Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab government is set to speed up the distribution of Chief Minister Sehat Scheme cards, with nearly 33 lakh cards expected to be made available across districts soon. The state aims to bring all eligible beneficiaries under the scheme and ensure timely access to healthcare benefits.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that around 31 lakh Chief Minister Sehat Scheme cards have already been supplied to districts, while an additional 2 lakh cards are expected to be delivered shortly.
To fast-track the process, the government has identified nearly 2,008 villages and urban wards where 400 or more beneficiaries are eligible for the cards. Special distribution camps will be organized at these locations, enabling beneficiaries to collect their cards within their own areas.
Beneficiaries will be informed in advance about the camps. ASHA workers, ASHA facilitators, Sehat Mitras and other field staff will be deployed to mobilize beneficiaries and ensure maximum participation.
The camp-based distribution drive will begin after Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann formally launches the Chief Minister Sehat Scheme Card distribution program. The government has set a target to complete card distribution through these camps within one week of the launch.
In villages and wards with fewer than 400 beneficiaries, the ongoing door-to-door distribution system will continue. Cards that remain undelivered after the camp campaign will also be distributed through ASHA workers and facilitators at beneficiaries’ homes.
To encourage last-mile delivery, ASHA workers will receive ₹10 for every successfully distributed card, while ASHA facilitators will be paid ₹2 per card. Records of door-to-door distribution will be maintained, and incentive claims will be processed by the concerned health authorities.
State Health Agency has already supplied districts with cards and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material, including card jackets, envelopes and brochures. Officials have been directed to closely monitor the process and ensure compliance with timelines and standard operating procedures.
Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to completing the distribution of Chief Minister Sehat Scheme cards across the state within the stipulated timeframe, with a focus on ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of the scheme's benefits.
