Chandigarh, September 30: Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has donated his ancestral house and an adjoining shop complex in Bhaura village, Nawanshahr district, for the establishment of an Aam Aadmi Clinic, a move that the government described as a milestone in its effort to expand free healthcare services to rural areas.
“This is about ensuring that no Punjabi is deprived of treatment. Whether rich or poor, everyone has the same right to healthcare,” Dr. Singh said while announcing the donation.
Officials noted that the clinic will provide free consultations, medicines and lab tests—services once available only in urban hospitals—directly to residents of the village. The initiative, they added, is expected to save people both time and money, reducing their dependence on distant city hospitals.
The minister’s gesture has been widely viewed as a rare example of personal sacrifice in Punjab politics. “Only a leader who places the needs of the people above personal interests can take such a step,” a senior health department official remarked, calling the move both symbolic and practical in addressing the region’s healthcare challenges.
Residents of Bhaura welcomed the announcement, saying the clinic would bring essential medical services to their doorstep. Government representatives pointed out that this decision aligns with the state’s broader health policy to set up clinics in every village and locality.
Dr. Singh said that his decision was guided by public welfare, not politics. “My aim is to build trust that the government is fully committed to people’s health,” he said.
While the immediate impact will be felt in Bhaura, political observers suggested the move could resonate across Punjab, setting an example of leadership that prioritizes community over personal property. “This is not just about one clinic,” said a political analyst. “It sends a message that leaders can dedicate even their own assets for public good if they truly wish.”
The Punjab government said the initiative would inspire confidence among citizens and strengthen the public’s faith in its vision of accessible healthcare for all.
