Under the scheme, all Punjabi families possessing a Punjab Aadhaar card and voter ID will be eligible for cashless treatment at government and empanelled private hospitals. The cover includes expenses related to diagnostics, medicines, surgeries and hospitalisation. The government estimates that nearly 3 crore people from about 65 lakh families will benefit.
Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal described the launch as a “historic day” and said the absence of such universal health protection since Independence reflected long-standing policy neglect. “No Punjabi will now die due to lack of treatment. This scheme is for everyone, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said, adding that both government and private hospitals would be accessible to beneficiaries.
Chief Minister Mann said the initiative removes previous distinctions based on income-linked cards and extends equal healthcare access to every household. “Health is not a privilege. Families earlier delayed treatment fearing debt or loss of land. That fear ends today,” he said. Mann noted that the scheme covers major ailments including cancer, heart disease, kidney disorders, maternity care and knee replacement surgeries.
The programme provides a single floater card for the entire family, with a ₹10 lakh annual limit. Around 900 hospitals have been empanelled so far, including facilities in Chandigarh. The state has set up nearly 9,000 enrolment centres, while youth volunteers will assist with door-to-door registration. Beneficiaries will receive digital updates on their cards via mobile phones.
According to officials, hospitals will be reimbursed within 15 days. Treatment costs up to ₹1 lakh will be borne by the insurance provider, while expenses beyond that will be paid directly by the state health department. The Punjab government has allocated ₹1,200 crore for the scheme.
The initiative significantly expands coverage beyond the existing Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana, which offered up to ₹5 lakh with eligibility limits. Announced in July 2025, the scheme faced delays due to floods and administrative hurdles before its implementation this week.
