CHANDIGARH: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Sunday accused the Opposition of running a “deliberate misinformation campaign” against the state’s ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme, asserting that isolated incidents from non-empanelled hospitals were being selectively highlighted to project systemic failure.

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh rejected claims circulated by Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who had shared a video involving a patient from Amritsar. The minister clarified that the hospital cited in the video was not part of the government’s approved network.

“The hospital shown is not empanelled under the Chief Minister’s health scheme. Over 600 private hospitals are registered, and benefits are available strictly within this network. Sharing such content without verification misleads the public and creates unnecessary panic,” Singh said.

Empanelment rules central to dispute

At the core of the controversy is the concept of hospital empanelment — a standard mechanism under public health insurance programmes such as Ayushman Bharat. Officials pointed out that empanelment is voluntary, with private hospitals required to meet defined criteria to be included.

“No hospital can be compelled to join. Therefore, citing cases from non-empanelled hospitals as evidence of scheme failure is factually incorrect,” Singh added.

Scheme impact highlighted

The state government cited utilisation data to defend the scheme’s effectiveness. According to official figures, more than 1.72 lakh patients have availed treatment worth ₹292 crore, covering high-cost procedures such as cardiac surgeries, neurosurgery, orthopaedic replacements and emergency trauma care.

“These numbers reflect the scheme’s reach and impact. Attempts to malign it are condemnable,” Singh said, demanding that Bajwa issue a public apology.

AAP sharpens attack on Opposition leadership

AAP MLA and chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal escalated the attack, questioning the understanding of senior Opposition leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Raja Warring.

“It is surprising that leaders who have held key constitutional and executive positions are unaware that only empanelled hospitals can provide treatment under such schemes,” Dhaliwal said, alleging that statements made by the Opposition reflect either “ignorance or intent to mislead”.

He added that while Punjab has thousands of healthcare facilities, only those approved under the government panel are authorised to deliver benefits under the scheme.

Political messaging and public outreach

The remarks come amid intensifying political contestation in Punjab, where welfare delivery—particularly in healthcare and education—has emerged as a key battleground between the ruling AAP and Opposition parties.

Dhaliwal accused rival leaders of “distorting facts for political relevance” and urged citizens to rely on verified government sources for information. “This scheme continues to provide relief to lakhs of families. People should not be misled by propaganda,” he said.