For several years, Keval Kaur endured severe knee pain that confined her life to constant discomfort and dependence. She was unable to walk without support, and each day had become a struggle. The turning point came on April 17, when her long-standing condition was addressed through a knee operation performed under the Chief Minister Health Scheme introduced by the Punjab government.
The procedure was carried out at Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences in Jalandhar, where a medical team led by Dr. Anit Sachar successfully completed the surgery in approximately two hours. The treatment, which would have previously cost around ₹150,000, was provided entirely free of charge, eliminating what had long been an unaffordable expense for the family.
Keval Kaur’s son, Mandeep Singh, a farmer, recalled the prolonged suffering his mother had endured over the past five years. Despite consulting multiple doctors and undergoing various treatments, there had been no lasting relief. Her condition eventually deteriorated to the point where she could not take a single step without assistance. According to him, surgery had become the only viable option.
Mandeep stated that he first learned about the scheme through a newspaper report and subsequently arranged for a health card, which proved to be life-changing. Following standard hospital procedures, the surgery was scheduled and completed successfully on April 17.
Post-operative recovery has now begun, bringing with it not only physical relief but also a renewed sense of dignity and emotional well-being. Although the surgical stitches are yet to be removed, the chronic pain that had dominated her life for years has started to subside.
Expressing her gratitude, Keval Kaur said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was like a third son to her, emphasizing that the surgery was conducted without any financial burden. She added that she no longer feels like a burden on others and expects her life to become significantly easier.
For the family, the operation represents more than a medical procedure; it marks the restoration of dignity and independence. Mandeep Singh noted that while his children live abroad and could have provided financial assistance, the scheme allowed them to avoid dependence and maintain self-respect.
He further revealed that alongside his mother, approximately five other elderly patients from Mohali, Hoshiarpur, and nearby villages also underwent knee surgeries under the same scheme. While initial diagnostic tests cost around ₹2,400, the entire treatment process, including surgery, was provided free of cost.
According to Mandeep, the scheme offers free treatment coverage of up to ₹1 million, making it a critical support system for economically weaker and middle-class families.
Keval Kaur’s recovery stands as a powerful testament to the impact of timely and accessible healthcare. Her story underscores how effective government intervention can not only restore physical health but also revive hope, dignity, and the will to live with independence.
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