Punjab Strengthens Fight Against ‘Silent Killer’ Hypertension Through Prevention, Early Detection & Cashless Treatment

CHANDIGARH: As the world marks World Hypertension Day, the Punjab Government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) is bringing significant relief to patients battling high blood pressure and related ailments by ensuring affordable and timely healthcare access.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often described by doctors as the “silent killer”. It shows little warning before triggering strokes, heart failure or kidney disease. The condition Is common across age groups.

With hypertension emerging as a growing health concern across all age groups, the Punjab government is focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment. While the CM di Yogshala promotes healthy living, Aam Aadmi Clinics ensure early screening (1 crore screened, 24 lakh treated), and the MMSY provides cashless care, helping prevent serious complications like stroke and heart disease.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India carries a rapidly increasing burden of hypertension, fuelled by poor dietary habits, stress, tobacco use, lack of physical activity and irregular routines.

Doctors warn that many patients remain unaware of the condition until severe complications occur. Amid this growing health crisis, Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has become a critical safety net. The scheme is helping thousands of patients receive treatment for hypertension and related complications without the burden of unaffordable medical bills.

On this World Hypertension Day, the greatest achievement of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana may not only be the number of claims settled, but also the focus on prevention and timely detection of hypertension.

The Punjab government has strengthened screening, early diagnosis, and treatment across Punjab. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Regular screening is being conducted at all health facilities, including 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics, where people aged 30 years and above are being screened for hypertension and linked to timely treatment.”

He further shared that over 1 crore people aged 30 and above have been screened and 24 lakh enrolled for treatment. “Monthly follow-ups, free medicines, and timely referral ensure continuous care, with strong rural-urban primary healthcare coverage.”

Alongside this, the CM di Yogshala, a landmark initiative of the Punjab Government aimed at making yoga accessible to every section of society, with over 10,600 yoga classes and nearly 3 lakh participants, is promoting yoga, stress management, and healthier lifestyles to help control hypertension and other lifestyle diseases.