Govt spends Rs 914 crore under free health insurance scheme: Dr. Balbir Singh

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Patiala, July 23

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday reviewed the progress of the Punjab Government’s Rs 10 lakh free health insurance scheme during a press conference in Patiala, highlighting its reach, expenditure and action taken against hospitals found violating scheme guidelines.

The minister said around 5.03 million (50.3 lakh) people have registered under the scheme by obtaining health insurance cards. Of these, 512,000 beneficiaries have availed themselves of cashless treatment, with the government spending Rs 914 crore on their medical care so far.

Providing a demographic breakdown of beneficiaries, Dr Balbir Singh said 52 per cent of those who have benefited from the scheme are women, while 68 per cent belong to rural areas.

He further stated that 733 cancer patients have received treatment under the scheme.

Dr Balbir Singh also said the Punjab Government carried out inspections of hospitals empanelled under the scheme through a dedicated team to ensure compliance with its guidelines.

During the inspection, authorities found that around 14 hospitals had allegedly attempted to claim higher payments by providing incorrect information. As a result, the government imposed penalties amounting to Rs 78 lakh on the hospitals.

The minister added that one hospital was removed from the scheme’s empanelled list after being subjected to a substantial penalty over the reported irregularities.