World Hypertension Day: Punjab screens over 1 crore people, expands Yoga, screening and cashless treatment facilities
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 17, 2026: On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, the Punjab Government highlighted its growing efforts to combat hypertension through prevention, early diagnosis and affordable healthcare under multiple public health initiatives.
Describing hypertension as a “silent killer,” Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the state has built a strong healthcare network aimed at tackling the rising burden of high blood pressure and related diseases such as stroke, heart failure and kidney complications.
According to the government, more than one crore people aged 30 years and above have already been screened for hypertension across Punjab, while nearly 24 lakh patients have been linked to treatment through the state’s healthcare system.
The minister said regular screening is being carried out at all government health facilities, including 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics, where people are being identified and connected to timely treatment, follow-up care and free medicines.
Alongside screening and treatment, the Punjab government is also focusing on prevention through the CM di Yogshala programme, which promotes yoga, stress management and healthier lifestyles. Officials said over 10,600 yoga classes involving nearly three lakh participants have already been organised under the initiative.
The government stated that patients suffering from serious hypertension-related emergencies, including strokes and cardiac complications, are receiving support through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which offers cashless treatment and financial relief to families struggling with expensive medical bills.
Citing data from the State Health Agency, officials said hypertension cases continue to be most common among middle-aged and elderly citizens between 40 and 80 years of age. Districts including Patiala, SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Faridkot have reported high numbers of patients across both men and women.
In Amritsar and Ludhiana, doctors observed a particularly high concentration of women patients aged between 50 and 77 years.
Dr Saurabh Sharma, Associate Professor and Head of Cardiology at Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, said hypertension is increasingly affecting younger age groups as well.
“Modern lifestyles, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and irregular routines are contributing to rising hypertension cases, even among teenagers and people in their twenties and thirties,” he said.
Dr Sharma warned that complications linked to high blood pressure are now appearing earlier than before, making timely diagnosis and treatment more critical.
Health officials said schemes like the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are encouraging patients to seek medical help sooner instead of delaying treatment due to financial concerns. They added that the programme has become an important support system for middle-class families, pensioners and government employees facing rising healthcare costs.