Chandigarh, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) has covered 12,467 treatments for sepsis and septic shock, involving expenditure of ₹51.58 crore, highlighting the serious medical and financial burden of the condition.
Of the total treatments, 10,961 were for severe sepsis, accounting for ₹44.33 crore, while 1,506 treatments for septic shock involved ₹7.25 crore, according to data available till September 1.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh stressed the importance of recognising sepsis and seeking treatment without delay, noting that the condition can become life-threatening within hours.
“Sepsis can become progressively more dangerous. When it leads to serious circulatory problems and inadequate blood flow to vital organs, the patient may progress to septic shock,” he said.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes extreme and dysregulated, potentially causing tissue damage, organ failure and death. Almost any infection can trigger sepsis, with infections affecting the lungs, urinary tract, skin and gastrointestinal tract among common sources.
In severe cases, falling blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to vital organs can lead to septic shock. Patients may require intensive care, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, medicines to maintain blood pressure, oxygen or mechanical ventilation and, in some cases, support for failing organs.
The treatment can place a substantial financial burden on families. The MMSY provides eligible families with cashless health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh annually, helping reduce financial barriers when critical care is required.
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to rapid deterioration from sepsis. Dr Shashi Kant Dhir, Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, said even subtle changes in a newborn’s behaviour could indicate serious illness.
“In newborns, even a small change in behaviour can be an important warning sign,” he said, adding that premature and low-birth-weight babies could deteriorate within hours.
Poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, feeling cold and changes in breathing require urgent medical assessment in newborns.
Antibiotics remain important when bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed, but inappropriate use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Self-medication, using leftover antibiotics or stopping treatment without medical advice can make infections more difficult to treat.
Warning signs of sepsis include confusion, difficulty breathing, extreme pain or discomfort, fever or unusually low body temperature, clammy skin and a rapid heart rate.
The MMSY treatment data underline the importance of both timely medical intervention and financial protection, as sepsis can rapidly escalate from infection to a medical emergency requiring intensive and costly care.
FOLLOW NOW
