Punjab MMSY: For 65-year-old Kewal Kaur from village Panwa, Punjab, April 17 marked the end of years of debilitating knee pain. Previously unable to walk without a stick, her life was transformed through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Her surgery, which would have cost ₹1.5 lakh, was performed entirely for free at the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Jalandhar. Her son, Mandeep Singh, credits the state government’s health initiative for restoring her independence and dignity. Kaur, now recovering, expressed deep gratitude, noting that the scheme removed the financial burden from her family and gave her a second chance at a mobile, pain-free life.
The Burden of Pain
For nearly five years, Kewal Kaur lived in constant agony. Despite various medical consultations and medications, her condition deteriorated until she was completely dependent on a walking stick and the support of others.
A Gift of Free Medical Care
Under the Bhagwant Mann Punjab government’s health initiative, Kaur underwent a successful knee replacement surgery. The procedure, which typically costs nearly ₹1.5 lakh, was completed without any financial burden on the family, thanks to the registration of a government health card.
The Path to Recovery
The two-hour surgery was performed by Dr. Anit Sachar and his team. While the recovery process is ongoing, the sharp pain that once defined Kaur’s life has faded, replaced by the hope of walking unaided once again.
Restoring Dignity and Independence
For Kaur’s son, Mandeep, the scheme provided more than just medical assistance; it offered his mother self-respect. Kaur herself remarked that the Chief Minister felt like a “third son” to her, as the free treatment ensured she was no longer a burden on her family.
A Blessing for the Community
Kewal Kaur’s success story is not isolated. Several other elderly patients from Hoshiarpur and Mohali have received similar life-changing surgeries under the scheme, which provides free treatment up to ₹10 lakh for middle- and lower-income families.
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