Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday reviewed progress of healthcare services in the district during a meeting with the officials of the department. Chairing the meeting, the minister said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government was committed to providing top class healthcare facilities to the people wherein hospitals at district and sub division level being upgraded.
He said that in order to meet the shortage of doctors, about 1300 more new doctors are being recruited soon. Likewise, facilities like X-ray and ultrasound will also be provided in government hospitals by expanding the infrastructure of the hospitals along with the nursing staff.
He clarified that by February 15, 2024, over 280 types of medicines will be available across all government hospitals, out of which about 190 types of medicines will be provided within the month of January itself. He further mentioned that all the medicines will be made available at hospitals and patients do not have to go outside to purchase medicines.
The health minister also said that for the smooth functioning of the hospitals and to provide good care to the patients, the Chief Minister Patient Welfare Committee will be formed at the district, sub-divisional hospital in which the concerned Constituency MLA, Civil Surgeon, SMOs, Program Officers, representatives of NGOs will work together to further improve the healthcare system in their reapective districts.
He said that around 75 Aam Aadmi clinics are providing smooth healthcare facilities in Ludhiana district and soon around 20 more clinics will be dedicated to serve the people.He said that around 70 expert doctors are in contact with him in district Ludhiana and the services of students of around 16 different nursing colleges will also be taken in providing health services to the patients coming to the government hospitals.
Interacting with media persons, the minister said that the health department was keeping a close tab over corona virus and there was no need to panic. He urged people to follow health advisory including wearing masks especially at crowded places.Prominent among others present on the occasion included SDM Dr. Harjinder Singh, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jasbir Singh Aulakh, SMOs and other officials.