The Punjab Government is expanding access to quality eye care through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY), enabling thousands of patients to undergo life-changing eye surgeries free of cost at government and empanelled private hospitals. The scheme is helping reduce treatment delays, improve access to specialised ophthalmic care and ease the financial burden on patients, particularly senior citizens.
Data under the scheme shows that 3,524 patients have received eye surgeries worth ₹1,98,68,890. Cataract surgery remains the most common procedure, reflecting its status as the leading cause of avoidable blindness among older adults.
The largest share of treatment comprised Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with non-foldable intraocular lens (IOL), performed on 3,070 patients with claims amounting to ₹1,54,40,380. This accounted for over 87 per cent of all eye surgeries covered under the scheme.
The second most common procedure was Pterygium with Conjunctival Autograft, carried out for 333 patients at a total cost of ₹31,83,300. The scheme also covered several specialised surgeries, including 28 entropion corrections, 12 ectropion corrections, paediatric lens surgeries, glaucoma procedures, tear duct surgeries and other complex ophthalmic interventions, ensuring comprehensive eye care for patients across age groups.
Dr Munish Dhawan, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, GGS Medical College, Faridkot, said the scheme is making advanced treatment affordable for everyone. “Under this scheme, patients have access to advanced eye care at no cost. Modern cataract surgery using phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation is provided free of charge. In addition, glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease if left untreated, is also covered under the scheme, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment without any financial burden to patients,” he said.
He said the initiative has been particularly beneficial for elderly patients, many of whom delay treatment because of financial constraints. “Eye surgeries covered under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana have been a major relief for elderly patients in particular. Procedures like cataract surgery are now more accessible, which directly improves quality of life and independence for patients who would otherwise struggle with untreated vision impairment,” he added. “Moreover, squint surgery, which corrects misalignment of the eyes, is also covered under this scheme,” he explained.
Dr Munish Dhawan also emphasised the importance of preventive care and healthy living. “The focus must remain on preventive eye care. This includes regular vision screening for children, routine eye check-ups for people above 40, and frequent monitoring for diabetic patients, since diabetes can significantly affect eye health,” the doctor said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the expanded network of hospitals has made advanced eye care more accessible across the state. “By expanding services to empanelled private hospitals as well, we are ensuring that more patients receive timely surgery without financial burden. Early treatment can prevent avoidable vision loss and significantly improve quality of life,” he said.
The Health Minister urged people not to ignore symptoms such as blurred vision, persistent eye irritation, excessive watering or eyelid abnormalities, noting that early medical attention can prevent complications and restore sight. "The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana continues to strengthen Punjab’s healthcare system by ensuring that both routine and specialised eye surgeries are available to eligible patients free of cost, helping thousands regain vision and lead healthier, more independent lives," he added.
