Imagine being unable to walk or stand for even a few minutes without feeling unbearable pain. For many people in Punjab, this was a harsh reality. But thanks to the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), a scheme launched by the Bhagwant Mann Government, thousands of patients are now receiving life-changing surgeries for severe knee pain.

The scheme has been a game-changer for people like Sukhwinder Kaur, a 67-year-old woman who had been struggling with knee pain for three years. "I had almost given up hope," she said. "But after my surgery, I feel like I've been given a new lease on life." With the Sehat card, patients like Sukhwinder can access advanced medical treatment without worrying about the cost.

For others, the scheme has been a blessing in disguise. Paramjit Kaur, another patient who underwent knee replacement surgery, was on the verge of losing her independence. "I was in so much pain that even moving from one room to another was a struggle," she said. "But thanks to the Sehat scheme, I'm now able to walk and stand without pain." Her son, Jaswinder Singh, credits the scheme for his mother's recovery, saying, "It's been a huge relief for our family to have this kind of support.

The numbers are staggering - over 4,600 knee replacement surgeries have been performed in just three months under the scheme. Doctors say the change is visible, with a surge in knee and hip replacement cases. "We're seeing a significant increase in patients coming in for treatment," says Dr. Karan Chopra, an orthopedic surgeon. "The Sehat card has made a huge difference in our work."

One major reason for this increase is affordability. A knee replacement surgery used to cost between ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, but with the Sehat card, patients don't have to pay a thing. "Earlier, people were hesitant to undergo surgery due to the cost," Dr. Chopra explains. "But now, with the Sehat card, patients can access treatment without worrying about the expense."