Anjaneya Tewari, Mohali : A painful road accident nearly cost Mohd Julfukar, a local barber in Mohali, his livelihood. Unable to afford the expensive surgery required for a severe knee injury, he feared for his family’s future. However, through the Punjab Government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), Julfukar received completely free treatment and is now steadily recovering.
For years, Julfukar has operated a small barber shop, spending long hours on his feet serving his loyal customers. His life took an unexpected turn when a cow suddenly crossed the road while he was riding his motorcycle. Swerving to avoid the animal, he crashed. His leg became trapped beneath the motorcycle, and with the engine still running, he was dragged several meters.
While one knee suffered minor abrasions, the other sustained a serious injury that made even walking agonizing.
“I was in pain every day,” Julfukar recalled. “I kept thinking, ‘If I cannot stand, how will I work? And if I cannot work, how will I look after my family?’”
Free Treatment Brings Relief
The prospect of expensive surgery severely worried Julfukar, who feared he would have to borrow heavily or postpone the treatment indefinitely. Relief arrived via the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana.
Julfukar successfully underwent an Anterior Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair/Meniscectomy at the District Hospital in Mohali (S.A.S. Nagar). The total procedure cost of ₹53,455 was entirely covered under the scheme.
“When I learnt that my treatment would be covered, I felt a huge burden had been lifted. For the first time in months, I felt hopeful,” Julfukar said. Now in recovery, he looks forward to returning to his shop. “Cutting hair is not just my job; it is how I support my family and meet people every day. I am thankful that I got this chance.”
A Surge in Orthopedic Interventions
Julfukar’s case highlights a broader trend in the state’s healthcare utilization. According to recent data from the State Health Agency, Punjab, fracture-related surgeries have emerged as the single largest category of orthopedic procedures under the scheme.
During the latest reporting period:
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190 orthopedic procedures worth ₹53.38 lakh were performed under the MMSY.
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Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)—a procedure utilizing plates, screws, or rods to stabilize broken bones—accounted for 79 of those surgeries (41.6%).
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These fracture fixation surgeries cost ₹16.75 lakh, representing nearly 31.4% of the total orthopedic expenditure.
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The average package value for an ORIF procedure stood at ₹21,209 per patient.
Health Minister Appeals for Safety
Addressing the high volume of fracture-related procedures, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh issued a strong appeal to the public to prioritize safety.
“While advanced surgical care is now available free of cost to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, many serious injuries can be prevented through greater public awareness and adherence to safety measures,” Dr. Singh stated.
The Minister actively urged motorists to wear helmets and seat belts, industrial workers to use protective equipment, sportspersons to strictly follow safety protocols, and families to implement measures reducing the risk of falls among senior citizens at home.
