Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab’s Chief Minister Sehat Yojana has emerged as a major relief for patients suffering from serious and expensive illnesses, with more than 2.44 lakh people receiving cashless treatment under the scheme so far, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said on Monday.
According to data released by the State Health Agency, 2,44,468 patients have benefited from the programme through 10 major medical procedures, while the Punjab government has spent over ₹316.50 crore on their treatment.
Dr. Balbir Singh said the scheme is ensuring that patients receive timely treatment without the burden of arranging large sums of money for hospital expenses. He described it as one of the state’s most significant healthcare security initiatives.
The highest number of beneficiaries has come from patients requiring chronic haemodialysis. Under the scheme, 1,87,656 dialysis sessions have been completed at a cost of ₹30.65 crore, making it the most extensively used service.
The program has also funded several critical and advanced procedures, including:
17,698 laparoscopic gall bladder surgeries
10,751 knee replacement surgeries
9,317 cashless caesarean deliveries
8,734 angioplasty procedures
In addition, the scheme covers bypass surgery, hip replacement and kidney stone surgeries, providing financial protection for patients who would otherwise struggle to afford such treatments.
Health Minister said the impact of the programme goes beyond statistics. He noted that more people are recovering from long-term illnesses because treatment has become financially accessible, more elderly patients are regaining mobility after joint replacement surgeries, and more women are receiving institutional maternal healthcare services.
Dr. Balbir Singh added that the scheme is helping families focus on the recovery of patients instead of worrying about hospital bills, thereby reducing the economic shock that often accompanies serious illnesses.
With its continued expansion, the CM Sehat Yojana is increasingly being seen as one of Punjab’s strongest social welfare and healthcare programmes, offering both financial assistance for treatment and protection against the heavy economic burden caused by critical diseases.
