In Indian households, a medical emergency often raises two crucial concerns: how quickly can treatment start, and how will the family cover the costs? This issue is growing more pressing as healthcare costs rise. A significant difference is emerging in how states like Punjab and the central government fund healthcare.
Take Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY). In the 2026-27 budget, the state allocated ₹2,000 crore, providing cashless healthcare up to ₹10 lakh per family for nearly 3 crore residents. In contrast, the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Scheme has earmarked ₹9,500 crore for a population of 140 crore, which translates to significantly lower investment per person.
What stands out about the Punjab model is its focus on universal coverage. Unlike Ayushman Bharat, which limits benefits based on economic status, MMSY doesn’t differentiate based on income. Every resident in Punjab, regardless of financial status, is covered—this is a fundamental shift in healthcare policy. While Ayushman Bharat offers ₹5 lakh per family per year, MMSY doubles that amount, providing access to families previously excluded from government schemes.
According to recent reports, hospitals across Punjab are enrolled to offer care for over 2,300 medical packages, covering serious conditions like cancer and heart disease. This is an expansion compared to Ayushman Bharat, which covers about 1,900 packages. The difference in coverage illustrates a shift toward making healthcare decisions based on medical needs rather than financial ability.
The process of accessing these services is also simplified in Punjab. Instead of navigating complex eligibility checks like in Ayushman Bharat, residents can easily apply online or at local service centers. This ease of access is crucial for families who previously struggled to get government healthcare.
Stories are already emerging that highlight the impact of MMSY. For instance, a 98-year-old woman from Moga received essential chemotherapy covered by the scheme. This allowed her to start treatment immediately, free from financial concerns. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that this approach is a policy shift toward healthcare as a guaranteed right for everyone in Punjab.
With over 9 lakh Sehat Cards issued, patients in Punjab are now accessing treatment across an expanding network of 900 accredited hospitals. In contrast to the previous model that limited care, this one embraces the idea that healthcare should be a universal right.
In a nation where unexpected hospital bills can plunge families into debt, Punjab’s approach may serve as a model for other states. It turns healthcare from an eligibility-driven service into an inherent public right, reflecting a fundamental change in how societies can care for their citizens.
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