenses for major illnesses, critical care, surgeries, diagnostics, ICU services, medicines and both pre- and post-hospitalisation care will be included under approved benefit packages.
The decision to launch the scheme comes after a review meeting of the health department, where the state leadership underscored its goal of promoting universal healthcare access and preventing out-of-pocket medical spending for patients. The government has mandated preparations with empanelled hospitals and digital systems to support timely grievance redressal and beneficiary services ahead of the January 2026 roll-out.
The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is expected to benefit millions of families across urban and rural areas, providing financial protection and easier access to quality healthcare services without direct costs at the point of treatment.
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