The department is committed to ensuring the availability of all 107 essential drugs, Dr Balbir Singh reiterated.
‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ Witness Massive Patient Turnout: Dr Balbir Singh
The ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’, launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government to strengthen primary healthcare in the state, have achieved “yet another significant milestone” as Outpatient Department (OPD) visits have crossed the remarkable 4.20 crore mark, while lab tests have exceeded 2.29 crore in just three years, according to a press release issued by the Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, cited in the release, stated that over 4.20 crore individuals across the state have received free treatment at the 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics since their inception on August 15, 2022.
There are currently 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics — 316 in urban areas and 565 in rural areas — providing free treatment, along with 107 types of free medicines and 47 types of free diagnostic tests, the press release said.
The department is committed to ensuring the availability of all 107 essential drugs, Dr Balbir Singh reiterated.
Citing a survey, the minister said that as per the latest patient feedback, an impressive 98% of patients reported receiving medicines from the clinics.
He added that officials have been strictly instructed to ensure that stocks of all required medicines are maintained at all times.
Providing details about patient turnout at the Aam Aadmi Clinics, Dr Balbir Singh said the clinics collectively serve around 73,000 patients daily, with an average of 83 patients visiting each clinic every day.
“This statistic underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of the clinics in managing a significant patient load,” Dr Balbir Singh added.
“Out of 4.20 crore visitors, 1.50 crore are unique visits, showcasing the broad accessibility of the clinics, while 2.7 crore visits are re-visits, indicating the trust and satisfaction of the patients,” he was quoted as saying in the release.
The minister further added that the clinics have played a crucial role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for individuals by approximately Rs 2,000 crore.
Dr Balbir Singh also noted that 54% of OPD visits are by females, which he said reflects “gender-inclusive healthcare.”
“These clinics are actively breaking traditional barriers and ensuring equal access for all individuals,” the press release stated.
Furthermore, 13.9% of visits are by children and adolescents (0–15 years), 61.3% by adults (16–60 years), and 24.8% by senior citizens (above 60 years). This diverse age representation underscores the Aam Aadmi Clinics’ commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of all age groups, it added.
The Health Minister further added that each clinic is equipped with IT infrastructure, ensuring complete digitization of registration, medical consultations, examinations, and prescriptions.
(For more news apart from “‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ Witness Massive Patient Turnout: Dr Balbir Singh" stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
