Sangrur: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday inaugurated the Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in Cheema village, a 30-bed facility built at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore, which he said would benefit around 50,000 people across 15 villages and strengthen access to affordable and quality treatment for nearly 35,000–40,000 residents in nearby areas. During the visit, he interacted with patients and their families, inquired about their well-being and reviewed the facilities. He said that earlier, due to lack of facilities, patients were referred to Sangrur, Patiala and Ludhiana, but would now receive treatment locally, with the hospital equipped with modern machines and separate emergency and mother-child wards.The CM stated, “The work on the medical college in the name of Sant Baba Attar Singh will also be started soon and the state government has already finalised arrangements for it. The sole motive is to give fillip to medical education in the region and ensure quality health facilities to the people. The state government will not leave any stone unturned for accomplishing this project on war footing.”He said, “Today, in Cheema village, the Community Health Center has been inaugurated at the birthplace of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, who made significant contributions in the fields of education and social service. In his honor, this Community Health Centre has been named after him. This centre will have a capacity of 30 beds and an expenditure of ₹11.75 crore has been incurred on this project.”CM Bhagwant Mann added, “This center was originally established in 1975 with a capacity of 10 beds and later its capacity was increased to 20 beds, and now it has been expanded to 30 beds. This center will prove to be a boon for around 50,000 people as emergency and specialized medical services will be available. Victims of road accidents and patients with serious illnesses will receive emergency care and surgical procedures will also be conducted here.“He said, “Pediatric specialists will be available for the treatment of children’s diseases along with ENT and dental services. Free maternal and child healthcare services, facilities for X-rays and blood tests will be provided. Treatment for patients seeking de-addiction services will also be provided in the CHC.”On drug abuse, the chief minister rejected calls to legalise drugs, stating, “It is irrational and illogical as one drug cannot replace another. Rather this malady should be removed by channelizing the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive manner. The state government has already started a number of initiatives to make Punjab drug free.”He said, “The Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign has already broken the backbone of the drug trade in the state. The supply line of the drugs has been snapped, drug smugglers have been put behind bars and their properties have been confiscated. The AAP government will soon embark on a campaign to felicitate the brave hearts who have given vital information against the drug smugglers.”MSID:: 129979945 413 |
