Youth between the ages of 17 and 35 years account for the largest share of beneficiaries who underwent cashless cardiac procedures under the Mukh Mantri Saihat Yojna in Punjab, according to data released by the State Health Agency (SHA) of Punjab. Health experts say this trend highlights the growing burden of heart disease among younger adults and the need for early diagnosis and timely specialized care.
As of July 15, 2026, a total of 135 patients have received cashless cardiac treatment under the programme, with financial assistance of up to $2.71 Crores. Covered procedures include surgeries for congenital heart defects, heart valve disorders and other complex heart conditions.
These data come at a time when cardiovascular diseases continue to pose a major public health challenge in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the leading cause of morbidity and death in the country over the past three decades. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, diabetes, and high blood pressure have contributed to the burden.
For 58-year-old Manjit Singh from Fazilka, timely treatment was crucial. After feeling continuous pain and discomfort in the chest for several weeks, medical tests revealed a blockage in the coronary artery that required immediate intervention. Doctors performed angioplasty and inserted a stent to restore blood flow.
Commenting on his experience, Singh said the scheme helped remove the financial uncertainty associated with emergency treatment.
“The greater reassurance is not just that advanced medical care is available, but that cost no longer determines whether we get it in time,” he said.
Medical experts say heart disease often has warning signs such as persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or pain that radiates to the arms, jaw or back. They advise people with such symptoms to seek medical attention immediately, because early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said awareness, timely diagnosis and prompt medical intervention remain key factors to reduce deaths due to heart diseases. He urged people not to ignore symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, and said the state’s goal is to ensure eligible patients receive treatment without financial barriers.
“No family should be forced to delay life-saving cardiac treatment due to financial constraints. Through Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, we are working to ensure that eligible patients receive timely, quality cardiac care without bearing the burden of treatment costs,” the minister said.
Congenital heart defects and other complex heart conditions still require specialized treatment, but timely diagnosis improves outcomes significantly, said Dr Karandeep Singh Sayal, Consultant Cardiologist and Head of Cardiology Department at Mohali Hospital.
He also stressed the importance of preventive measures, including regular physical activity, following a balanced diet, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding tobacco use, and conducting periodic heart examinations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
