Punjab Government Launches Health Insurance Scheme for Residents

The Punjab government is launching a health insurance scheme that provides coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for residents holding Aadhaar and voter ID cards. Set to be inaugurated on January 15, this initiative will allow beneficiaries to access cashless treatment at over 800 hospitals statewide. In response to recent water contamination issues in Indore, the health minister has called for free treatment for affected families. The Chief Minister Health Scheme aims to ensure that every family in Punjab receives quality medical care, with registration for the health cards starting soon. This comprehensive approach to health insurance marks a significant step towards improving healthcare access in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 14:26 IST

New Health Insurance Initiative in Punjab

The Punjab government is set to offer health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for holders of Aadhaar and voter ID cards. The official launch of this initiative will take place on January 15, with former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in attendance. Most beneficiaries can expect to receive their health cards within the next three to four months. Under this scheme, individuals will have access to cashless treatment at over 800 private and government hospitals across the state.

Response to Water Contamination Issues

In light of recent deaths caused by contaminated water in Indore, Punjab's health minister expressed condolences to the affected families, emphasizing that their treatment should be free of charge. He criticized the conduct of the minister involved, labeling it as highly inappropriate. The health minister noted that Indore had previously been recognized as a clean city, but the current situation is alarming. Discussing water security in Punjab, he mentioned that in areas where uranium has been detected in groundwater, the state government is ensuring the supply of treated canal water. Additionally, drinking water is being transported from neighboring villages to regions facing water shortages.

Launch of Chief Minister Health Scheme

Earlier on Friday, Bhagwant Mann approved the launch of the Chief Minister Health Scheme, which will provide free, cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for every family in the state. This initiative is set to commence in January, with registration starting soon. Chief Minister Mann instructed the health department to finalize the necessary arrangements for the scheme's rollout. In September of this year, he had announced the introduction of a state health insurance program that would offer cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for each family in Punjab.

Registration Process for Health Cards

Discussing this initiative, Mann stated that benefits will be provided through the 'CM Health Card,' with the registration process beginning tomorrow. He reiterated the recent announcement that every family in the state would receive health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh. With the CM Health Card, residents can access cashless treatment up to this amount. This health card aims to ensure that every citizen in Punjab receives free and quality medical care.