The North News
Chandigarh, January 2
The Punjab government is set to launch a new state-wide health insurance scheme this month, promising ₹10 lakh cashless medical cover for every family, as part of its push towards universal health coverage. The scheme, titled Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), was formally advanced on Friday with the signing of an agreement between the state and United India Insurance Company. The deal was signed in the presence of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh. The programme follows an earlier announcement by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who said the scheme would be launched in January 2026 to ensure financial protection and healthcare access for all households in the state.
The agreement was signed by Sanyam Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Agency (SHA), and Mathew George, Executive Director of United India Insurance Company. Calling it a landmark reform, Minister Balbir Singh said the new scheme significantly expands the scope of state health protection. “Earlier coverage was capped at ₹5 lakh and limited to certain categories. Under MMSY, every family in Punjab — including government employees and pensioners — will be eligible for cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per year,” he said.
The scheme will be formally launched on 15 January 2026 by Chief Minister Mann along with AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, according to the Health Minister.
Officials said the scheme has no income ceiling or exclusion criteria, making it fully inclusive. Enrolment will be carried out through Common Service Centres using Aadhaar and voter identity cards, after which beneficiaries will receive MMSY health cards. A dedicated helpline is also expected to be launched.
Under the operational model, United India Insurance Company will provide insurance cover of ₹1 lakh per family for all 65 lakh families in Punjab. Treatment costs beyond this — up to ₹10 lakh — will be covered by the State Health Agency on a trust-based model.
The scheme will use the latest Health Benefit Package (HBP 2.2), covering more than 2,000 treatment packages. Beneficiaries will be able to access services at 824 empanelled hospitals, including public, central government and private healthcare facilities. The network is expected to expand further.
Punjab Principal Secretary (Health) Kumar Rahul was also present at the signing ceremony.
