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In a major move aimed at strengthening public healthcare and reducing the financial burden of medical expenses, the Punjab government has launched the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, known as Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY). Under this ambitious initiative, every family residing in Punjab will be eligible for free, cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per year. The scheme is designed to cover both economically weaker sections and well-off families, making quality healthcare accessible to all, without any income-based restrictions.

The MMSY allows beneficiaries to receive treatment at government hospitals as well as empanelled private hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh. To register under the scheme, residents will need Aadhaar card and Voter ID, which serve as mandatory identity documents. While the scheme has been officially announced, experts indicate that the registration process and on-ground implementation may take some time, and beneficiaries might need to wait before availing the full benefits.

Who Is Eligible Under MMSY?

The Chief Minister’s Health Scheme is open to all permanent residents of Punjab, without any income cap. One of the most notable aspects of the scheme is its inclusive definition of family, ensuring that a wide range of dependents are covered.

A family under MMSY includes:

• The head of the family

• Spouse

• Unmarried children

• Parents

• Widowed or divorced individuals along with their minor children

• Widowed daughters-in-law and their minor children

For children below the age of 18, the Voter ID of parents or guardians will be considered valid for registration. Importantly, the scheme is not limited to private citizens alone. Government employees, pensioners, and contractual or outsourced staff are also eligible to avail benefits under MMSY.

No Income Limit, Universal Coverage

Unlike many health insurance schemes that are targeted only at low-income households, MMSY has been introduced as a universal healthcare program. There is no income ceiling, which means both affluent and economically weaker families can benefit equally. The objective is to ensure that no family is pushed into financial distress due to high medical costs, especially for critical or long-term treatments.

How Will Cashless Treatment Work?

The MMSY will be implemented in a hybrid model, combining insurance coverage with direct government funding. Under this structure:

• Medical claims up to ₹1 lakh will be handled and paid by the designated insurance company.

• For treatment costs exceeding ₹1 lakh, the insurance company will verify the claim, but the financial responsibility will be borne by the State Health Agency, Punjab.

This dual system is intended to ensure smooth claim processing while minimizing delays in payments to hospitals.

Each eligible family will be issued a MMSY Health Card, which must be presented at empanelled hospitals to avail cashless treatment. If the treatment is funded under central government health programs, the card will be issued in accordance with the National Health Authority (NHA) guidelines.

Up to ₹10 Lakh Free Treatment Every Year

The primary goal of MMSY is to make secondary and tertiary healthcare completely cashless. Under the scheme, each family will be entitled to free medical treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh per year. This includes expensive procedures and hospitalizations that often force families to take loans or sell assets.

However, since the registration system and hospital infrastructure are still being prepared, beneficiaries may have to wait before they can fully utilize the scheme’s benefits.

Which Hospitals Are Covered?

Treatment under MMSY will be available only at government and private hospitals empanelled by the Punjab government. These hospitals will be located within Punjab and Chandigarh. For treatments that fall under centrally funded health programs, services will be provided as per NHA norms and regulations.

A Big Step Toward Universal Healthcare

The launch of the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme marks a significant step toward universal health coverage in Punjab. By removing income barriers and extending benefits to every household, the government aims to ensure that quality healthcare becomes a right rather than a privilege.

Once fully implemented, MMSY has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape of the state, offering financial security, improved access to treatment, and peace of mind to millions of families across Punjab.