Punjab Expands Healthcare: 243 New Clinics, 308 Upgrades!

Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, recently chaired a state-level meeting to accelerate patient-centric healthcare delivery. The state currently operates 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have observed a notable increase in patient visits, particularly a 30% rise among pregnant women last month. High-risk pregnancies identified at these clinics have reached 29 percent, enabling prompt medical intervention.

The minister announced significant expansion plans, including the addition of 243 new Aam Aadmi Clinics and the upgrade of 308 sub-health centres. These enhancements will broaden services such as newborn and pediatric care, routine immunisation, and cancer screening, aligning with the goal of strengthening primary healthcare.

Singh stressed the importance of "refer less, cure more" and mandated strict monitoring for 100% availability of essential medicines in all government facilities. He confirmed that all medicines and diagnostic services must remain free. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana continues to offer cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family annually to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Progress is also underway for the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, with 22 district integrated public health laboratories and 22 critical care blocks being developed. Seven labs are already completed. Maternal mortality reduction, neonatal care, immunisation, tuberculosis detection, and stroke care expansion across all 23 districts were also reviewed. Furthermore, the anti-drug campaign "Yudh Nashean Virudh 2.0" is being supported by medical colleges for treatment and rehabilitation, with the SOORMA program to aid recovering addicts soon.