CHANDIGARH, July 10 — To bolster emergency healthcare infrastructure, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Wednesday announced that at least two medical officers (MOs) from each district will receive advanced critical care training at premier institutions.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing intensive care and trauma response, will equip doctors across the state with the skills to manage life-threatening emergencies effectively, especially during the crucial “golden hour” that can determine a patient’s survival.
“Every second counts in saving lives. Punjab will set new benchmarks in golden-hour care, ensuring that no patient is left behind,” said Dr. Singh while addressing the concluding day of a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for Medical Officers on National Health Programs and medico-legal responsibilities.
The event saw participation from MOs across all 23 districts, underlining the state’s renewed focus on decentralising access to high-quality, timely medical care.
Dr. Singh pointed to the success of the STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) project in reducing cardiac-related deaths as a model for what timely intervention can achieve. “With this model, we’ve already shown how quick response saves lives. The same must now be extended to trauma and ICU-level care statewide,” he said.
Mental health and addiction care also featured prominently in the minister’s address. He stressed the importance of combining treatment with rehabilitation. “Mental health is a priority. We will provide not just treatment but also opportunities for rehabilitation and empowerment,” Dr. Singh said, noting the government’s efforts to integrate skill development with psychiatric care for holistic recovery.
In another significant announcement, Dr. Singh revealed that Punjab is set to recruit 1,000 new medical officers, who will undergo intensive induction training before being posted to rural, border, and underserved areas. “This will help bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide and ensure that no part of Punjab is left behind,” he said.
The training and recruitment drive aligns with the state’s broader vision of building an equitable, responsive, and humane healthcare system—one capable of responding swiftly to emergencies and supporting patients through long-term recovery.
