Chandigarh, June 11 (APAC Media): For many elderly people in Punjab, growing old now means living alone as their children pursue opportunities overseas.
To provide them with better healthcare support, the state government has expanded the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) to include individuals living independently.
Many elderly parents in Punjab now live on their own. Their children have settled abroad for jobs or education.
Health experts say this makes them especially vulnerable when illness strikes or prolonged treatment is needed.
Earlier, the scheme mainly catered to families. This left many people living alone without coverage.
Now, senior citizens, widows, widowers and others living independently can enrol and avail cashless healthcare benefits.
17 More Procedures Added at Private Hospitals in PunjabÂ
In addition, the government has expanded the list of treatments available under the scheme.
Seventeen medical procedures have now been approved at empanelled private hospitals. Earlier, these services were largely limited to government hospitals.
The newly approved procedures cover several specialties, including:
- Treatment for broken nasal bones
- Removal of enlarged adenoids
- Hydrocele surgery
- Drainage of abscesses
- Gall bladder removal surgery
- Appendix removal surgery
- Treatment for pregnancy-related complications
- Selected gynaecological procedures
- Eye surgeries
- Orthopaedic procedures, including:
- Ankle fracture repair
- Tendon release surgery
Documents Required for Enrolment
To register under the scheme, beneficiaries must submit:
- Punjab Aadhaar card
- Voter identity card
- A declaration confirming that they are living alone
The declaration will be verified before approval.
With migration reshaping family structures across the state, the latest move aims to provide a much needed healthcare safety net to elderly residents and others living independently.
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