— CM BHAGWANT MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT COMMITTED TO PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS HEALTH FACILITIES TO PEOPLE OF STATE
— CLINICS CATERING OVER 73K PATIENTS DAILY, CUTS HEALTHCARE EXPENSES FOR INDIVIDUALS BY ₹ 2000 CR, SAYS DR BALBIR SINGH
— DR BALBIR SINGH REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO UNINTERRUPTED DRUG SUPPLY, SAYS AN IMPRESSIVE 98% PATIENTS REPORTED RECEIVING DRUGS IN SURVEY
CHANDIGARH, October 19:
The ambitious ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ project initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government to strengthening primary healthcare in the state, has achieved yet another significant milestone as the Outpatient Department (OPD) visits have now crossed the remarkable 4.20 crore mark and lab tests done crossed 2.29 cr in just three years.
Sharing this milestone here on Sunday, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh revealed that over 4.20 crore individuals in the state have received free treatment from the 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics since August 15, 2022. Notably, there are 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics— 316 in urban areas and 565 in Rural areas— functioning in the state providing free treatment, besides offering 107 types of free medicines and 47 types of free diagnostic tests.
Dr Balbir Singh reiterated the commitment of the department to ensuring the availability of all 107 types of essential drugs. He presented the survey findings, stating that as per the latest patient feedback, an impressive 98% of patients reported receiving drugs from the clinic. The Minister stated that officials have been strictly instructed to ensure that stocks of all required medicines are maintained at all times.
Providing a break-up about the footfall at the Aam Aadmi Clinics, Dr Balbir Singh mentioned that these clinics serve around 73,000 patients daily, with an average of 83 patients visiting each clinic everyday. This statistic underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of the clinics in managing a significant patient load, he added.
“Out of 4.20 crore visitors, 1.50 cr are unique visits, showcasing the broad accessibility of the clinics, while 2.7 crore visits are re-visits, indicating the trust and satisfaction of the patients,” said the Health Minister, while adding that the clinics have played a crucial role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for individuals by a substantial amount of Rs 2000 crores.
He further informed that 54% of OPD visits are by females, indicating a notable shift towards gender-inclusive healthcare. These clinics are actively breaking traditional barriers and ensuring equal access for all individuals. Furthermore, 13.9% of visits are by Children and Adolescents (0-15 age group), while a substantial 61.3% are by Adults (16-60 age group). Additionally, 24.8% of visits are by Senior citizens (Above 60). This diverse age representation underscores the Aam Aadmi Clinics’ dedication to meet the healthcare needs of all age demographics.
The Health Minister further informed that each clinic is equipped with IT infrastructure, ensuring complete digitisation of registration, medical consultations, examinations and prescriptions.
