To overcome the health inequities and further strengthening primary health care, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra on Tuesday said that the ambitious "Aam Aadmi Clinic project" of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will provide the best health services to the underserved population, which are going to be functional from August 15 across the state.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Health Minister said that fulfilling another major election promise and to reform the shabby health system in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government will operationalize 75 "Aam Aadmi clinics" on the Independence Day on August 15 to provide free of cost treatment to people.
He said that by the end of this fiscal year, 109 Mohalla clinics will be set up to ensure that the common man will not remain deprived of basic health facilities in the state."After the opening of Aam Aadmi clinics, people will get all emergency treatment near their houses and they will have to visit big hospitals, miles away in cities, only if they will be undergoing a major surgery.
Consequently, these clinics will reduce the burden on the government hospitals across the state," Minister said.Reacting sharply to the opposition's attacks, the Minister said that they are trying to defame the government with their baseless allegations and the AAP government led by CM Mann is committed to transforming the health system and eradicating corrupt practices to facilitate the people of Punjab.
Attacking the opposition, he said that these clinics are not only being whitewashed but the AAP government will provide outpatient care for a range of curative care for common illnesses, first aid for injuries, dressing and management of minor wounds at the doorstep of the people by expert doctors.
But earlier, people had to travel miles to get the basic treatment.He further said that referral and subsequent follow-up for specialized care will be done through these clinics. Essential drugs and tests will also be made available free of cost in these clinics.