Government hospitals across Punjab have reported a surge in seasonal illnesses, including fever-related infections, respiratory ailments and stomach disorders, amid rising temperatures and humid weather conditions.Against this backdrop, the Punjab government on Wednesday said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has recorded a sharp increase in cashless treatment claims, with acute febrile illness emerging as one of the largest categories under the scheme in recent months.According to data from the State Health Agency (SHA), acute febrile illness emerged as one of the largest categories of cashless treatment claims under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana over the last four months. Punjab recorded 5,840 such cases, with claim payments amounting to around Rs 1.31 crore.The data also showed 1,396 cases of enteric fever with claims worth Rs 30.47 lakh. Pneumonia accounted for 377 cases worth Rs 11.06 lakh, while acute bronchitis recorded 326 cases with claims exceeding Rs 9.24 lakh.Diseases commonly associated with the monsoon season remained comparatively limited in the dataset. Dengue fever recorded 12 cases with claims worth Rs 40,880, while malaria and chikungunya accounted for three and six cases respectively. Heat stroke was reported in four cases.Doctors said the current trend reflects the seasonal rise in illnesses typically seen during summer months. Dr Vikas Goyal, Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, Patiala, said extreme heat contributes to an increase in acute febrile illnesses, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, respiratory infections, and skin and eye allergies.He said the scheme ensures patients can access cashless treatment and timely consultation without immediate financial burden.Dr Shashi Kant Dhir, professor and head of paediatrics at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, also said that infants and young children remain particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
