Chandigarh, Jan 16: The Punjab government has announced a major expansion of its healthcare network, providing free anti-rabies vaccinations across all 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics in the state. This initiative aims to address the nearly three lakh dog bite cases reported annually by making life-saving treatment available at the primary care level.
Previously, access to the anti-rabies vaccine was limited to only 48 primary health centers, often forcing patients to travel long distances and risk missing essential doses. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh noted that the expansion is a significant milestone in ensuring affordable healthcare. “Under the visionary leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is committed to protecting every life through accessible and affordable healthcare,” the minister mentioned.
Data from the last four months shows that Aam Aadmi Clinics have already started treating an average of 1,500 dog bite victims monthly. Officials stated that the integration of these services into local clinics allows patients to begin the five-dose vaccination schedule within minutes of arrival, drastically reducing the risk of fatalities from the disease.
The Aam Aadmi Clinics have become the backbone of the state’s medical infrastructure, recording over 4.6 crore visits to date. Dr. Balbir Singh noted that by ensuring timely treatment close to home, the government is building a safer Punjab. He added that the transition from a hospital-centric model to community-based care helps daily wage earners and rural families avoid the financial burden and travel time previously associated with such emergencies.
