HM Dr. Balbir calls budget game changer
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, March 26-
In a pathbreaking move to ensure universal access to quality healthcare services, Punjab cabinet mnister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday, hailed the enhanced budget allocation in the Health and Medical Education sectors as “transformational” for the crucial sector.
He particularly lauded the decision of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to cover every citizen of the state under Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna and double the insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per family annually.
Pertinently, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the historic ‘Badalda Punjab’ Budget for financial year 2025-26 at Vidhan Sabha here on Tuesday. The health sector budget has been enhanced by 10 percent, reaching 5,598 crores— to strengthen infrastructure, expand Aam Aadmi Clinics, and improve emergency care under the FARISHTEY Scheme, while, the Medical Education and Research has received 27 percent budget increase to 1,336 crore.
Health Minister, while terming the budget as historic and progressive, said that the move to bring all the 65 lakh families of the state under the Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana is a game-changer.