Chandigarh, August 3: To boost public healthcare, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced the opening of 200 new Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state, taking the total number to 1,081 clinics.
Speaking at the launch of a WhatsApp Chatbot service for 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, Mann termed it a “historic day” for the state’s healthcare sector. The chatbot will allow patients to access doctor’s prescriptions, diagnostic reports, appointment reminders, and health advice—all through their smartphones.
“With nearly 90% of Punjabis owning smartphones, this initiative will help patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits and streamline communication with doctors,” Mann said. He added that prescription slips, lab reports, and even health updates for elderly, pregnant women, and newborns will now be just a message away.
Mann also said that the chatbot would enable patients to share reports with family or consult other doctors instantly, while a digital database of patient health records will help the health department monitor treatment patterns.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to free, quality healthcare. He noted that Punjab is the first state in India to implement the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana’, offering up to ₹10 lakh in medical coverage per family.
Criticising past governments for neglecting healthcare in their manifestos, Mann said, “People were afraid to seek treatment for fear of debt. We are correcting that injustice.”
He also revealed that four new medical colleges have been approved in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Nawanshahr, as part of efforts to make Punjab a medical hub.
Highlighting broader reforms, Mann said 90% of households now receive zero electricity bills and praised the success of Schools of Eminence, where over 200 students cleared the JEE Advanced, and 800 cracked NEET this year.
On the road safety front, he said the Road Safety Force (RSF) has helped reduce accident deaths in Punjab by 48%. Comprising trained personnel, including women, and 144 modern vehicles, the RSF has been recognised by other states and the Government of India.
At the event, WHO representatives were urged to visit Punjab’s clinics and share feedback.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Health Secretary Kumar Rahul, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
