For weeks, 58-year-old Manjeet Singh from Punjab’s Fazilka district dismissed his discomfort as fatigue. But when recurring chest pain began troubling him and even short walks became difficult, he sought medical help. Tests revealed a blocked coronary artery that required immediate treatment. Within hours, doctors performed an angioplasty and inserted a stent, restoring blood flow to his heart.While Manjeet Singh’s case underlines the importance of timely treatment, official data also indicates that cardiac conditions are affecting younger people in significant numbers. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, adults aged 17 to 35 account for the largest share of beneficiaries undergoing cashless cardiac procedures, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and timely access to specialised cardiac care among younger patients.Doctors say heart disease often presents early warning signs such as persistent chest pain, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, or pain radiating to the arms, jaw or back. However, these symptoms are frequently ignored until they develop into medical emergencies. Recognising them early and seeking prompt treatment can significantly improve survival and reduce permanent damage to the heart.The burden of cardiovascular disease continues to grow across India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cardiovascular disease has emerged as the country’s leading cause of illness and death over the past three decades. Rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, diabetes and hypertension have contributed to the rising burden. Although advances in cardiac care have improved survival, the cost of treatment continues to keep lifesaving procedures out of reach for many families.For patients like Manjeet Singh, however, the biggest challenge was financial. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, eligible families across Punjab are receiving cashless treatment for cardiac procedures, enabling them to undergo timely treatment without worrying about hospital expenses.According to figures released by the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, as on July 15, 2026, a total of 135 patients have undergone cashless cardiac procedures under the scheme, with treatment support amounting to Rs 2.71 crore. The procedures included surgeries for congenital heart defects, valve disorders and other complex cardiac conditions. The figures reflect the growing demand for specialised cardiac care and the role of financial support in ensuring timely access to lifesaving treatment.Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said heart disease remains one of the state’s most serious public health challenges, but many deaths can be prevented through awareness, early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention. He urged people not to ignore persistent chest pain, breathlessness, unexplained fatigue or other warning signs, saying that seeking medical attention without delay can save lives.“No family should be forced to delay lifesaving heart treatment because of financial constraints. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, we are ensuring that patients receive quality cardiac care at the right time without the burden of treatment costs. Early diagnosis and timely intervention save lives, and our commitment is to make such care accessible to every eligible family in Punjab,” Dr Balbir Singh said.Dr Karandeep Singh Sayal, Consultant Cardiologist and Head of the Department of Cardiology at My Hospital, Mohali (Indus Network Hospital), said heart disease remains one of the country’s biggest health challenges. Congenital heart defects and other complex cardiac conditions continue to account for a significant share of procedures, but timely diagnosis and treatment can save lives.He said financial protection encourages patients to seek treatment without delay, leading to better outcomes and recovery. “At the same time, prevention remains our strongest defence. A heart-healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, blood pressure and diabetes control, along with routine heart check-ups, can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular disease,” he said.Today, Manjeet Singh is back with his family, grateful that a medical emergency did not become a financial crisis. His experience reflects that of many others across Punjab who have received timely cardiac treatment under the scheme.“The greatest reassurance is not merely that advanced medical care is available, but that the cost no longer determines whether we receive it in time,” Manjeet Singh said.