Punjab announced Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana in July 2025 and launched it in January 2026. It offers cashless health cover of Rs 10 lakh per family per year, with no income limit. Existing beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat or the earlier state scheme receive a Rs 5 lakh top-up. The scheme targets about 65 lakh families. Its delivery depends on access, hospital participation, financial management and coordination with primary care.
Timeline: from central cover to state expansion
- 2018central schemeNational cover
Ayushman Bharat began offering eligible families health cover of Rs 5 lakh.
- 2022primary careClinics
Punjab introduced Aam Aadmi Clinics for primary care.
- July2025Announcement
Punjab’s Chief Minister announced a wider family health cover scheme.
- Jan2026Rollout
Punjab launched the scheme; cards were handed over at an event in Mohali.
What is Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana?
It is a Punjab health cover scheme for all state residents, without an income limit. The annual Rs 10 lakh cover is on a family-floater basis: family members share the cover.
Families already covered by Ayushman Bharat or the earlier state scheme receive a Rs 5 lakh top-up. About 20 lakh families not covered earlier receive the full Rs 10 lakh cover.
The two sides
The case for wider cover
- No income limit brings more resident families within the scheme.
- Cashless treatment can reduce immediate payment pressures on families.
- A top-up builds on cover available to existing beneficiaries.
Implementation considerations
- Public funding must remain sustainable alongside other health needs.
- Eligible families need clear information and help with documents.
- Access depends on hospital participation and effective claim processing.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual cover | Rs 10 lakh per family, cashless and shared by family members. |
| Eligibility | Punjab residents, with no income limit; government employees and pensioners are included. |
| Documents | Punjab Aadhaar and voter ID. |
| Existing beneficiaries | A Rs 5 lakh top-up for families under Ayushman Bharat or the earlier state scheme. |
| Coverage target | About 65 lakh families; about 20 lakh not covered earlier receive full cover. |
| Funding | Reported as Rs 778 crore in 2025–26; Rs 1,200 crore allocated for the scheme. |
| Central scheme | Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides Rs 5 lakh cover for eligible families. |
Way forward
- Enrolment support: Help residents understand eligibility and document requirements.
- Hospital access: Monitor availability and resolve service gaps across districts.
- Claims oversight: Track claims and address delays through a clear grievance process.
- Fiscal review: Regularly assess spending and budget needs without weakening essential services.
- Continuity of care: Link hospital treatment with primary care and follow-up at Aam Aadmi Clinics.
Likely interview questions
What is Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana?
Answer pointers:
- Punjab’s cashless family health cover scheme, launched in January 2026.
- Rs 10 lakh annually per family, with no income limit.
- Explain the top-up for existing beneficiaries and the need for accessible delivery.
Do you think health cover without an income limit is justified?
Answer pointers:
- Wider eligibility can reduce exclusion and financial pressure.
- Universal cover also raises questions about public spending priorities.
- Support regular fiscal review and equitable access.
Do you think a higher insurance cover is enough to improve health outcomes?
Answer pointers:
- Cashless cover can make treatment more affordable.
- Outcomes also depend on service quality, prevention and timely access.
- Combine financial protection with stronger primary care.
As Deputy Commissioner of Mohali, how would you help eligible families use the scheme?
Answer pointers:
- Share clear information on eligibility and required documents.
- Coordinate with health officials and hospitals to identify access barriers.
- Review grievances and resolve recurring problems promptly.
How would you link this scheme with Ayushman Bharat and primary care?
Answer pointers:
- Explain the Rs 5 lakh top-up for existing eligible beneficiaries.
- Distinguish hospital cover from primary care at Aam Aadmi Clinics.
- Promote coordination and continuity of care.
Balance the benefit of wider cover with questions of funding and delivery. Avoid treating an insurance entitlement as a substitute for functioning health services.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. What is the annual family cover under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana?
(a) Rs 2 lakh (b) Rs 5 lakh (c) Rs 10 lakh (d) Rs 20 lakh
Show answer
Answer: (c) because the scheme provides Rs 10 lakh per family per year.
Q2. Which group is eligible under the Punjab scheme?
(a) Only pensioners (b) Only rural residents (c) Only central employees (d) Punjab residents without an income limit
Show answer
Answer: (d) because the scheme covers Punjab residents without an income limit.
Q3. What top-up do families already covered under Ayushman Bharat or the earlier state scheme receive?
(a) Rs 1 lakh (b) Rs 5 lakh (c) Rs 10 lakh (d) Rs 20 lakh
Show answer
Answer: (b) because existing beneficiary families receive a Rs 5 lakh top-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana?
All Punjab residents are eligible, without an income limit. Government employees and pensioners are included.
What documents are required for the scheme?
Punjab Aadhaar and voter ID are required. Families can seek enrolment guidance to understand the process.
Is the Rs 10 lakh cover available to each family member separately?
No, it is a family-floater cover shared by family members. The cover is Rs 10 lakh per family per year.
Sources: Tribune, Medical Dialogues, PTC News
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