Chandigarh, March 6 (NationPress) The Punjab administration has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to achieve Universal Health Coverage by providing complete health coverage to all residents of the state through the 'Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana', as stated by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday.

During his address on the inaugural day of the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, the Governor emphasized that under this revolutionary program, every family in Punjab is eligible for cashless health insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh annually, covering an extensive list of 2,356 medical and surgical procedures.

“This scheme is being rolled out through a comprehensive network of nearly 900 government and private hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh, ensuring that residents have uninterrupted access to high-quality medical care,” Governor Kataria remarked.

While the Governor was elaborating on the health initiatives introduced by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, Congress members entered the Well of the House, chanting slogans such as “Punjab Sarkar Murdabad”.

Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa raised concerns regarding the government's operations.

Despite the Governor's request for him to take his seat, Bajwa persisted in voicing his objections, leading Congress representatives to stage a walkout.

In his address, Governor Kataria underscored the AAP government's efforts, such as the increase in medical college seats and a campaign against drug addiction.

“The Punjab government has initiated the largest recruitment of doctors in its history. Since 2022, we have successfully recruited 934 doctors for government hospitals, which constitutes nearly 25% of all doctors currently serving in the state.

“We are also in the process of recruiting and empaneling approximately 400 specialist doctors, representing the most significant specialist expansion to date. Meanwhile, the recruitment of around 400 nursing staff is nearing completion, with an additional 500 positions in the pipeline,” he stated.

Governor Kataria mentioned that the Punjab government has launched the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, a comprehensive endeavor aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking.

This initiative has established 548 opioid-assisted treatment (OOAT) clinics across Punjab to facilitate accessible and effective de-addiction services. Furthermore, there are 36 government and 177 private de-addiction centers along with 19 government and 74 private rehabilitation facilities operating to support treatment and long-term recovery.

De-addiction services have also been expanded to 19 correctional facilities in Punjab, ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive continuous care.

Since the implementation of these interventions, over 10.63 lakh patients have been registered and received treatment through the de-addiction and rehabilitation network, Governor Kataria noted.

Additionally, he highlighted that approximately 90% of households in the state have benefited from the Punjab government's provision of free electricity up to 300 units.