Ludhiana, November 8 — Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday inaugurated the refurbished Sakhi One-Stop Centre at the local Civil Hospital, calling it a safe and compassionate space for women facing violence or abuse.
The upgraded facility now includes a meditation room to promote mental well-being and emotional recovery, along with improved bedding and resting facilities for those in need of temporary shelter and care. Officials said the changes aim to create a more healing and supportive atmosphere for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse.
Dr Singh said such centres play a crucial role in protecting women’s rights and ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence. “These centres provide integrated services — from medical aid to legal counselling and psychological support — all available under one roof,” he said. “Every woman, regardless of her age, caste, or background, can access help here round-the-clock.”
The Sakhi Centre offers free medical and legal aid, police assistance, psychological counselling, and short-term shelter to women affected by domestic abuse, acid attacks, or any form of violence. The minister added that large-scale awareness campaigns were being conducted to ensure women know where and how to seek support.
Later, Dr Singh visited the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Doraha to review healthcare services. He said the newly established 30-bedded hospital was built in response to local demands and would soon operate round-the-clock. “We are recruiting specialists for CHC Doraha to ensure quality healthcare for every resident,” he added.
Senior Medical Officer Dr Akhil Sareen welcomed the initiative, saying, “Centres like these are the need of the hour. They provide prompt assistance to victims through counselling, legal aid, and shelter — all at one place.”
