Bhagwant Mann outlines Punjab's free healthcare and welfare initiatives in Gujarat

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, currently on a visit to Gujarat, addressed the media in Ahmedabad and outlined key public welfare initiatives implemented under the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab.

The press conference was attended by Punjab State In-charge Gopal Rai, Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi, MLAs Gopal Italia and Chaitar Vasava, and State Organization General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya.

Speaking on the occasion, Mann highlighted the ‘Chief Minister Sehat Scheme,’ which provides free treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for every family in Punjab without income-based restrictions or additional documentation beyond an Aadhaar card.

“For the first time in India, free treatment of up to ₹10 lakh will be provided under the ‘Chief Minister Sehat Scheme.’ In Punjab, every family receives free treatment of up to ₹10 lakh without any conditions, and there is no income-based restriction. There are no green or yellow cards or any such conditions. Only an Aadhaar card is required,” he said.

Mann explained that the scheme covers a wide range of treatments, including kidney and knee transplants, dialysis, heart-related illnesses, mental health issues, and eye and dental care.

“From kidney transplants to knee transplants, dialysis, all heart-related diseases, as well as mental health-related issues are also covered. That means treatment for any type of illness will be covered under this scheme,” he stated. The Chief Minister noted that registration for the scheme is ongoing and emphasized its role in preventing financial distress caused by medical emergencies.

He also highlighted the state’s network of Aam Aadmi Clinics, which provide free tests and medicines to residents in villages and nearby areas.

“In our health system, the first point is the Aam Aadmi Clinic. These clinics are available in every village or in large villages covering two to four nearby villages. At these clinics, at least 42 types of tests and all necessary medicines are provided completely free of cost,” Mann said.

In addition to health initiatives, Mann noted that electricity is provided free for up to 600 units every month for households in Punjab, following a similar model to Delhi.

“After Delhi, electricity is also free for everyone in Punjab. 600 units of free electricity are provided. Bills come once every two months, which means 300 units are provided free every month. There are no conditions,” he said.

Mann also spoke about Punjab’s contribution to national food security, noting that the state annually supplies approximately 18.5 million metric tons of rice and 12.5 million metric tons of wheat to the country’s food reserves.

The Chief Minister referenced the broader political context in Gujarat, noting the state’s longstanding governance by the BJP and the limited presence of the Congress. He urged citizens to consider the Aam Aadmi Party’s focus on public welfare schemes and inclusive governance. “People are giving love to the Aam Aadmi Party because we talk about people’s issues. If there is an issue of farmers, our state presidents reach there; if there is an issue of tribals, our MLAs sit there,” Mann said.

He emphasized that the party’s welfare schemes are designed to benefit all citizens equally. “Whatever schemes we have are for everyone. Everyone will benefit from them. When every citizen has an equal vote during elections, then why should schemes not be equal for everyone?” he added.

The press conference concluded with Mann highlighting the significance of public engagement and equitable governance as guiding principles of the Aam Aadmi Party’s initiatives in Punjab.