Punjab Government's Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) have become a significant success story in the state’s healthcare reforms, with over 2.58 crore people benefiting from the free medical services. “The ambitious initiative is transforming healthcare by offering accessible, affordable primary care. In 2025, the state plans to further expand healthcare services, with several new initiatives designed to improve the state’s health infrastructure,” said the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Sunday.

Dr Balbir said that the AACs have already made a profound impact, offering free treatment to 1.08 crore unique patients and handling 1.5 crore revisits. “The Aam Aadmi Clinics have provided over 80 types of medicines and 38 diagnostic tests free of cost, greatly reducing the financial burden on people,” he said. The success of these clinics, which include 316 located in urban areas and 565 in rural regions, will be built upon, with plans for further expansion to ensure that even the most remote areas have access to quality healthcare.

Besides, the Punjab Government is also focusing on strengthening secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. A significant step is the ‘Free Drug Initiative’, launched in January 2024, which ensures that essential medicines are available at all secondary healthcare facilities. The government is also providing diagnostic services at nominal rates, with 202 X-ray centers and 389 ultrasound centers across the state, in addition to improvements in existing facilities. To date, more than 10 lakh patients have utilized these services.

Looking ahead, the Government is placing a major focus on specialized care. Punjab STEMI Project, aimed at providing timely treatment for heart attack patients, has already enrolled over 7,000 patients and will expand in 2024 to more districts, with new treatment hubs established in government medical colleges and AIIMS Bathinda. Another significant initiative is the Punjab Stroke Project, launched in October 2024, which will provide free mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients, a life-saving procedure.

Punjab’s proactive approach to public health is also reflected in its anti-dengue campaign, ‘Har Shukarvaar Dengue Te Vaar’, which has helped reduce dengue cases by 55 percent in 2024 and cut dengue-related deaths by 70 percent. In addition, the state has improved kidney care services, providing free dialysis at 40 centers, with over 32,000 dialysis sessions administered since April 2024.

The ‘Farishtey Scheme’, introduced to encourage citizens to help road accident victims, has already saved many lives. The scheme rewards individuals with cash incentives and legal protection. Furthermore, the government’s new ‘Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences’ in SAS Nagar will offer advanced care, complementing existing facilities like the Punjab Cancer Relief Fund, which provides free cancer treatment at various centers.

The government is also expanding its wellness programs. The ‘CM Di Yogshala’ initiative, with over one lakh participants across 3,284 daily yoga camps, promotes health and well-being across the state.