JALANDHAR: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Sunday said that the state government has spent Rs 180 crore on 1.60 lakh patients under Ayushman Bharat-Sarbat Sehat Bina Yojna (AB-SSBY) since it was launched on August 20, 2019.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration of 38th Free Eye-Check-up and operation camp organized by Jagriti Club in Adampur, the minister said that Under AB-SSBY, 46 lakh e-cards have already been generated to extend the benefits of this scheme to beneficiaries and the process is still underway to cover the targeted population.
Sidhu also stated that more than 490 hospitals have been empanelled under AB- SSBY and more hospitals are being enlisted under the scheme.
The minister told that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh is committed to ensuring providing world-class health infrastructure and facilities to the people in the state.
The Minister said that the state government is already in process to open 3000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) by upgrading sub-centres where the trained nursing officers will work as Community Health Officers and provide the best health facilities to all.
He also urged the NRIs to become an active partner for developing health infrastructure in the state.
Sidhu also lauded the efforts of the Jagriti Club for organizing the camps and serving humanity for the last 38 years. The minister was also honoured by representatives of the club during the camp.
On the occasion, INTUC Chairman Chaudhary Gurmail Singh, Civil Surgeon Dr Gurinder Kaur Chawla, Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Gurmeet Kaur Duggal, District Dental Health Officer Dr Satinder Powar, District Immunization Officer Dr Seema, District Family and Welfare Officer Dr Surinder Kumar, Mr Arun Malhotra, Mr Balbir Singh, Mr Amarjeet Singh and others were present.