Chandigarh: Serious health problems not only affect the health and life of the individual, but the entire family also has to face emotional and financial stress. In case of mental health related illness, problems like social stigma, lack of awareness and worry about the cost of treatment also come to the fore. Due to these reasons, many times people avoid taking help from experts on time.
Punjab Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) is playing an important role in making covered mental health treatment economically accessible. According to data from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, till August 11, 2026, 709 beneficiaries underwent mental health treatment under the scheme in the seven-month period available, with a total expenditure of ₹83.36 lakh.
People between 18 to 45 years took maximum benefit
According to the data, 284 beneficiaries who took cashless mental health treatment under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana belonged to the 31–45 age group, while 249 beneficiaries belonged to the 18–30 age group. There were a total of 533 beneficiaries from both the age groups together, which is 75.2 percent of the total beneficiaries.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Mental health services should not be a facility that a family can access only if they can afford it. If a person needs professional help, providing them with the right treatment in a timely manner should be a priority.”
Many types of mental health problems are being treated
Data from the state health agency shows that various mental health problems are being treated under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana. These include neurotic and stress-related disorders, mood and emotional disorders, behavioral syndromes associated with physical and physiological factors, and mental and behavioral disorders associated with the use of psychoactive substances.
These treatment-related data show that there is a need to address general mental health problems as well as substance use-related problems.
18-45 age group important in terms of mental health
Dr. Gagandeep Sekhon, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist, Civil Hospital Barnala, said, “The age group of 18-45 years is very important from the mental health point of view. During this time, people are busy in building a career, managing relationships, fulfilling family responsibilities and fulfilling important financial obligations.”
He further said that mental health problems are often ignored until they start affecting everyday life and functioning. In such a situation, as the problem increases, its treatment can also become more challenging.
The Relationship Between Mental Health and Addiction
SHA data also highlights the link between mental health and substance abuse. In such a situation, the Punjab Government's 'War on Drugs' campaign becomes an important part of the state's comprehensive mental health strategy.
Drug dependence can affect a person's mental, behavioral and social life. In such cases, continued professional treatment, de-addiction and rehabilitation may be required. Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana data also includes mood disorders along with disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances. This underlines the need for early awareness, timely intervention and easily available treatment arrangements among the youth.
Prevention and healthy lifestyle are also important
Prevention and a healthy lifestyle can also play an important role in maintaining good mental health. These measures can be helpful in making clinical treatment effective.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “The Bhagwant Mann-led government is working to make health services more accessible and affordable to every family in Punjab. Special focus is being given to the health and well-being of the youth.”
He said that under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, cashless health cover of ₹10 lakh per family per year is being provided and mental health treatment is also included in it. This can help reduce financial barriers to seeking help for mental health problems.
He further said that the 'Yudh Nashean Viruddh' campaign strengthens prevention, de-addiction and rehabilitation, while 'CM Di Yogshala' promotes health and wellness activities accessible to the people.
Plans working together for mental health
Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, 'Yudh Nashean Viruddh' and 'CM Di Yogshala' together are trying to strengthen different aspects of Punjab's mental health system. These range from prevention and healthy lifestyle to de-addiction, rehabilitation and professional treatment.
According to the available data of Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, more than three out of four beneficiaries are in the 18–45 age group. Providing timely access to mental health services can be critical to the health, functioning, and overall well-being of Punjab's working-age population.