The Punjab government has expanded the scope of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) by approving 17 additional medical procedures for treatment at empanelled private hospitals and widening eligibility criteria to include people living alone.The state government said the move is aimed at improving healthcare access and reducing pressure on government hospitals. (HT_PRINT)The expansion, announced by the state government on June 3, is aimed at easing the burden on government hospitals while improving access to specialised healthcare services across Punjab. Officials said the decision will allow beneficiaries to access a broader network of healthcare providers and receive treatment closer to their homes.Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh said the move would particularly benefit districts where specialised medical services are limited and government facilities are facing high patient loads. “This is expected to reduce pressure on major government facilities, shorten waiting times, and improve access to timely care,” he said.Additional procedures approvedThe newly approved procedures span multiple medical specialties. In the field of ear, nose and throat (ENT) care, empanelled private hospitals will now be allowed to perform fracture setting of the nasal bone and adenoidectomy procedures.The expansion in general surgery is among the most significant under the revised framework. Hydrocele surgeries, incision and drainage of abscesses, appendicectomy procedures, and both open and laparoscopic gall bladder surgeries have now been included for treatment at private hospitals under the scheme.Women's healthcare services have also been expanded. The additional procedures include medical termination of pregnancy beyond 12 weeks, hysterotomy, hospitalisation related to antenatal complications, and examination under anaesthesia for minor girls, unmarried sexually inactive women and survivors of sexual abuse.Eye care and orthopaedic services have also been added to the list. Ophthalmology procedures such as pterygium excision and entropion correction can now be performed at empanelled private hospitals. Orthopaedic patients will be eligible for procedures including tendon release surgeries, treatment of small-joint injuries and ankle fracture correction surgeries.Officials said package rates for the newly approved procedures range from ₹2,000 to ₹27,800.Eligibility widened to include people living aloneAlongside the procedural expansion, the government has widened the scheme's coverage to include people living alone.The category includes senior citizens, widows and other individuals residing independently. Parents whose children have settled abroad will also be eligible to enrol under the scheme.Previously, the programme was largely limited to families comprising at least two members.Applicants will be required to submit valid Punjab Aadhaar and voter identity documents. Individuals below 18 years of age will need to provide birth certificates. Those seeking enrolment as single-member beneficiaries will be required to submit a declaration, which will be verified by local elected representatives.Scheme covers 65 lakh familiesAccording to the State Health Agency, nearly 65 lakh families are currently covered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.At present, 824 hospitals, including government hospitals, central government institutions and empanelled private hospitals, are providing treatment under the programme.Officials said the scheme currently covers around 2,300 diseases and medical procedures and continues to be expanded to improve access to cashless healthcare services across Punjab.