Punjab government becomes a support: Gurpreet, battling a serious illness, finds hope

July 3, 2026

After years of battling a serious heart condition, a hole in her heart, Gurpreet Kaur finally found relief and hope for a new life through the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme. This ambitious scheme of the Bhagwant Mann government is providing quality healthcare services to the people of the state, freeing them from the worry of high medical expenses.

Under the scheme, eligible families are provided cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per year, making treatment of even serious illnesses easier. Having won the trust of over 4.5 million people, this scheme has provided support to thousands of families during medical emergencies, and Gurpreet Kaur’s story serves as an inspiring example of the success of this public-spirited initiative.

One such beneficiary is 37-year-old Gurpreet Kaur from Bathinda, whose life was suddenly jeopardized by a serious heart condition. When she discovered she had a large hole in her heart, she faced not only a serious health challenge but also the worry of the high cost of treatment. However, successful treatment at AIIMS Bathinda and the support of the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme gave her a new lease on life. For most people, their heartbeat is something they never think about.

It silently continues to flow through life’s joys and sorrows. But Gurpreet Kaur’s every heartbeat unknowingly carried a hidden danger. Until now, Gurpreet’s life had been normal, centered around caring for her family and household responsibilities. No one knew that she had been suffering from a heart condition since birth, which remained undetected for years.

During an examination, doctors discovered a large 22-millimeter atrial septal defect (ASD) between the two upper chambers of her heart. This caused an imbalance in blood flow and put additional strain on the heart. If left untreated, it could lead to serious complications such as heart failure.

The diagnosis of the condition created a wave of anxiety within the family. On one hand, there were health concerns, and on the other, the cost of treatment was a significant challenge. Gurpreet Kaur says, “The first thought that came to my mind was the cost of treatment. I was worried about how we would be able to afford it. It felt like our family was at a very difficult juncture in life.”

Specialists at AIIMS Bathinda recommended a special procedure to address this problem. According to hospital records, the procedure was performed under general anesthesia in the cardiac catheterization lab on May 5, 2026. The hole in the heart was closed by inserting a 24-millimeter Amplatzer Septal Occluder device.

The family relied on the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, which covered the treatment cost of approximately one lakh rupees. The procedure was risky, and the consent documents mentioned concerns such as potential cardiac complications, hemodynamic instability, and the need for critical medical assistance.

Family members stood outside the cardiac catheterization lab, praying with folded hands. Gurpreet’s husband recalls that time, “All we could do was pray. Every minute felt so long. When the doctor came out and told us everything was successful, it felt like a huge burden had been lifted from our heads.” The procedure was completely successful, with no complications. For Gurpreet, it was a new beginning toward a healthy future. The financial support received under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme proved crucial for the family, saving them from huge expenses that could have been unaffordable.

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said this case demonstrates the true purpose of public health assistance. He said, “No family should be deprived of quality treatment due to financial difficulties. Gurpreet’s recovery is proof that timely medical care and financial security can not only save lives but also maintain the dignity of families.”

Today, Gurpreet Kaur, like thousands of other beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme, is moving forward with renewed hope and improved health. According to the latest data from the Punjab State Health Agency, 175,210 patients have benefited under the scheme so far, and 343,370 treatments have been performed. A total of ₹581.90 crore has been spent on the scheme so far, demonstrating the government’s strong commitment to cashless healthcare in the state.