Chandigarh, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A premature baby girl from Nawanshahr, born at just 27 weeks of pregnancy and weighing only 700 grams, has survived after receiving 50 days of specialised Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) treatment under the Punjab Government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY).
The entire treatment cost of nearly Rs 3 lakh was covered on a cashless basis under the scheme, allowing the family to focus on the newborn’s recovery without financial stress.
The baby was born on June 9, 2026, to Suraj and his wife, residents of Shiv Shankar Mohalla, Nawanshahr. Shortly after birth, she developed severe breathing complications due to underdeveloped lungs and was shifted to the NICU of an empanelled private hospital, where doctors placed her on ventilator support and provided continuous monitoring.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the case highlights the importance of ensuring access to quality healthcare without financial barriers.
“No family should have to choose between saving a life and arranging money for treatment. Every newborn deserves a chance at life,” he said.
Dr Balbir Singh said neonatal care has emerged as a major component of high-risk birth treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna. According to him, the Special Neonatal Care Package has supported 1,869 babies with claims worth Rs 2.50 crore, while the Intensive Neonatal Care Package has benefited 1,719 newborns with claims of Rs 3.78 crore.
The scheme has also covered 434 Advanced Neonatal Care Package cases and 382 Critical Care Neonatal Package cases. Overall, neonatal care claims worth Rs 6.28 crore have helped save more than 4,400 newborn lives in Punjab.
Dr Hartesh S. Pahwa, who treated the baby, said extremely premature infants require specialised care, including respiratory support, nutrition management, infection prevention and constant monitoring. He added that the baby’s condition improved gradually and she was discharged in stable health.
The baby’s father Suraj said arranging the treatment expenses would have been impossible for his family. He expressed gratitude to the doctors and the Punjab Government scheme for supporting them during the critical period.
As per State Health Agency (SHA) data, the scheme has also provided assistance to 474 mothers with high-risk pregnancies, including cases involving complicated maternal and fetal conditions, 70 premature deliveries, 45 cases of severe anaemia, 19 cases of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and two cases of major fetal malformations.
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