The Punjab government announced that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is offering cashless treatment to eligible families for monsoon-linked illnesses such as dengue, malaria, acute fever, viral hepatitis and gastroenteritis, amid a seasonal increase in cases.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh stated that authorities have improved disease monitoring, hospital readiness and testing services to manage the expected rise in mosquito-borne and water-borne conditions. He encouraged residents to adopt preventive steps and seek care promptly at the first indication of fever.
Beneficiaries covered by the scheme can obtain prompt cashless care without concern for hospital costs, the minister noted. Residents were advised to eliminate standing water, apply insect repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing to reduce mosquito exposure.
The announcement highlighted the example of a 32-year-old resident from Amritsar who recently received care valued at Rs 8,400 under the programme after admission for high fever. Hospital personnel assisted with enrolment, enabling the patient to concentrate on recovery without financial stress.
A senior medical officer at the Verka Community Health Centre observed that individuals frequently confuse serious conditions like dengue with ordinary viral infections and postpone seeking help.
The initial 48 hours remain critical, as a basic blood test and prompt intervention can avert severe outcomes, the officer said. Additional monsoon concerns include malaria, enteric fever, viral hepatitis and acute gastroenteritis.
State health data showed acute febrile illness among the most frequent conditions treated under the scheme as of July 6. Care was delivered at community health centres, sub-divisional and district hospitals, and participating private facilities, with fever-related packages ranging from Rs 2,100 to Rs 8,400 based on severity.
Recorded cases also included malaria, acute gastroenteritis, enteric fever and viral hepatitis, confirming the start of the monsoon disease period.
Fever-related claims originated from districts such as Fazilka, Moga, Sangrur, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, indicating treatment access near patients’ residences. The scheme further covers expensive services including dialysis, cardiac procedures and intensive care.
Medical professionals recommended against ignoring fever persisting beyond two days, particularly when accompanied by intense body pain, ongoing vomiting, abdominal discomfort, bleeding, breathing issues or marked fatigue.
Overall, officials reported that the scheme is supporting timely intervention for various monsoon-related illnesses as the season advances.
