Chandigarh – In a landmark move aimed at strengthening public healthcare and reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses, the Punjab government has announced the formal rollout of the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ (MMSY) on January 15, 2026. The scheme promises free, cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family for all residents of the state, making it one of the most ambitious universal healthcare initiatives in India.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced the details of the scheme during a press conference on Friday, describing it as a completely inclusive programme designed to cover every family in the state without any income cap or exclusion criteria. “This scheme will cover 100 per cent of the population in Punjab,” Singh said. He added that 65 lakh families will be eligible for the benefits, provided they possess an Aadhaar card and a voter card.

The scheme will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal at a launch event scheduled for January 15. According to Singh, the government has designed the scheme to be fully accessible and user-friendly, with over 9,000 enrolment camps planned across the state. Beneficiaries will be able to register at Common Service Centres (CSCs) and will receive a dedicated MMSY health card. A helpline will also be established to guide residents through the enrolment and claim process.

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is intended to cover secondary and tertiary medical care, spanning approximately 2,200 medical procedures. Beneficiaries will have access to a wide network of 824 empanelled hospitals, including 212 public hospitals, eight central government hospitals, and over 600 private hospitals, with plans to expand this network further as the scheme develops.

Dr Singh explained the insurance structure: The United India Insurance Company, selected for its track record in managing similar state-level health schemes, will provide coverage of ₹1 lakh per family for all enrolled families. For treatment costs exceeding ₹1 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh, coverage will be provided directly by the State Health Agency, Punjab.

“The scheme is designed to ensure cashless and paperless treatment, covering hospitalisation, surgeries, ICU care, diagnostics, medicines, as well as pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses under approved treatment packages,” Singh said. He emphasised that the initiative is intended to eliminate the financial burden of healthcare for both rural and urban residents, particularly for families who might otherwise face catastrophic medical expenses.

Implementation and Operational Details

The government has signed a formal agreement with United India Insurance, which will manage the initial insurance coverage of ₹1 lakh per family. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr Balbir Singh by State Health Agency CEO Sanyam Aggarwal and United India Insurance Executive Director Mathew George.

The Health Minister assured residents that the enrolment process will be straightforward and accessible, with designated officials available at CSCs and enrolment camps to facilitate registration. Beneficiaries will receive their health cards promptly, which will enable instant access to cashless treatment at any empanelled hospital across Punjab.

Officials also highlighted that the scheme is not limited by family income or socio-economic status, making it a universal entitlement for every eligible resident. This approach reflects a broader effort by the Punjab government to enhance healthcare equity, particularly in underserved areas where access to affordable medical care has historically been a challenge.

Reducing Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenditure

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has previously stated that MMSY aims to reduce out-of-pocket spending, which remains a major barrier to quality healthcare in India. The scheme will cover expenses related to hospitalisation, surgeries, ICU care, diagnostics, medicines, and other associated medical costs, providing a safety net for families facing significant health emergencies.

Dr Singh emphasised that the initiative is part of the government’s long-term commitment to universal health coverage, aligning with national and international standards for equitable and affordable healthcare. By integrating private and public hospitals into the empanelled network, the scheme aims to increase access to high-quality medical facilities across urban and rural regions of Punjab.

Public-Private Collaboration

The involvement of United India Insurance as a partner ensures that the scheme benefits from the expertise of a professional insurance provider with experience in implementing similar initiatives in other states, including Tamil Nadu. Singh highlighted that the collaboration will allow for efficient claim processing, robust monitoring, and effective grievance redressal, ensuring that the scheme functions smoothly from the outset.

The State Health Agency will oversee cases requiring coverage beyond ₹1 lakh, demonstrating a layered insurance model that balances private sector efficiency with government oversight. This dual structure is expected to expedite treatment for patients while maintaining transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

Looking Ahead

With the formal launch just weeks away, the Punjab government is focused on ensuring widespread awareness and enrolment. Residents are encouraged to attend local enrolment camps and register through CSCs to receive their MMSY health cards. Authorities have committed to continuous monitoring and expansion of the empanelled hospital network, guaranteeing that beneficiaries can access timely care without financial hurdles.

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna represents a significant step forward in Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure, promising to deliver financial protection, improved access to medical facilities, and enhanced health outcomes for millions of residents. By combining comprehensive coverage, cashless treatment, and inclusive enrolment, the scheme sets a benchmark for universal health initiatives at the state level.

As Punjab prepares for the January 15 rollout, officials and health authorities are working diligently to ensure that the scheme delivers on its promise of accessible, high-quality, and financially secure healthcare for all families in the state.

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