The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : In a significant development aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in Punjab, the Union Health Ministry has agreed to release approximately ₹50 crore in pending dues to the Punjab State Health Agency under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This assurance was given by Union Health Minister J P Nadda during a meeting with Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh in New Delhi.
Dr. Balbir Singh announced the update, stating that the funds would be released after the completion of a few remaining formalities. He emphasized that the clearance of these dues is crucial for the continued and effective implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Punjab, which provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year to economically vulnerable sections of society.
The pending amount had been a long-standing concern for the state, and its release is expected to benefit lakhs of beneficiaries who rely on the scheme for free and cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals across the state and the country. Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction over the Centre’s prompt response and reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to ensuring healthcare access for all eligible citizens under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
During the meeting, Dr. Balbir Singh also raised concerns over the unregulated sale of psychotropic drugs by e-pharmacies. He urged the Union Health Minister to enforce stricter regulatory measures to curb the online sale of prohibited substances, which are being distributed without valid medical prescriptions, posing a serious public health risk.
Highlighting two specific drugs, Pregabalin and Tapentadol, Dr. Singh requested their inclusion in Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which mandates stricter control over the sale of certain prescription medicines. These drugs, commonly misused as painkillers or for their psychoactive effects, have been increasingly linked to substance abuse cases in Punjab and other states.
Minister J P Nadda welcomed the suggestions and assured that the Union Government would examine the proposal seriously. He also acknowledged the need for a stronger regulatory framework in the online pharmaceutical sector, especially to prevent misuse of sensitive medications.
This dual development not only marks a step forward in collaborative Centre-State healthcare management but also signals a proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges in the health sector, especially those relating to drug abuse and digital regulation.
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