Chandigarh: Presenting a detailed report on achievements during its four-year tenure, the Punjab Government has announced that its primary focus is now on further strengthening medical colleges and healthcare infrastructure across the state.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the tender process for new medical colleges in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala has been completed, and construction work will begin soon. He added that the land acquisition process for a Community Medical College in Malerkotla is in its final stage and described the initiative as a special gift for citizens on the occasion of Eid.
The Chief Minister also announced that 100 new Mohalla Clinics will be inaugurated across the state on March 28. Under the Chief Minister Health Scheme, all medical treatments and medicines are being provided free of cost to patients. He further stated that funds have already been released to Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) to ensure there is no shortage of medicines in hospitals. Strict action will be taken against officials found negligent in performing their duties.
Highlighting healthcare expansion, Mann said that currently 883 Aam Aadmi Clinics are operational in Punjab. With the addition of 100 new clinics and 400 more under construction, the total number of clinics in the state will reach around 1,400.
According to official data, outpatient department (OPD) visits at these clinics have crossed 50 million, including treatment for 16.9 million patients suffering from specific illnesses. Additionally, more than 30,000 pregnant women have undergone medical checkups through these facilities.
The Chief Minister claimed that Punjab’s healthcare model is emerging as one of the most effective public healthcare systems in the country.
