Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Brings Relief as 4,600 Knee Surgeries Change Lives

The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana in Punjab provides cashless knee replacement treatment at government and empanelled hospitals, increasing access for osteoarthritis patients and reducing out-of-pocket costs, resulting in a rise in procedures and earlier intervention.

Across Punjab, people who once avoided walking because of knee pain are entering hospitals with new hope. Under the Bhagwant Mann Government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, thousands are receiving cashless knee replacement surgeries. Treatment that was earlier postponed for years due to high cost is now available without direct payment at government and empanelled hospitals.

Officials report a rapid jump in procedures within a short period. In just three months, nearly 4,600 knee replacement surgeries have taken place under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Doctors say this spike shows how cost had kept many away from operating theatres. With expenses now covered, people are choosing surgery earlier, instead of tolerating long-term pain.

Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana drives knee replacement surgeries and medical access

Medical teams inside government hospitals describe a clear shift. "We are seeing a surge in knee and hip replacement cases," says Dr Karan Chopra, orthopaedic surgeon, Civil Hospital Barnala, "Most patients suffer from osteoarthritis, which damages cartilage and causes stiffness and severe pain." Earlier, many such cases stayed untreated for years, as families struggled with money.

Dr Chopra explains that knee replacement involves removing worn-out joint surfaces and inserting metal and plastic parts. This helps restore smoother movement and eases constant pain. "Earlier we used to perform around 80 surgeries a month. Now it is around 120 to 130," he says. The rise links closely with reduced out-of-pocket spending for patients under the scheme.

Sehat card under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana supports knee replacement surgeries

Before Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, a single knee replacement often cost between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh. Many households in Punjab could not afford such bills, so surgery was delayed or cancelled. "Previously, people were reluctant because of the expense," Dr Chopra adds. "Now, with Aadhaar, voter ID, and Sehat card registration, the treatment is cashless. Patients do not have to pay."

This financial cover changed life for 67-year-old Paramjit Kaur from Punjab, whose movement was badly limited by osteoarthritis. For nearly a year, walking across a room or standing briefly caused severe discomfort. Her son Jaswinder Singh first learnt online about the support on offer. "I learnt about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana online. It took me a few days to arrange the documents," he said. "Once we registered, the surgery was done. The doctors were very helpful, and my mother is now much better."

Similar experiences are being reported in different districts. In Bathinda, Randhir Singh had knee surgery at AIIMS, while in Tarn Taran, Rajvinder Kaur received treatment at a district hospital through the same programme. Rajvinder’s daughter Sehajpreet said the Sehat card removed the main barrier. "My mother was in severe pain and could not do basic household work," said Sehajpreet, Rajvinder's daughter. "Because of the Sehat card, we did not worry about the cost. We are grateful such a scheme exists," she added.

For ageing resident Sukhwinder Kaur, the Sehat card also marked a personal turning point. "I had knee pain for two to three years. Some days I could barely walk," she said. "Now after surgery, I feel very happy. Sehat card has given me my life back. I will now walk without pain." Stories like this show how reduced costs are changing attitudes towards long-ignored pain.

Across Punjab, these knee replacement surgeries under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are altering everyday life for many families. Treatment that once felt unreachable due to ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh costs is now obtained through simple registration with Aadhaar, voter ID and the Sehat card. In many hospital corridors, long periods of helplessness are slowly giving way to steadier, more confident steps.