Chandigarh | Punjab Desk:
In a major healthcare announcement on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh declared that the state government will soon provide health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh to 65 lakh families across the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, Dr. Balbir Singh said this initiative aims to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for every household in Punjab. The announcement has been welcomed as a significant step toward universal health coverage in the state.
🏥 Key Announcement Highlights:
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Health insurance of ₹10 lakh to be provided to 65 lakh families.
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Aam Aadmi Clinics to offer free testing for dengue, pregnancy, HIV, and Hepatitis.
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Emergency heart attack treatments, including clot-busting injections, now available in government hospitals.
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Enhanced collaboration between public and private health sectors.
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Focus on drug de-addiction and public health awareness through NGO partnerships.
💬 Changing Perceptions About Public Healthcare
Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that Punjab has made significant advancements in the medical sector, especially in the treatment of heart attacks. He addressed a common public concern regarding the efficiency of government hospitals.
“People used to believe that life-saving treatments like for heart attacks are only possible in private hospitals. That belief is no longer valid. Today, we can save lives in minutes — even in government facilities — with modern clot-dissolving injections,” he said.
He explained that in the case of a heart attack, every second counts, and the state’s medical system is now equipped to respond rapidly, saving critical time and lives.
🧪 Aam Aadmi Clinics to Offer Expanded Diagnostics
As part of the state’s efforts to make preventive healthcare more robust, all Aam Aadmi Clinics will now provide testing for:
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Dengue
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Pregnancy
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HIV
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Hepatitis
This move is expected to help in early detection and timely treatment, especially for vulnerable populations who cannot afford private diagnostics.
🎉 Gratitude for Doctors
On the occasion of Doctors’ Day, the Health Minister extended his gratitude to all doctors serving in the public health system.
“Punjab’s 3 crore population is being served day and night by dedicated doctors. Health is a fundamental right, and it is our duty to ensure access to it for all,” he said.
🧠 Mental Health and Drug De-addiction Initiatives
Dr. Balbir Singh also spoke about Punjab’s ongoing war against drug abuse, stating that the government is working with NGOs to implement the ‘Yudh Nasha De Naal’ (War Against Drugs) campaign more effectively.
The state has been deploying medical, social, and educational tools to raise awareness and rehabilitate affected individuals. According to the minister, the campaign is already showing positive results on the ground.
📊 A Progressive Public-Private Model
The success of this healthcare expansion, according to Dr. Singh, is due to synergized efforts between the public and private health sectors. He highlighted how the Aam Aadmi Clinics, district hospitals, and partnerships with NGOs are helping bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban areas.
📌 Conclusion
This announcement marks a turning point for public health infrastructure in Punjab, particularly in providing financial protection to low-income families and restoring public faith in government healthcare services. As Punjab continues to battle against drug addiction, rising health costs, and disease outbreaks, initiatives like these could serve as a model for other Indian states.
