In a significant step towards strengthening child development services and care for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, the Government of Punjab has reiterated its commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare.
Dr. Balbir Singh, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education & Research, Punjab, stated that the state government is proactively supporting and promoting the Centre for Excellence in Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Mohali.
The Centre, formally operationalized in 2025 by Dr. Balbir Singh in the presence of senior government officials, healthcare leaders, and domain experts, marks a landmark initiative for children and adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the Health Minister said that while such conditions affect thousands of children, services related to early identification, diagnosis, and intervention have remained limited and unevenly distributed. The Centre aims to establish a structured, state-wide model of care, ensuring timely diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, and long-term support, including vocational training and career guidance.
Emphasizing the critical need for early identification—particularly within the first five years of life—Dr. Balbir Singh acknowledged the shortage of trained developmental specialists as a major challenge. He assured that the issue is being addressed through the deputation of required staff and by making the Centre fully functional.
The Minister further noted that a large number of children remain undiagnosed due to lack of credible data and delayed diagnosis, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention. To address this gap, the Centre will provide integrated, multidisciplinary services under one roof.
These include Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychological Services, Special Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dental Care, and specialized clinics such as ENT, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedics.
Additionally, the Centre will offer early screening and diagnostic services, school readiness and inclusive education support, vocational training, career guidance, parent training, family empowerment programmes, and capacity-building initiatives for medical professionals.
Describing the initiative as more than just a therapeutic intervention, Dr. Balbir Singh said it represents the development of a comprehensive system of care. He added that the initiative aligns with global frameworks such as WHO Rehabilitation Goals 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and 3.8), aiming to ensure universal healthcare and the principle of “Leave No One Behind.”
On the occasion, parents shared their concerns regarding the future of their children and expressed optimism that the Centre would provide much-needed support and assurance.Dr. Balbir Singh also launched a dedicated website, to raise awareness about autism and related disorders among the public.
Prominent attendees included MLA Mohali S. Kulwant Singh, Dr. Navdeep Saini, Director-Principal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Dr. Gurpreet Singh, and Dr. Bhagwant Singh, former President of the Punjab IMA, among others.The Health Minister cited examples to emphasize that developmental challenges can be addressed with timely care and support.
He reiterated that the government is committed to building centres of excellence across sectors, citing the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences as another such initiative.He further highlighted that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana serves as an effective alternative to costly private health insurance, and called for greater public awareness of the scheme.
He also noted that the hub-and-spoke model in government medical colleges and hospitals is strengthening emergency cardiac care, while Aam Aadmi Clinics continue to provide accessible primary healthcare services with distinction.Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Balbir Singh stated that Punjab is moving steadily towards building a compassionate, inclusive, and scientifically robust healthcare ecosystem for all sections of society.