n a game-changing move that could redefine public healthcare delivery in India, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Tuesday unveiled Punjab’s most ambitious health initiative yet — the “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.” Launching the scheme in Chandigarh, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the rollout of health cards that will entitle every family in Punjab to ₹10 lakh worth of free cashless treatment annually at any government or empanelled private hospital. Arvind Kejriwal declared the scheme a “national model,” calling it a historic step in India’s healthcare landscape. Registration begins October 2 using just a voter ID and Aadhaar card.
Addressing a gathering in Mohali, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “India is a poor country. People struggle to afford basic food. When someone in the family falls ill, people are forced to sell their jewellery or land. What Punjab is accomplishing today should have happened 50 years ago. Education and healthcare are AAP’s two highest priorities.”
Slamming other political parties for their grand but hollow slogans, the AAP Supremo added, “We have big leaders who talk about making India a Vishwaguru. But no country can become great unless its poorest citizens get quality education and healthcare. After World War II, Japan and Germany were reduced to rubble, but within 20–25 years they became global powers. Singapore, which got independence in 1965, emerged on the world map within two decades. All these countries first ensured free, quality education and healthcare for every citizen. That should have been India’s first priority too — every village should have had a school and dispensary right after independence. We did not do that. So how will India become a Vishwaguru?”
Describing AAP’s work as “nation-building in the truest sense”, Arvind Kejriwal noted, “AAP’s work is grounded in the lives of ordinary people. This is the real work of building a nation. In three years of the AAP government in Punjab, massive progress has been made in education. In 2017, according to the National Achievement Survey (NAS) by the central government, Punjab was ranked 29th. In 2024, Punjab has topped the country. We have even surpassed Kerala. What we have done in three years, BJP, Congress, and Akali Dal could have done too, but they lacked good intent. They were only focused on loot — turning power into money and money into power.”
Highlighting AAP’s significant achievements in healthcare, Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Since coming to power in Punjab, we have built 881 Mohalla Clinics in just three years. These parties could not build even one Mohalla Clinic in 70 years. In Delhi too, we built Mohalla Clinics. The BJP is now shutting them down. What grudge do they have against the people? We built these clinics in jhuggis and mohallas so people could access free medicines. Now they’re being shut just because they were made by the AAP government. Some are being renamed ‘Arogya Mandir’. We’re doing good work, and they are trying to destroy it. But in Punjab, 200 more Mohalla Clinics will soon be operational. In just three years, AAP’s government will have built 1,000 Mohalla Clinics. All medicines and tests in government hospitals are now free.”
The AAP Chief announced the rollout of the state’s landmark Health Card Scheme, which he called a game-changer. “AAP’s Health Card initiative in Punjab is a major leap forward. Minor illnesses are treated at Mohalla Clinics, but major treatments requiring hospitalisation are expensive. Health insurance for ₹10 lakh costs thousands — unaffordable for most. Now, if anyone falls seriously ill, the government will provide free treatment. Not a rupee will be charged, even at the time of hospital admission.”
Arvind Kejriwal further elaborated on the mechanics of the scheme, “The Health Card scheme will launch on October 2. It will cover government employees and pensioners too. Camps will be set up in every village and ward. People only need to show their voter and Aadhar card — that’s enough to get the Health Card. Every family will get an ID; each member will receive an individual card. Even if someone doesn’t get their card in time, they can take their Aadhaar and voter card to the hospital, where it will be issued. This scheme will become a national model. The AAP government will not ask for caste, religion, or income. Everyone will be covered — the only condition is that the cardholder must be a resident of Punjab.”
Drawing attention to the rising cost of living, Arvind Kejriwal pointed out how AAP has managed to alleviate public distress without increasing taxes. “Today, inflation is so high that running a household has become difficult. In such times, AAP’s government has arranged for free electricity, education, and healthcare for the people of Punjab. This is proof of our honesty. If we were corrupt like previous governments, we’d have claimed the treasury was empty. But we never said that. We haven’t raised taxes — yet we’re delivering all these services. Because we have ended corruption and turned the public exchequer toward the people. AAP is spending every rupee of public money on Punjab’s development.”
Free Treatment in Govt and Listed Private Hospitals via Health Cards: Bhagwant Mann
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Mann announced that all residents of Punjab will be entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh at all government and empanelled private hospitals through the newly launched state health card. The Punjab CM said the initiative would transform the lives of lakhs of families in Punjab who have long suffered in silence due to the unaffordability of critical treatments. “Many families battling serious illnesses had given up hope. They were forced to sell their land, homes, and jewelry for treatment. The previous governments’ apathy on this issue was criminal,” Bhagwant Mann said. He emphasised that the new scheme will ensure that no resident will ever have to spend from their pocket for life-saving treatment.
Highlighting the guiding philosophy behind the initiative, Mann credited Arvind Kejriwal for redefining governance in India. “Arvind Kejriwal brought healthcare, education, power, water, and infrastructure to the centre of political discourse. While other parties focused on hate and division, AAP, under his leadership, prioritised people’s real issues. This is true nation-building,” Bhagwant Mann asserted.
Taking a veiled swipe at the BJP-led Centre, Bhagwant Mann said, “While we are giving health cards without any paperwork or conditions, the Prime Minister is demanding birth certificates from people who have been voting for decades. That is the difference between us and them.”
Addressing the recent political drama around India’s military action, Bhagwant Mann criticised the BJP’s “Operation Sindoor” campaign: “During near-war-like tensions with Pakistan, Punjab suffered deeply. But what did the Centre do? They launched a political gimmick by sending sindoor to every household, making a mockery of people’s emotions. The nation saw it as nothing but theatrical politics.”
The Punjab CM argued that only a visionary leader like Arvind Kejriwal can solve India’s core challenges. “When someone like Arvind Kejriwal leads the country, India will lead the world. Social evils will be eradicated. That day is not far—people are eagerly waiting to show the current Prime Minister the exit door,” he said.
Bhagwant Mann also paid tribute to Punjab’s rich legacy, calling it the land of saints, martyrs, athletes, and generals. He lamented that the previous governments had turned the state into a haven for smugglers, gangsters, and criminals. “Under the protection of past regimes, Punjab was handed over to the underworld. But our government has launched an all-out war to clean up the state. The stain on Punjab’s reputation will soon be wiped out,” he declared.
Warning those who destroyed generations with drugs and crime, Bhagwant Mann said, “The kingpins who ravaged our youth will be held accountable. These arrogant politicians who once posed with puffed-up moustaches are now behind bars. They will pay for every crime committed against Punjab.” He vowed that exemplary punishment would be ensured for such individuals to serve as a deterrent for the future.
