Chief Minister Announces 200 New ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ in Punjab

Medical prescriptions, test reports, appointments, and all healthcare-related information now accessible via mobile

Chandigarh, Aug 2025 : In a landmark initiative to provide high-quality healthcare services to the people of Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced today that the state will soon have 200 additional Aam Aadmi Clinics, ensuring that people no longer need to travel long distances for medical treatment.

While launching the integration of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics with a WhatsApp chatbot during a ceremony at Tagore Theatre, the Chief Minister said that the Aam Aadmi Clinics are emerging as the country’s most successful healthcare model, offering comprehensive and free treatment to patients. He mentioned that the government plans to open 200 more clinics, taking the total number to 1,081. Currently, 565 clinics operate in rural areas and 316 in urban areas, collectively serving around 70,000 patients daily, reflecting growing public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

Mann highlighted that the majority of patients visiting these clinics are women and senior citizens, who benefit from access to quality free healthcare near their homes.

Terming the integration of clinics with WhatsApp chatbot as a significant achievement in healthcare, the Chief Minister said that patients can now access their medical prescriptions, test reports, and appointment details directly on their mobile phones. This will revolutionize healthcare delivery, especially since 90% of Punjab’s population owns smartphones.

Additionally, Mann stated that patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnant women, and newborns will receive timely health updates via WhatsApp, eliminating the need to manage physical records. This system will also help the Health Department gather comprehensive data on treatments and diseases.

He also announced that treatment for dog bite victims will now be available at Aam Aadmi Clinics, with anti-rabies vaccines provided free of cost, a significant relief since such treatments were previously expensive and inaccessible at the local level.

Under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana’, every family in Punjab will now be eligible for free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh, making Punjab the first state in India to offer such an extensive health insurance cover. Mann criticized previous governments for neglecting healthcare in their manifestos, forcing people to endure medical hardships due to financial constraints. He reaffirmed that providing free and quality healthcare is the government’s duty, and his administration is committed to fulfilling it with utmost sincerity.

The Chief Minister also shared that significant efforts are underway to make Punjab a medical hub, with approvals granted for establishing four new medical colleges in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Nawanshahr.

Highlighting the impact of free domestic electricity, Mann noted that 90% of households now receive zero electricity bills, providing substantial economic relief and restoring public faith in government services. He added that students are now preferring government-run Schools of Eminence over private schools, as evidenced by 208 students clearing JEE Advanced and over 800 students clearing NEET this year.

Mann praised the Sadak Suraksha Force (SSF) for saving countless lives. He said that during his tenure as an MP, over 5,000 people died in road accidents annually in Punjab, but after the formation of SSF, road accident fatalities have reduced by 48%, setting an example for other states. The SSF, equipped with 144 modern vehicles and specially trained personnel, including women, has even been lauded by the Government of India.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister urged the World Health Organization (WHO) team present at the event to visit Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Clinics and health institutions to share their valuable insights and experiences.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts in the healthcare sector. The event was also attended by Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Health Secretary Kumar Rahul, and other officials.