Chandigarh, September 8, 2025 —Amid devastating floods, the Punjab government has rolled out a comprehensive health initiative to tackle rising post-flood disease risks across the state. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the campaign ensures that health services, sanitation drives, and emergency medical support reach every citizen.
The campaign, launched Friday, activates 12,977 Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) at the grassroots level, involving over one lakh members. In Patiala district alone, authorities have reported 226 snakebite cases since January, raising the urgency of swift action.
“We are committed to ensuring that every citizen gets timely treatment and safety,” officials said.
The program began with a large-scale cleanliness drive in Patiala, targeting drainage cleaning, garbage disposal, and pesticide spraying to curb disease risks. “After floods, the risk of diseases rises sharply, so we prioritized sanitation and hygiene from day one,” a government spokesperson noted.
To deliver health services directly to residents, ASHA workers are conducting door-to-door visits after receiving specialized training. Under the “Har Shukrvar Dengue Te Var” (Every Friday Against Dengue) campaign, workers identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Additionally, Gambusia fish are being released in ponds and water bodies to naturally reduce mosquito populations.
The government has also issued advisories on snake and dog bite prevention. Anti-Snake Venom stocks have been ensured in all government hospitals, and the 104 helpline is providing immediate consultation and emergency support.
The action plan includes regular health check-ups, sample collection, and large-scale sanitation drives. Officials emphasized that the campaign is not limited to announcements but represents planned, concrete action to reach every citizen.
A key component of the initiative is the reopening of Aam Aadmi Clinics in flood-affected areas, offering free check-ups and treatment to ensure even the most vulnerable have access to quality health services.
“Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the health and safety of citizens remains our highest priority,” a senior official said. “This campaign demonstrates the government’s sensitivity, proactive approach, and commitment to serving the people.”
