CHANDIGARH, March 15— In a major update on the state’s medical infrastructure, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh affirmed on Saturday that Punjab is undergoing a significant transformation in its healthcare delivery system. Reporting on four years of governance, the Minister stated that the government’s focus has shifted toward providing cashless, high-end medical services to every citizen through the Farishtey Scheme and expanded insurance coverage.
Dr Balbir Singh noted that the state is currently establishing seven new medical colleges in various districts, including Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala, to increase the availability of MBBS seats. He declared that this initiative aims to turn Punjab into a hub for medical education, preventing students from having to seek degrees abroad. The Minister also asserted that since 2022, the government has recruited over 1,500 doctors and specialists to fill critical vacancies.
“Our commitment to healthcare is visible from the successful implementation of the ‘CM Di Yogshala’ and the massive turnout at our clinics,” Dr Balbir Singh stated. He maintained that the government has also established 548 OOAT clinics as part of a dedicated campaign against drug addiction, which has already provided treatment to over 10 lakh individuals.
The Health Minister further declared that the upcoming inauguration of 100 additional Aam Aadmi Clinics will solidify the state’s lead in primary healthcare. He affirmed that these clinics currently provide 47 free diagnostic tests and 107 essential medicines. Additionally, the Minister stated that the government is upgrading existing colleges in Amritsar and Patiala into postgraduate super-specialty institutes to ensure that advanced surgeries are available within the state’s public sector.
