CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has set a time-bound plan to distribute around 33 lakh Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana cards to eligible beneficiaries across the state, with dedicated distribution camps to be organised in 2,008 villages and wards.Health and family welfare minister Balbir Singh said around 31 lakh cards had already reached the districts, while another two lakh cards were expected to arrive shortly. The government has identified villages and wards where at least 400 beneficiaries are eligible for the scheme and plans to organise dedicated camps at these locations.According to the government, the camp-based distribution will begin after the formal launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana card distribution programme by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The administration has set a target of completing distribution at the identified camps within one week of the launch.Beneficiaries will be informed in advance about the camps so they can collect their cards locally. ASHA workers, ASHA facilitators, Sehat Mitras and other field staff will be deployed to mobilise beneficiaries and ensure maximum participation.For villages and wards with fewer than 400 eligible beneficiaries, the existing door-to-door distribution system will continue. Cards that remain undelivered after the camps will also be taken to beneficiaries’ homes by ASHA workers and ASHA facilitators.To strengthen last-mile delivery, the government has approved incentives for ASHA workers and facilitators. ASHA workers will receive Rs 10 for every Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana card successfully delivered, while ASHA facilitators will get Rs 2 per card. Officials will maintain records of door-to-door distribution, with the concerned health authorities responsible for processing the incentive claims.The State health agency has already supplied districts with the cards and information, education and communication (IEC) material required for the distribution exercise. This includes card jackets, envelopes and brochures for beneficiaries.
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The health department has also directed officials to closely monitor the distribution process and ensure that the prescribed timelines and standard operating procedure are followed.The government expects the remaining cards to be distributed through the door-to-door mechanism within two weeks after the camp-based exercise is completed.The accelerated distribution drive is aimed at ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive their Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana cards within the stipulated timeframe and are not left out of the scheme’s coverage.
