Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, on Monday marked a new chapter in healthcare by launching the ambitious ‘Sehatmand Punjab’ Mission worth Rs 550 crore. The transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of the people of Punjab and elevate the state's healthcare infrastructure.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala — a pioneering hospital equipped with cutting-edge facilities. The hospital, set to serve a population of approximately 20 lakh people in and around the historic town of Patiala, boasts 300 beds with plans to add an additional 66 beds, making it a prominent healthcare institution in the region. The hospital has undergone extensive strengthening at a cost of Rs 13.80 crores and is equipped with essential facilities such as ICU and NICU, among others.
Mann emphasized the revolutionary changes happening in Punjab's healthcare sector. He declared that emergency services will be operational in all state hospitals within a year, underscoring the government's commitment to saving lives. Mann also announced the launch of the Electronic Intensive Care Unit (eICU) system, an initiative aimed at providing critical health services to remote and rural areas.
The Chief Minister commended the Aam Aadmi Clinics for their pivotal role in revitalizing the healthcare system across the state. Over 59 lakh patients have benefited from these clinics, bringing quality healthcare closer to the people. Mann urged the replication of the ‘Aam Aadmi Clinic’ and ‘CM Di Yogshala’ concept throughout India.
Highlighting the importance of the ‘Sehatmand Punjab’ Mission, Mann said that it would rejuvenate government hospitals across the state. He unveiled the Sehatmand Punjab App, which enables citizens to locate nearby Aam Aadmi Clinics effortlessly. Additionally, the government plans to establish Ayush pharmacies in all government hospitals, mirroring the services offered by Aam Aadmi Clinics.
Mann passionately shared that Punjab aspires to emerge as a model state for providing high-quality medical treatment. Underlining the government's commitment to accessible healthcare, he announced that medicines are distributed free of cost at Aam Aadmi Clinics and that patient facilitation centers would be introduced in government hospitals.
Kejriwal, also the Aam Aadmi Party’s national convener, praised the Mann-led state government for igniting a healthcare revolution. He said that these facilities would bridge the gap between private and public healthcare, ensuring that everyone receives equal access to quality medical services.
He also shared plans to expand hospitals like Aam Aadmi Clinics and Schools of Eminence across Punjab, while noting the transformation of government hospitals, which have been modernized with advanced technology.
During their visit to the hospital, both Chief Ministers interacted with patients and their families. Patients expressed their satisfaction with the facilities, highlighting that government hospitals now offer services on par with private healthcare institutions.
Punjab to Witness Healthcare Revolution: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal, after inaugurating a special unit at the Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala as a part of the ‘Sehatmand Punjab’ mission, heaped praises on the “revolutionary” changes taking place in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Expressing surprise, Kejriwal noted that many district hospitals in Punjab lacked intensive care units (ICUs). He asserted that a healthcare revolution is starting on Gandhi Jayanti, emphasizing that its impact would be visible within the next two to three years.
Under the AAP's promises for the health sector, Kejriwal announced that 40 government hospitals in Punjab would be equipped with ICUs, operation theaters, and emergency wards, offering services on par with private hospitals — all free of cost. The Mann Government has allocated Rs 550 crore for these hospitals.
Emphasizing the transformation of government hospitals in Punjab under Mann’s administration, Kejriwal said: “Education and health revolution has started in Punjab…Punjab is changing. In just one-and-a-half years of the AAP government, there has been a revolution in every field in the entire Punjab.”
Also criticizing the previous governments in Punjab, he alleging massive corruption. “Nothing used to work without money,” said Kejriwal, highlighting that the AAP government had created 37,000 government jobs in a short span, emphasizing the importance of clean intentions.
Kejriwal also pointed out the shift in industries investing in Punjab, signaling a change in the state's economic landscape. Punjab has attracted investments worth Rs 50,000 crore, he added.
AAP supremo reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fighting corruption, promising to use funds recovered from corrupt individuals to build hospitals and schools. He also announced plans for doorstep delivery of government services in Punjab, mirroring Delhi's successful model.
Kejriwal concluded by assuring that the government would continue to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, including timely payments to farmers, the construction of schools and hospitals, and efficient utilization of funds.
