Notably, 55 percent of the patients benefiting from these services are women.
Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Mann government's new health initiative aims to revolutionize disease detection and enhance public health in Punjab. Over 2 crore residents have already received treatment at the Aam Aadmi Clinics, with 872 clinics currently operating across the state and 30 more set to open soon.
In an effort to monitor critical health metrics, the Punjab government will launch a program that focuses on assessing blood pressure, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), and basic metabolic rate. This initiative will kick off in Patiala, targeting the health of approximately one lakh people in its first phase. The data collected will identify prevalent diseases among Punjabis and inform lifestyle changes to help prevent them. Public awareness campaigns will also be implemented based on research findings.
The Aam Aadmi Clinics, established by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, have achieved significant milestones since their launch on August 15, 2022. With patient visits surpassing 2 crore, these clinics have provided free treatment and medication, relieving the burden on government hospitals. The clinics, which numbered 677 at the start of the year, expanded to 872 after the opening of 195 additional facilities. Plans for 30 more clinics are underway.
Located conveniently close to residents' homes, these clinics save time and reduce the financial strain associated with medical care. Among the 842 clinics, 312 are in urban areas and 530 in rural settings. They offer around 38 types of tests free of charge, eliminating the need for costly private lab visits. Currently, 80 types of medications are available without cost, amounting to a total of Rs 450 crore worth of free medicines distributed so far.
The clinics also feature modern infrastructure, including air conditioning and digitized systems for registration, medical consultation, examinations, and prescriptions. Notably, 55 percent of the patients benefiting from these services are women. Overall, the Aam Aadmi Clinics have proven to be a vital resource, offering comprehensive care for common ailments and helping the government build a robust database for effective disease management in Punjab.
