Punjab: Mann govt to roll out Rs 10-lakh medical cover from January 22

Balbir Singh said the entire cost of the scheme, from preparation of health cards to medical treatment, will be borne by the government and no individual or agency is permitted to charge even a single rupee at any stage.

Referring to complaints from Muktsar and Mansa, the Health Minister said strict action has already been taken after it emerged that some individuals were illegally charging Rs 50 for making health cards. He said the accused have been suspended, their licences cancelled and FIRs registered against them, making it clear that such practices will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Explaining the enrolment process, Balbir Singh said youth club volunteers will go door to door to distribute tokens. Citizens will have to visit designated centres with the token, along with their Aadhaar card and voter ID, to get their health cards made completely free of cost.

Reiterating the government’s resolve, the Health Minister said the Mann government is committed to transparent, people-centric healthcare and warned that strict action will continue against anyone trying to cheat citizens in the name of welfare schemes.

The universal healthcare cover will be provided to all 65 lakh families in the state. Any resident of Punjab having an Aadhaar card and a voter card will be eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme, the health minister had earlier said.