Chandigarh: Punjab's 'Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana' (MMSY) has given a new expansion to the definition of public health services in the state. Usually, as soon as a patient is discharged from any hospital, the government system or the hospital's relationship with the patient is severed, but in the health system of Punjab, this process does not end with discharge. Patients receiving free and cashless treatment under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana are receiving phone calls from the 104 health helpline after returning home from the hospital. The purpose of this call is not just to perform the rituals but to get in-depth information about the patient's health improvement, hospital experiences, availability of medicines and any problems faced by him.
Found a sense of belonging after returning home from the hospital
The experience of Hardev Singh, a resident of Mansa district, shows the effectiveness of Punjab's 104 health helpline. He underwent orthopedic treatment at District Hospital (DH) Bathinda, where he received completely cashless treatment under the Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana. After returning home, the 104 health helpline team called and inquired about his well-being. It was also learned from him whether there were any problems during the treatment in the hospital and whether the necessary medicines were available at the time of discharge or not. Hardev Singh said that the government not only saved his family from the financial burden of treatment but also worried about him after reaching home. They felt that the health system took patient care seriously.
Experience of patients of Mansa and Hoshiarpur
Baldev Singh of Hoshiarpur had a similar experience, who received orthopedic treatment from Sub-Divisional Hospital (SDH) Dasuha. Baldev Singh got better medical care without any financial payment, necessary medicines were given at the time of discharge and soon after he got a call from 104 team. Baldev Singh says that when the government inquires about your well-being even after returning home from the hospital and does not forget you, then it feels very good as a patient. The experiences of these two patients prove that this scheme is not limited to just a cashless card but is working as a sensitive health model.
Health services should not end with discharge – Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh
After discharge from the hospital, the patient and family face many questions regarding medications, recovery and further care. At such a time, Punjab's 104 helpline is playing an important role in keeping the patients connected to the health system. According to Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the team of 104 helpline directly contacts the beneficiaries after discharge and takes feedback regarding the treatment, medicines, health services and satisfaction received in the hospital. The government also aims to give priority to patient experience along with cashless treatment. Through feedback, deficiencies in health services are identified and immediate action is taken. This gives assurance to the patients that even after treatment, the government is seriously listening to their problems and needs.
104 health helpline
The scope of 104 Health Helpline is not limited to just follow-up calls after discharge, but it is working as a complete health counseling center for the citizens of Punjab. Through this, people get free medical advice and guidance from doctors. Psychological counseling and special counseling for drug de-addiction are also available for people suffering from mental stress. Any problem or complaint related to health services can be registered through the helpline. Apart from this, authentic information about eligibility, benefits and financial and medical assistance of other government health schemes including Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana can also be easily obtained from 104 helpline. Through this integrated and holistic approach, Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana is proving to be a major step towards making the public health services of Punjab more accountable, humane and sensitive.