Chandigarh, Dec. 18: Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free consultations, medicines and diagnostic tests to thousands of patients daily, easing the financial burden of healthcare for low-income families across the state, officials said.
An elderly patient who recently received treatment at one such clinic thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, saying the scheme had spared him the expense of private hospitals.
“I got my check-up, medicines and tests without paying anything,” the patient said. “Earlier, I had to spend a lot of money at private hospitals. Now treatment is within reach of people like us.”
Launched by the Bhagwant Mann government, the Aam Aadmi Clinic initiative aims to bring primary healthcare closer to communities by offering free treatment for common ailments, including fever, diabetes, hypertension and respiratory infections. Each clinic is staffed with doctors and nurses and stocked with more than 100 essential medicines, along with basic diagnostic facilities.
Health Department officials said the clinics are treating thousands of patients every day on average, with strong participation from rural and urban areas alike. “The response has been overwhelming, especially among senior citizens, women and children,” an official said.
The government has set up clinics across the state and plans to ensure at least one facility in every assembly constituency so residents do not have to travel long distances for basic medical care.
Chief Minister Mann has said healthcare is a fundamental right and a core responsibility of the government. “Our goal is that no citizen should be denied treatment because of lack of money,” he has said on multiple occasions.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said patient feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction with the clinics. “This scheme is meant to ensure dignity and access to healthcare for every Punjabi,” he said. “We are continuously monitoring services to maintain quality.”
Public health experts say initiatives like Aam Aadmi Clinics strengthen the healthcare system by promoting early diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent complications and reduce long-term costs.
Residents have also taken to social media to share positive experiences, with many describing how free and timely treatment helped their families avoid financial distress.
The state government has indicated that the clinic network will be expanded further in the coming months, positioning the programme as a central pillar of its public welfare agenda.
