Adopt Punjab’s ₹10 lakh health insurance model: Kejriwal to Goa CM

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party, has called on the Goa chief minister to emulate Punjab’s health insurance scheme that provides coverage up to ₹10 lakh per family. Speaking during a recent visit, Kejriwal highlighted that the Punjab model aims to ease the financial burden on households that otherwise struggle to afford private medical care.

The Punjab health insurance initiative extends a sum of ₹10 lakh to each beneficiary family, covering hospitalisation, diagnostics and other medical expenses. It is designed to serve those who rely heavily on government-run hospitals and clinics, a point Kejriwal emphasized when addressing Goa’s healthcare scenario.

Kejriwal pointed out that around 90% of Goa’s population depends on government healthcare services because private treatment remains out of reach for most families. He argued that replicating Punjab’s coverage could bridge the gap, ensuring that private care is not the only option for the majority.

The remark comes at a time when both Punjab and Goa are grappling with rising healthcare costs and increasing demand for quality medical services. In Punjab, the scheme has been rolled out under the state’s health department, with enrolment drives targeting families across urban and rural areas. The model’s emphasis on cashless treatment at designated hospitals has been presented as a practical solution to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

For regional readers in Chandigarh and surrounding areas, the discussion underscores a broader conversation about how states can leverage existing health infrastructure to improve access. While Goa’s health system has made strides in recent years, the reliance on public facilities remains high, and the prospect of a larger insurance cover could alter the current dynamic.

Kejriwal’s appeal does not include a detailed blueprint for implementation, nor does it specify timelines for any potential adoption. He simply urged the Goa chief minister to consider the benefits of extending substantial health coverage, citing the Punjab experience as a reference point.

The call reflects a wider trend where political leaders across India are advocating for expanded health insurance coverage to address affordability concerns. Whether Goa will examine the Punjab model further remains to be seen, but the conversation brings the issue of universal health access to the forefront of state-level policy debates.

Source: Hindustan Times