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Chandigarh:A fire may burn for only a few minutes, but the damage it causes can last much longer. For a person with severe burns, getting out of the flames is only the beginning. This may then require repeated dressings, various medical procedures, surgery, and a recovery that can last for months. Recent figures on burn treatment in Punjab under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) reflect this difficult journey. Under the scheme, 265 burn treatments have been provided at a cost of ₹1.39 crore.

Arjun Kumar's experience

Arjun Kumar, 24, was injured when his house caught fire due to a short circuit. He was taken to Bathinda for treatment, where treatment worth around ₹50,000 was provided cashless under the scheme. “Everything happened very fast,” he said, recalling his experience. After learning that the treatment was cashless, he said he was able to focus on his recovery instead of worrying about hospital expenses.

Age-group wise figures of male beneficiaries

According to data received from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, men in the age group of 31 to 45 years received 61 treatments under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, the highest among all age groups, with an expenditure of ₹31.82 lakh. Boys in the age group of 0 to 18 years had 39 treatments, while girls in the same age group had 27 treatments.

Profile of female beneficiaries and overall age group

Among women in the 19 to 30 years age group, the highest number of treatments was recorded at 26, while women in the 31 to 45 years age group had 21 treatments. In simple words, a large number of beneficiaries who got treatment were children, youth and people of working age group.

Statistics matching medical research

These figures from Punjab also match the findings of medical research on the long-term effects of burn injuries. According to a study published in PubMed, a study of 892 burn patients at a tertiary hospital in Punjab found that 79 percent of the patients were in the age group of 15 to 45 years. This shows that burnout events can seriously affect people in their working age. The study also emphasized the need for accessible and affordable burn care in India.

Statement of Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh

In this regard, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “The burn injury does not end with the fire being extinguished. For many patients, recovery means repeated medical procedures, rehabilitation and long-term care. Our priority is to ensure that financial hardship does not become another injury for these families. Under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, patients will be able to take care of their health, rather than worrying about how they will afford the treatment. “To be able to focus on recovery and getting life back together.” One of the most significant figures is that of post-burn contracture, for which 75 treatments were done at a cost of ₹38.90 lakh.

What is post-burn contracture?

Post-burn contracture may be caused by the contraction of scar tissue that forms after a burn injury. This limits body movements and may make it difficult to perform normal daily tasks. Thus, the effects of a burn injury may persist long after the skin has healed.

Other treatment procedures

Other treatment procedures include treatment of total body surface burns, tissue expanders, treatment of electrical and chemical burns, antibiotic dressings, skin flaps, debridement and ear/nose reconstruction. These are not just aesthetic problems. For some patients, these treatments are all they need to regain activity, function, and confidence.

District-wise figures of beneficiaries

Among the districts included in the data, Bathinda recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, where 63 treatments were provided to 57 people. ₹33.51 lakh was spent on treatment here. After this, 40 beneficiaries were registered in Faridkot and 39 beneficiaries in Patiala. Whereas, Rupnagar, S.A.S. One beneficiary each was registered in Nagar and Fatehgarh Sahib.

Importance of timely comprehensive treatment

Dr. Balbir Singh said that the treatment data shows the importance of providing timely comprehensive treatment to burn patients, especially children, youth and people of working age, as these groups constitute a significant number of beneficiaries. He said, “A burn incident can change a person's life in a matter of seconds, but recovery often takes much longer. Cashless treatment for burn victims, therefore, makes very practical sense—when a fire “If it is finally put out, the family does not have to face another fire, i.e. hospital bills.”