Punjab government urges private hospitals to reserve 20% beds for economically weaker patients

The Punjab government has asked private hospitals in the state to reserve at least 20 per cent of their beds for patients belonging to economically weaker sections so that more people can access affordable treatment.

State health minister Balbir Singh said the proposal is aimed at strengthening inclusive healthcare and ensuring that patients covered under government schemes are not denied admission at private facilities. Hospitals would be reimbursed for the treatment costs through existing public health programmes.

Officials said the government has been reviewing access to healthcare services under state and central insurance schemes and found that many eligible patients continue to face difficulty in securing hospital beds, particularly in urban areas.

The health department has urged private hospitals to cooperate with the initiative and work closely with the government to expand treatment access. Authorities said discussions with hospital associations will continue to finalise the operational details of the proposal.

The move is part of the state’s broader effort to improve healthcare access and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent patients from receiving timely medical care.