‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’ Becomes a Lifeline for Heart Patients; 135 Patients Receive Free Treatment Worth ₹2.71 Crore

August 1, 2026

The Punjab government’s ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’ has proven to be a major boon for the rising number of heart disease patients in the state. Under this scheme, the government provides cashless heart treatment facilities to eligible patients.

Ignoring Chest Pain Proved Costly

Manjit Singh, a 58-year-old from Fazilka district, initially dismissed his chest pain and discomfort as mere fatigue. However, when the pain recurred and he experienced breathlessness after walking even short distances, he sought medical help. Examinations revealed a blockage in a major coronary artery, necessitating immediate treatment. He was subsequently taken to the catheterization lab, where doctors performed an angioplasty, inserted a stent, and restored normal blood flow to his heart. Timely treatment saved his life.

Rising Heart Disease Cases Among the Youth

Government data indicates that heart disease is no longer confined to the elderly. Among those who have availed of cashless heart treatment under the scheme, the largest group consists of young people aged 17 to 35. This clearly shows that changing lifestyles are making younger individuals susceptible to heart-related ailments.

Do Not Ignore These Symptoms

According to experts, certain common signs of heart disease appear early on. These include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained extreme fatigue, and pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back. Doctors state that if these symptoms are recognized early and treated promptly, serious complications and life-threatening situations can largely be averted.

Financial Constraints: The Biggest Hurdle in Treatment

Heart disease treatment is often very expensive. Consequently, financially disadvantaged families are frequently unable to access timely care. For many patients like Manjit Singh, the primary challenge is not the illness itself, but the cost of treatment. Addressing this issue, the Punjab government is providing cashless cardiac treatment facilities to eligible patients under the ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’. This enables patients to receive timely treatment without the worry of exorbitant hospital bills.

Free Treatment for 135 Patients So Far

According to the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, 135 patients have undergone cashless cardiac treatment under the ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’ as of July 15, 2026. The government has spent ₹2.71 crore on the treatment of these patients. These treatments cover congenital heart disease, surgeries for heart valve-related issues, and other complex cardiac conditions. The government states that this scheme plays a crucial role in providing timely, life-saving treatment to patients in need.

Health Minister Appeals to the Public

Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, stated that heart disease is one of the major health challenges today. However, many lives can be saved through timely screening, awareness, and prompt treatment. He urged the public not to ignore symptoms such as persistent chest pain, breathing difficulties, unusual fatigue, or other signs associated with heart disease, and to consult a doctor immediately. The government aims to ensure that no eligible patient is deprived of life-saving treatment due to financial constraints. Through the ‘Mukh mantri Sehat Yojana’, timely and quality cardiac treatment is being made available to eligible families to save as many lives as possible.