Punjab News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated Sant Attar Singh Maharaj Hospital in village Cheema today. Built at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore, the 30-bedded state-of-the-art hospital is being launched to expand the healthcare infrastructure as well as provide quality medical facilities to thousands of people across the region.
“This hospital will not only benefit about 50,000 residents of 15 villages, but will also provide affordable and quality treatment to about 35,000 to 40,000 population of surrounding areas,” the Chief Minister emphasized. During his visit, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took stock of the facilities available at the hospital at the ground level, He enquired about the well-being of the patients and also interacted with their families.
Better health care at local level – Bhagwant Mann
Referring to the changing picture of hospitals, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “Earlier, due to lack of facilities, patients were mostly referred to Sangrur, Patiala and Ludhiana, but now patients will be able to get treatment locally in this hospital equipped with modern machines and dedicated emergency and maternity wards.”
“The work on a medical college named after Sant Baba Attar Singh will also be started soon and the state government has finalised all preparations for it. It aims to promote medical education in the region and ensure quality healthcare services for the people. The state government will leave no stone unturned to complete this project expeditiously,” he said.
What is the significance of the new Community Health Center?
Speaking on the importance of this new hospital, the Chief Minister said, “Today the Community Health Centre has been inaugurated at village Cheema, the birthplace of Sant Attar Singh Maharaj. Sant Attar Singh Maharaj made an invaluable contribution to education and social service and it is a matter of pride that this centre has been named in his honour,” he said.
Elaborating on the project, he said, “The centre was set up in 1975 with 10 beds, which was later increased to 20 beds. Now it has been expanded to 30 beds considering the needs of the area. The centre, which will provide emergency and specialised medical services to around 50,000 people, will prove to be a boon for the region. Road accident victims and patients with serious illnesses will get emergency care and surgical procedures will also be available here,” he said.
Focus on health services and de-addiction in hospitals – Bhagwant Mann
Referring to the medical services available at the hospital, Bhagwant Mann said, “Along with ENT and dental services, paediatricians will also be available for the treatment of children. Free maternal and child health services, X-ray and blood test facilities will also be provided. Apart from this, treatment will also be available here for de-addiction.
Speaking on the ill-effects of drugs, the Chief Minister rejected the idea of legalising drugs, saying, “It is irrational as one drug cannot replace the other. Instead, this problem should be solved by channeling the energy of the youth in a positive direction. The state government has already launched several initiatives to make Punjab drug-free,” he said.
Anti-drug campaign and achievements of the administration
Referring to the positive results of the ongoing anti-drug drive in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant said, “The campaign against war drugs has broken the back of the drug trade in the state. Drug traffickers have been arrested, their properties have been confiscated and supply chains have been disrupted. The AAP government will soon felicitate the brave people who have given valuable information against drug peddlers,” he said.
Referring to the achievements of the administration, the Chief Minister said, “The AAP government has taken important steps in every field, which has brought about major changes. Public tax money is being spent in the interest of the public. This money is reaching back to the people through development, schools, hospitals and roads. The government has ensured free electricity to 90 per cent households, corruption free employment to more than 65,000 youth, better roads and a daily saving of Rs 70 lakh from closed toll plazas and strengthening infrastructure,” he said.
