Acute Febrile Illness Tops Cashless Treatment Claims Under Bhagwant Mann Government’s Health Scheme
CHANDIGARH, May 28: As Punjab battles a fresh wave of seasonal illnesses triggered by rising temperatures and humid summer conditions, the Bhagwant Mann government’s flagship Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is emerging as a critical healthcare lifeline for thousands of patients seeking cashless treatment across the state.
Government hospitals in Punjab are witnessing a noticeable surge in fever-related illnesses, respiratory infections and stomach disorders, placing additional pressure on already crowded outpatient departments. Recent figures from the State Health Agency (SHA) reveal that acute febrile illness has become one of the largest categories of claims under the state’s cashless healthcare scheme over the last four months.
According to official data, Punjab recorded 5,840 cases of acute febrile illness, with claim payments reaching nearly ₹1.31 crore under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Acute febrile illness refers to the sudden onset of fever caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, often before a precise diagnosis is established.
The data further highlights a growing burden of seasonal and water-borne diseases. Enteric fever accounted for 1,396 cases with claims worth ₹30.47 lakh, while pneumonia registered 377 cases involving payments of ₹11.06 lakh. Another 326 cases of acute bronchitis resulted in claims exceeding ₹9.24 lakh.
Diseases that typically dominate public concern during monsoon months remained comparatively low in the current dataset. Punjab recorded only 12 dengue cases with claims worth ₹40,880, alongside three malaria cases, six chikungunya infections, and four heat stroke-related hospitalisations.
Health experts, however, warned that the situation could change rapidly with the onset of monsoon conditions. Studies published by the National Institute of Health indicate that seasonal outbreaks are heavily influenced by rainfall patterns, mosquito breeding and sanitation conditions.
Dr. Vikas Goyal, Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, Patiala, said the present trend reflects the “predictable seasonal load” that hospitals witness every year during peak summer months.
“Extreme heat often increases cases of acute febrile illnesses, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, respiratory infections and skin or eye allergies. Many patients delay treatment because of harsh weather conditions, which worsens their health,” he said.
Dr. Goyal said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has significantly reduced the financial burden on patients by ensuring access to cashless indoor treatment.
“It ensures that people can receive timely medical consultation and care without worrying about arranging money in advance. Immediate diagnosis and treatment under the scheme can help save many lives,” he added.
Medical experts also raised concern over the vulnerability of children during extreme heat and humidity.
Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir, Professor and Head of Pediatrics at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, said infants and young children remain especially susceptible to seasonal infections.
“Warning signs such as poor feeding, repeated vomiting, fast breathing, dehydration, seizures and persistent fever should never be ignored. Any fever in a baby below three months requires urgent medical attention,” he cautioned.
Dr. Dhir also stressed the importance of preventive measures through awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, hygiene education and mosquito-control efforts involving parents, ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff and schools.
As Punjab prepares for a prolonged summer season, crowded hospital corridors continue to reflect the growing dependence of families on public healthcare systems and welfare-driven medical schemes like the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.