Chandigarh, Nov. 28 — The Mann government’s push to strengthen maternal and child healthcare has gained momentum, with the state commissioning more than 35 of its proposed 45 Mother and Child Care Centers (MCCCs).
Calling the initiative a “guarantee” to Punjab’s families, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said his administration wants every newborn to have “a safe beginning” and every mother to receive timely care. “This is our commitment to a healthier Punjab,” he said.
The MCCCs are located in underserved towns and villages to reduce travel to private hospitals and major cities. Services include delivery, newborn care, and monitoring of high-risk mothers. Health officials said districts with poor maternal indicators were prioritized. The Budhlada facility, built for ₹5.10 crore, was cited as an example of “transparent and effective” spending.
The government has paired this system with more than 800 Aam Aadmi Clinics offering free medicines and diagnostic tests. Recently added free pregnancy screening is expected to ease pressure on MCCCs. “The two-tier structure ensures mothers get the right care at the right place,” a health department doctor said.
Mann’s regular inspections of hospitals have led to quicker responses to staffing and sanitation issues. “Our responsibility doesn’t end at construction. The centers must run 24/7,” he said.
Officials said completing the remaining MCCCs will create a statewide network capable of protecting mothers and infants. “This investment will shape Punjab’s economic and social health for years,” a senior official noted.
