*Punjab Government Strengthens Women’s Health Security with ₹28 Crore Free Sanitary Pad Initiative: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*7.37 Crore Sanitary Pads Distributed, 13.65 Lakh Women Benefited Across the State*

*Monthly Free Distribution Through 27,314 Anganwadi Centres Under ‘Nawi Disha’ Scheme*

Chandigarh, March 26:Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking significant and people-centric steps to strengthen women’s health, hygiene and dignity across the state. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur while highlighting the government’s initiative to provide free sanitary pads to poor and needy women.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the current year, the Punjab Government has distributed more than 7.37 crore sanitary pads free of cost, at an expenditure of approximately ₹28 crore. She said that this initiative is playing a crucial role in improving menstrual hygiene while also promoting awareness about women’s health, particularly among economically weaker sections.

The Minister further stated that over 13.65 lakh women across Punjab have directly benefited from this initiative. She added that women, especially from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, are receiving not only financial relief but also improved access to essential hygiene facilities, helping them lead healthier and more dignified lives.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that under the ‘Nawi Disha Scheme’, free sanitary pads are being distributed every month through 27,314 Anganwadi Centres across the state. Each eligible woman is provided 9 sanitary pads per month, ensuring regular, accessible and consistent support for menstrual hygiene management.

She further emphasized that this initiative is also helping in breaking menstrual stigma, improving awareness and ensuring that women and adolescent girls no longer face challenges in accessing basic hygiene facilities.

Highlighting future plans, the Minister stated that during the current financial year, the Punjab Government has set a target to distribute over 3.68 crore additional sanitary pads at an estimated cost of ₹14.60 crore, which will further expand the coverage and benefit a larger number of women across the state.

“The Mann Government is committed to ensuring that every woman in Punjab has access to essential health and hygiene facilities. Our aim is to ensure that no woman is deprived of a healthy, safe and dignified life,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she added that the Punjab Government will continue to implement such women-centric and welfare-oriented initiatives to strengthen women’s empowerment and promote a healthier society across the state.

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*₹4 lakh life-saving surgery delivered cashless under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, one of highest claims under Bhagwant Mann Govt's healthcare push*

*Every life matters & ensuring free, life-saving treatment through Sehat Card reflects our commitment to protecting every citizen: Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh*

CHANDIGARH, March 26:Marking one of the highest claims facilitated under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to date, a ₹4 lakh life-saving surgery was delivered cashless, reflecting the scale and on-ground effectiveness of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s healthcare system.

The beneficiary, Sukhpal Kaur, a 37 year old resident of Chandigarh, was admitted to PGIMER Chandigarh after being diagnosed with a critical aortic dissection, a serious cardio-thoracic and vascular condition requiring immediate surgical intervention. The procedure, along with hospitalisation and specialised care, was estimated to cost nearly ₹4 lakh, an amount that would have been extremely difficult for the family to arrange at short notice.

With the Sehat Card verified at the hospital, the treatment began without delay. The entire procedure was carried out cashless under the scheme’s coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family.

A family member said, “Everything happened very quickly. We were told the condition was serious and required immediate surgery. Arranging such a large amount instantly would not have been possible. The Sehat Card ensured treatment started without delay.”

Highlighting the clinical aspect of the case, Dr. Sachin Mahajan, PGIMER Chandigarh, said, “Aortic dissection is a critical condition that requires immediate surgical intervention. In such cases, even a short delay can significantly increase risk. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, once the Sehat Card was verified, we are able to proceed without waiting for financial clearances. This ensures timely and uninterrupted treatment in high-risk cardiac cases.”

Reinforcing the government’s approach, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Punjab, Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Being able to save a precious life in a critical moment like that of Sukhpal Kaur brings immense satisfaction. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is making a real ground impact where families are able to access immediate treatment without the stress of arranging funds.”

With lakhs of families already covered and high-value treatments being delivered across the state, the scheme continues to strengthen healthcare access across Punjab.

The Punjab Government continues to encourage residents to enrol for the Sehat Card at designated centres to avail cashless treatment benefits under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.