Ludhiana, November 8 — Women seeking refuge from violence will now find a more healing space in Ludhiana’s Civil Hospital. Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday inaugurated the refurbished Sakhi One-Stop Centre, equipped with new facilities aimed at providing immediate and holistic support to survivors of abuse.
The upgraded centre now houses a meditation room for mental recovery, improved bedding for short-term stays, and expanded counselling areas. Designed as a single-window support hub, the centre offers free medical and legal assistance, psychological counselling, police help, and temporary shelter to women facing domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of abuse.
Dr Singh said the Sakhi Centre reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and dignity. “These centres ensure that every woman — irrespective of her age, background, or social status — receives timely help and justice,” he said. “They are open 24 hours a day to provide care, protection, and guidance.”
He said the government was also working to raise awareness about such centres so that women in distress can access help without fear or hesitation.
During his visit, the minister also inspected the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Doraha. Announcing that the 30-bedded hospital would soon operate round-the-clock, Dr Singh said new specialists were being recruited to strengthen healthcare delivery. “We are committed to improving medical infrastructure even in smaller towns and rural belts,” he noted.
Senior Medical Officer Dr Akhil Sareen said the upgraded Sakhi Centre would make a real difference. “Centres like these are the need of the hour. They offer counselling, legal support, and safe shelter — everything a survivor needs in one place,” he said.
