‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana’ a boon for brain stroke patients; 914 patients received cashless treatment in 6 months

August 8, 2026

In Punjab, the ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana’ is proving to be a boon for critically ill patients. According to the latest data from the State Health Agency (SHA), 914 stroke patients received treatment under this scheme over the past six months, incurring an expenditure of approximately ₹4.15 crore. This demonstrates that the scheme is becoming a lifeline for economically disadvantaged families in the treatment of severe neurological conditions.

What is a brain stroke?

A brain stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly cut off or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This prevents oxygen from reaching brain cells, causing them to sustain rapid damage. Without timely treatment, the patient could lose their life or suffer permanent disability.

According to experts, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unbalanced diet are the primary risk factors for stroke.

A major global challenge

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. The positive aspect is that many of its risk factors can be controlled in time. Similarly, the US health agency CDC holds the view that timely and appropriate treatment significantly boosts a patient’s chances of recovery. Furthermore, the risk of stroke can be substantially reduced by managing blood pressure, diabetes, and other health issues.

Crores spent on treatment

According to the SHA, a total of ₹4.15 crore was spent on treating the 914 patients over the last six months. This figure includes 48 patients with acute ischemic stroke, whose treatment cost approximately ₹14.27 lakh. Records indicate that the highest number of patients fell into the acute stroke and ischemic stroke categories.

While cases of hemorrhagic stroke were fewer, the cost of treating these patients was relatively higher due to the need for advanced medical facilities. In many instances, specialized procedures such as CT scans, MRIs, ICU care, tracheostomies, and blood transfusions were required, thereby increasing treatment expenses.

Speaking on this, Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, stated that the government aims to ensure financial constraints do not hinder a patient’s treatment. The objective of the ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana” (Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana) is to provide timely and quality medical care to the needy. In emergency situations like a stroke, every minute is precious; financial assistance at such critical moments can prevent treatment delays and often plays a pivotal role in saving lives.

Expert’s Warning

Dr. Harman Sobti, a senior neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at Sobti Neuro Super Speciality Hospital and Mohandai Oswal Hospital in Ludhiana, emphasized that a stroke is a medical emergency; the sooner diagnosis and treatment begin, the better the chances of recovery. Modern diagnostic techniques like CT scans and MRI scans now enable early detection of strokes, allowing for timely treatment.

Dr. Sobti urged the public not to ignore symptoms such as a sudden drooping of the face to one side, weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, or a sudden loss of balance.

Immediate medical attention should be sought if such symptoms appear, as the treatment for complex strokes can cost lakhs of rupees. In such scenarios, the ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana ‘ offers financial security to needy families. Prevention is better than cure; the risk of stroke can be significantly reduced by maintaining control over blood pressure and diabetes, consuming a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly.