In a landmark move poised to transform healthcare accessibility across the state, the Punjab government has announced the expansion and enhancement of its flagship health insurance scheme, the Mukhyamantri Sehat Bima Yojana (now effectively encompassing and superseding previous iterations like Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana). This progressive initiative, widely referred to as the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, irrespective of their income or location. This significant announcement, made today, July 8, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Punjab’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen faces financial hardship due to medical emergencies. With an increased health cover of up to ₹10 lakh per family per year, this scheme is designed to offer cashless and paperless treatment at a vast network of government and empanelled private hospitals, making quality healthcare a fundamental right for every Punjabi.
‘Mukham Mantri Sehat Yojana’ will cover about 3 crore people of Punjab. This scheme will start from 2nd October, 2025. MMSY health cards will be issued to the actual residents of the state, including government employees and pensioners. Under this, free and cashless treatment will be provided in all types of government and private hospitals. It is our responsibility to provide quality health facilities to Punjab, which we are fulfilling with dedication. These cards will be made in the E-Sewa center and hospitals.
However, the government is making plans for this scheme, but we think the following criteria will have to be followed by the applicants.
When will the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card scheme start?
This scheme will start from October 2, and health cards of people will be distributed by setting up camps in every village and city. Applicants can also apply from the Sewa Kendra and hospitals.
Eligibility for Mukhyamantri Sehat Card
Previously, the scheme primarily covered specific categories of beneficiaries. However, with the latest announcement, the eligibility criteria have been significantly broadened to achieve universal coverage. The scheme now aims to cover all 65 lakh families residing in Punjab. This includes, but is not limited to, the following categories that were previously covered and will now benefit from the enhanced coverage:
- You should be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- It does not matter whether you are a government employee, farmer, high-income, middle-class, or poor; this scheme is for all people in Punjab.
Essentially, if you are a resident of Punjab, you are now expected to be eligible for the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card benefits, making it truly a scheme for “every Punjabi.”
How to Apply for Mukhyamantri Sehat Card Yojana Online or Offline
For this, only a voter card and an Aadhaar card will be required. Neither the caste nor the income of anyone will be asked. Every person will be given a separate health card, through which people will be able to get free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. Apart from this, even if someone’s health card is not made and he falls ill, he can go straight to the hospital. Even if you are going for treatment, you will be able to get your health card made by carrying your voter card and Aadhaar card, and then you will be able to avail of the facility.
However, to access the benefits and receive your “Mukhyamantri Sehat Card” (or e-card), which is essential for cashless treatment, the process typically involves the following steps:
1. Check Your Eligibility:
- Online Portal or Sewa Kendra: Visit the official website of the State Health Agency, Punjab (sha.punjab.gov.in). Look for a “Citizen Corner” or “Check Eligibility” section. You might be prompted to enter your UID number, Ration Card number, or a unique family identification number to ascertain if your family is covered under the scheme.
- Nearest Empanelled Hospital/ASHA Worker: You can also inquire about your eligibility at any empanelled public or private hospital, or through your local ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker.
2. E-Card Generation (Getting Your Sehat Card):
- Online Self-Registration: With the latest announcement, the government is emphasizing self-registration through the ‘Ayushman App’ or the official website beneficiary.nha.gov.in. This portal allows you to verify your details and generate your e-card.
- Common Service Centres (CSCs) / Sewa Kendras: These are designated centers across Punjab where you can go to get your e-card generated. You may need to pay a nominal fee (e.g., ₹30) for the printout of the card.
- Empanelled Hospitals: Many impanelled private and public hospitals also facilitate the generation of e-cards.
- Mobile Camps/Special Drives: The government often organizes special camps and drives to facilitate e-card generation, especially in rural areas.
3. Documents Required for E-Card Generation (if needed for verification):
While the scheme is entitlement-based, you might be asked for certain documents for verification purposes during the e-card generation process, particularly if there are discrepancies or if you need to add family members. Common documents include:
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Aadhaar Card: For identity verification of family members.
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Voter card: In cases where a Ration Card is not available.
4. Benefits of the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card
The Mukhyamantri Sehat Card provides a robust safety net against healthcare expenses. Key benefits include:
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Enhanced Financial Protection: A cashless health insurance cover of ₹10,00,000 per family per year. This is a significant increase from the previous ₹5 lakh cover and includes a ₹5 lakh top-up by the state for families already covered under the central Ayushman Bharat scheme.
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Cashless and Paperless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail of cashless and paperless treatment at all government and 552 private hospitals across Punjab.
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Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers a vast array of medical procedures, with approximately 1,950 types of treatments, including secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, daycare surgeries, 3 days pre-hospitalization, 15 days post-hospitalization expenses, and treatment of newborn children.
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No Cap on Family Size: There is no ceiling on the size of a family, ensuring every member is covered.
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Pre-existing Diseases Covered: The scheme also covers pre-existing diseases.
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Extensive Hospital Network: A large number of government and private hospitals are empanelled under the scheme, providing ample choices for beneficiaries.
6. Important Considerations and Latest Updates
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Universal Coverage Goal: The latest announcement signifies a major shift towards universal health insurance, aiming to include all 65 lakh families in Punjab. This is a progressive step, making Punjab the first state to offer a ₹10 lakh universal health insurance cover.
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Rollout Timeline: The scheme is expected to be rolled out within the next three months, following cabinet approval and the selection of an insurer.
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Addressing Past Issues: The Punjab government has been actively working to address issues like pending payments to empanelled hospitals, which had sometimes led to disruptions in services. Recent reports indicate efforts to clear dues and streamline the claim process by hiring medical professionals.
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Digital Integration: The emphasis on the ‘Ayushman App’ and online portals highlights the government’s push for digital accessibility and efficiency in scheme delivery.
FAQs about Mukhyamantri Sehat Card
Q1: What is the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card?
A1: The Mukhyamantri Sehat Card refers to the health insurance card issued under the Punjab Government, which has now been expanded to provide universal health coverage to all families in Punjab. It provides cashless and paperless medical treatment.
Q2: What is the maximum health coverage provided?
A2: Each eligible family will receive a health cover of up to ₹10 lakh per annum. This includes a ₹5 lakh top-up from the state government for those already covered under the central Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Q3: Who is eligible for the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card now?
A3: With the latest announcement, all 65 lakh families residing in Punjab are expected to be eligible, irrespective of their income or location. This includes existing categories like Ration Card holders, farmers, small traders, construction workers, and journalists, as well as previously uncovered families.
Q4: Do I need to apply for this scheme?
A4: The scheme is entitlement-based, meaning eligible families are identified from government databases. You generally don’t need to fill out a separate application form to enroll. However, you need to get your “Sehat Card” (e-card) to avail of benefits.
Q5: When will the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card scheme start?
A5: Mukhyamantri Sehat Card scheme will start from 2nd October 2025.
Q6: What documents are required to get the e-card?
A6: Typically, your Aadhaar Card and voter Card are the primary documents
Q7: Can I get treatment in private hospitals?
A7: Yes, cashless treatment is available at both government and empanelled private hospitals within Punjab. You can also avail treatment in hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat plan outside Punjab.
Q8: Are pre-existing diseases covered?
A8: Yes, pre-existing diseases are covered under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Card scheme.
Q9: What types of medical treatments are covered?
A9: The scheme covers a wide range of secondary and tertiary care treatments, including hospitalization expenses, daycare surgeries, 3 days of pre-hospitalization, and 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses, as well as treatment for newborn children. Around 1,950 procedures are covered.
Q10: What if my family’s name is not on the beneficiary list?
A10: The families that do not have a Punjab address, an Aadhaar card, or a voter card. If you believe you are eligible but cannot find your name, it is advisable to visit a Common Service Centre, Sewa Kendra, or contact the State Health Agency, Punjab for assistance and verification. The new budget provisions aim to cover previously excluded families.
Q11: Is there any limit on the number of family members covered?
A11: No, there is no ceiling on the size of a family; all members are covered under the scheme.
