Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann on Friday inaugurated 400 more ‘Aam Aadmi’ clinics in Punjab, describing it as the fulfilment of Kejriwal’s another guarantee. With the launch of 400 new ‘Aam Aadmi’ clinics, the total number of these neighbourhood health centres in the State has gone up to 500 now.
“We are not here to show strength. What we promised before the elections, we are giving to the general public of Punjab. Today, 400 Aam Adami clinics would be dedicated to the common man. With this, the numbers would increase to 500,” said Mann.
He said that the online data of every patient, visiting these clinics, will be maintained across the state. “This will help in data compilation for the formulation of strategy to combat deadly diseases in the state. It will also ensure research-based diagnosis and treatment of the residents of the state in an efficient and foolproof manner,” he added.
Mann said that the State Government is making concerted efforts for carving out a ‘healthy and rangla’ Punjab by ensuring comprehensive development in every sector. “The State Government has already set the wheels in motion for this noble cause. Massive work is being done in the field of health, education and employment sector which will bear fruits soon,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that these clinics are acting as a cornerstone in the revamp of Punjab’s healthcare system. “It is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that the Government of India (GoI) has also lauded this path breaking initiative of the State Government to deliver health services to people. Now with the opening of more than 400 Aam Aadmi Clinics, Punjab will script a new success story in the healthcare sector by functioning of 500 such clinics,” said Mann.
He envisioned that Punjab’s residents will no longer have to shelve huge money in hospitals for getting treatment and diagnostic facilities, and the patients can avail medical services by stepping into the clinics or can avail facility of online appointment.
Announcing that the State Government is spending every single penny of tax-payer’s money for their well-being, Mann said that this is not freebees but developmental expenditure which aims at ensuring the welfare of people and progress of state. “We are taking action against corruption. The common man can see those tainted ministers who have indulged in corruption, running pillar to post for bail. Common people's money, which is collected through ‘tax’, is being spent on the general public and the Opposition alleges that we are giving freebies,” he added.
“Sarkar twade dwar” (government at your doorstep) will be started soon,” announced Mann.
Stating that the successive governments in the State have plundered Punjab’s wealth, Mann said that his government is duty bound to put the perpetrators of this heinous crime behind the bars, and no stone will be left unturned to punish these culprits of the State who have looted the money from state exchequer”.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal said that he was happy to see Punjab Government open 500 mohalla clinics in merely 10 months. The promises made by AAP would be fulfilled, he said while blaming the previous governments for ‘destroying’ the system.
“I am happy to say that Bhagwant Mann has fulfilled one more Kejriwal ki guarantee (Kejriwal's guarantee),” said AAP supremo, referring to the party's promises made to the people of Punjab in the run-up to the 2022 assembly elections.
All the party's guarantees would be fulfilled,” he said, asking the people of Punjab to “have patience” as he targeted the previous dispensations for "destroying" the system. AAP has already fulfilled its poll promise of 300 units of free electricity per month, said Kejriwal. Deeming it as a ‘big’ achievement, Kejriwal said that 26,000 government jobs had also been provided in just the past 10 months. Jobs here are being provided on the basis of merit, he asserted.
Contractual employees are also being regularized, Kejriwal said, adding that Tata Steel, among other companies, were keen on establishing their units in Punjab.
Delhi Chief Minister said that Mann hails from a common family and is well aware of the problems of the state and its people. “Punjab Chief Minister has proved that he is a grass root leader who is concerned about the state and its people. Earlier, the Chief Ministers of state used to be from affluent families; but for the first time in the history of state, a commoner has been elected for this post,” he added.