Punjab announces Rs 6,879 crore Health budget; CM Health Scheme to cover 65 lakh families; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 8, 2026:In a major boost to the state’s healthcare system, the Punjab government today announced a health budget of Rs 6,879 crore, with a focus on expanding access and quality of medical services.
The highlight of the budget is the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana, which will provide free health insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh to around 65 lakh families across the state.
Under this scheme, Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated to ensure cashless treatment in over 900 government and private hospitals. The initiative aims to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all citizens.
The government also emphasized the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, which currently number 881—with 565 in rural and 316 in urban areas. These clinics have treated around 5 crore patients so far, with 55% of beneficiaries being women. Offering 107 free medicines and 47 free tests, the clinics will see the addition of 143 new centers and upgradation of 308 health centers, targeting a total of 1,432 clinics over the next five years. For this, Rs 351 crore has been earmarked.
To modernize hospitals, 23 district hospitals and 42 sub-divisional hospitals will be upgraded with new medical equipment worth Rs 300 crore. To tackle the shortage of medical personnel, the government has accelerated recruitment: 934 doctors have joined since 2022, with 400 more specialists and 500 nurses expected to be recruited soon.