Kejriwal Hails ‘Mukhyamantri Swasthya Yojana’ as a Landmark Step Towards Universal Healthcare

National News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal today lauded the launch of the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana in Punjab, calling it a historic initiative that ensures comprehensive health coverage for every citizen without any financial burden. Speaking at a public gathering on the occasion, Kejriwal emphasized that free and accessible healthcare should have been made a national priority decades ago. “This is the kind of work that should have been done 50 years back,” he said, adding, “but unfortunately, the governments in power never placed healthcare or education on their agenda.”

“Nation-building begins with healthcare and education”

Kejriwal underlined that real nation-building is not about slogans or grandeur, but about investing in the people—specifically their health and education. Drawing comparisons with nations like Singapore, Japan, and Germany, he said, “These countries progressed because they prioritized human development. AAP is following the same model.”

He emphasized the remarkable progress in Punjab’s education sector, noting that the state has climbed to the number one position in the National Achievement Survey, a dramatic rise from its 17th rank in 2017. “This achievement clearly demonstrates our unwavering dedication to providing quality education,” he remarked.

Punjab becomes the first state with universal ₹10 lakh cashless health coverage

Kejriwal announced that under the new scheme, every family in Punjab—regardless of income, employment status, or background—will be eligible for cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually, doubling the previous limit of ₹5 lakh.

The scheme will be formally implemented from October 2, with enrollment camps to be organized across the state. Citizens can register through service centers or online portals using their Aadhaar or voter ID. Once registered, they will receive health cards that grant them access to free treatment at any government or empanelled private hospital.

Welfare without tax hikes

Addressing concerns about fiscal management, Kejriwal assured the public that no new taxes have been imposed to fund this initiative. “Instead of taxing the people, we plugged the leakages and stopped the loot of public funds. That money is now being used for development and welfare,” he said.

Kejriwal also commended the Punjab government for establishing a new benchmark in governance by ensuring free education, healthcare, electricity, and bus travel, making Punjab the first state in India to deliver such an extensive range of welfare services to its citizens.

“Sarbat Da Bhala” in action

Aligning with the Sikh ethos of “Sarbat Da Bhala” (welfare of all), Kejriwal noted that the scheme covers everyone—government employees, pensioners, private workers, and the unemployed alike. “Earlier, only selected families were covered under health insurance. Now, every resident of Punjab is protected,” he affirmed.

A promise of continued progress

Kejriwal concluded his address by assuring the people that AAP’s model of governance will continue to deliver bold, people-centric reforms. “This is just the beginning. More such welfare and development-driven initiatives are on the way.”