Punjab CM Mann launches distribution of 1.26 crore Mukh Mantri Sehat Cards, 54 lakh families to get health cover
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), September 20, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday launched the distribution of 1.26 crore Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna cards, with the scheme expected to provide health cover to around 54 lakh families across the state.
According to the Punjab Government, more than 7 lakh patients have so far received treatment under the scheme, with ₹1,310 crore spent on their healthcare.
The scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to eligible beneficiaries, with the government saying that patients can avail themselves of treatment without paying from their own pocket.
Speaking at the card distribution ceremony in Mohali, Mann said the objective was to ensure that families do not face financial distress because of serious illness.
“Healthcare should not become a luxury available only to those who can afford it,” he said, adding that the scheme was intended to provide both health and financial security to families.
The Chief Minister said beneficiaries could access treatment at government or private hospitals covered under the scheme. The Health Department said the scheme currently covers 2,356 treatment packages through more than 900 empanelled hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh.
These include treatment for serious and high-cost conditions such as dialysis, cancer, cardiac diseases, kidney and liver transplantation, besides knee replacement, cataract surgery, C-section deliveries and emergency care.
Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the scheme was helping beneficiaries access timely treatment and reduce the financial burden associated with major illnesses. He also said the first kidney transplant at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, was performed under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.
Cards to be distributed through camps and door-to-door visits
The next phase of the card distribution will cover eligible families through camps in more than 1,800 villages, while beneficiaries in other areas will receive their cards through door-to-door distribution.
The government said Sehat Mitras and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) would visit households, deliver the card kits and explain the benefits available under the scheme.
District administrations and health officials have been directed to ensure that eligible families in remote areas or those unable to attend distribution camps are also covered.
Mann highlights Aam Aadmi Clinics
Mann also highlighted the state’s network of around 1,100 Aam Aadmi Clinics, saying they had recorded approximately 5.5 crore outpatient department (OPD) visits.
He said the clinics were intended to bring primary healthcare closer to people’s homes and reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for basic medical services.
The Chief Minister also announced that a three-month instalment under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna would be released on October 1. Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang and other officials and public representatives attended the event.
Several beneficiaries also shared their experiences of receiving treatment under the scheme, including an elderly patient who underwent treatment for a knee problem and another family whose child received treatment at a private hospital under the scheme.