Punjab’s Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana has been expanded to cover all 65 lakh families in the state, doubling the health insurance cover from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per family annually. The scheme now includes a top-up of ₹5 lakh for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries, ensuring cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. This transformative move aims to make quality healthcare accessible to every Punjabi.
Punjab Bolsters Universal Healthcare with Expanded Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
In a landmark decision, the Punjab government has announced a significant expansion of its flagship Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY), extending health insurance coverage to all 65 lakh families in the state. Unveiled as part of the 2025-26 state budget, the scheme now offers an enhanced annual health cover of ₹10 lakh per family, up from the previous ₹5 lakh. This move, described as a “game-changer” by Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, aims to ensure that no citizen faces financial barriers to quality healthcare.
The expanded SSBY integrates seamlessly with the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Families enrolled under Ayushman Bharat, approximately 16 lakh in Punjab, will receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up cover from the state, bringing their total insurance to ₹10 lakh annually. This top-up ensures uniformity in benefits across both schemes. Beneficiaries will receive “Sehat Cards” starting next year, enabling cashless treatment at both government and private empanelled hospitals across Punjab.
As of now, 45 lakh families are enrolled under SSBY and Ayushman Bharat combined, with 29 lakh covered exclusively under the state scheme. The government has allocated ₹778 crore to support this initiative, reflecting a 10% hike in the health budget and a 27% increase in medical education funding. The state has also empanelled 362 hospitals, including 125 private facilities added in 2019, to provide secondary and tertiary care services.
Since its launch in 2019, SSBY has facilitated free treatment worth over ₹912 crore for more than 8 lakh beneficiaries in its first two years alone. The scheme initially covered 43.18 lakh families, including smart ration card holders, farmers, construction workers, and small traders. The Punjab government has set an ambitious target to enroll all eligible beneficiaries, with past efforts resulting in the issuance of 32.54 lakh e-cards by 2020.
Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that the universal coverage will alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses, particularly for economically weaker sections. The scheme’s expansion aligns with Punjab’s broader healthcare overhaul, which includes initiatives like Aam Aadmi Clinics, the Farishtey Scheme, and yoga promotion to foster holistic well-being. The state aims to position itself as a leader in healthcare accessibility in northern India.
The integration of SSBY with Ayushman Bharat has been lauded for its inclusive approach. Beneficiaries, including farmers who sold produce in 2018 or 2019, can access cashless treatment for pre-existing conditions, a feature that has been a cornerstone of the scheme since its inception. The government plans to further expand the network of empanelled hospitals, with 115 additional private facilities slated for inclusion in a phased manner.
This expansion comes at a time when public health experts have raised concerns about similar programs elsewhere, such as the suspension of Sehat Card services in Punjab’s public hospitals in Pakistan. In contrast, Punjab’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to universal healthcare, ensuring that even remote and underserved communities benefit from quality medical services.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Punjab government and health authorities. Information is sourced from credible outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and Patiala News. Readers are advised to verify details with official government portals for the latest updates on the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana.