Will Punjab Open 200 New Aam Aadmi Clinics?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 200 new Aam Aadmi Clinics will be opened in Punjab.
- WhatsApp Chatbot will enhance patient engagement.
- Approximately 70,000 patients are served daily.
- The initiative will provide free medical treatment to citizens.
- Punjab is the first state to implement the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana.
Chandigarh, Aug 3 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance healthcare services, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared on Sunday that the state government plans to establish 200 new Aam Aadmi Clinics, which will increase the total to 1,081 clinics.
While inaugurating a WhatsApp Chatbot for the existing 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, the Chief Minister stated, “This marks a historic moment in Punjab’s healthcare sector as we connect all clinics to a WhatsApp Chatbot.”
These clinics currently serve approximately 70,000 patients daily, and the introduction of the WhatsApp Chatbot is anticipated to greatly assist patients in today’s digital era. Mann expressed that this initiative could lead to transformative changes in the healthcare landscape.
With roughly 90 percent of Punjabis owning smartphones, they can now communicate directly via WhatsApp.
Patients will have access to comprehensive health information through WhatsApp, including doctor’s prescription slips and diagnostic test reports.
Additionally, reminders for upcoming consultations will be sent via WhatsApp.
Regular updates will be provided for the care of elderly individuals with diabetes or hypertension, expectant mothers, and newborns.
This initiative eliminates the need for patients to physically manage prescriptions or medications, allowing them to retrieve information anytime through WhatsApp.
Most importantly, Mann highlighted that patients can quickly share their reports with family or consult another physician through the platform.
The Chief Minister revealed that the Health Department will maintain a digital database of patients, their conditions, and treatments.
He also mentioned that Punjab will soon unveil 200 additional Aam Aadmi Clinics to guarantee quality healthcare for all, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing free medical treatment to every citizen.
CM Mann pointed out that Punjab is the first state in India to implement the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana’, which offers medical treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh per family.
He criticized previous governments for neglecting the health sector in their manifestos, which left many to struggle for care.
The Chief Minister lamented the dire situation where villagers with serious ailments hesitated to seek treatment due to prohibitive costs.
Mann concluded by stating that it is the government's duty to provide quality health services free of charge, and they are committed to fulfilling this responsibility.
During the event, he also invited a visiting team from the World Health Organization (WHO) to visit the state’s Aam Aadmi Clinics and health facilities to share their expertise.