CM Mann opens 154 new Aam Aadmi Clinics, warns welfare schemes at risk if AAP loses power

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday inaugurated 154 new Aam Aadmi Clinics, taking their total number in the state to 1,244, and warned that a change of government could jeopardise welfare initiatives, including free bus travel for women, healthcare coverage and monthly financial assistance.

Addressing a public gathering at Harkhowal village in the Chabbewal Assembly constituency, Mann asserted that his government's priority was to provide quality healthcare, education and employment rather than engage in what he described as the opposition's "politics of slogans".

With Assembly elections scheduled for early next year, the Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accusing them of attempting to discredit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's welfare programmes.

Mann claimed that opposition parties wanted to discontinue Aam Aadmi Clinics, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for women and free bus travel because they could not accept the government's public welfare initiatives.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟭,𝟮𝟰𝟰 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀

Announcing the expansion of the state's primary healthcare infrastructure, Mann said the addition of 154 facilities would improve access to medical services, particularly for people who struggle to afford private treatment.

"Today, 154 new Aam Aadmi Clinics have been dedicated to the people of Punjab. With this, the total number of these clinics in Punjab has reached 1,244," he said.

According to the Chief Minister, Aam Aadmi Clinics have recorded more than 6.48 crore outpatient department (OPD) visits since their introduction.

He said the facilities were providing free medicines, diagnostic tests and consultations, reducing the financial burden on patients and improving access to healthcare.

Of the newly inaugurated clinics, 36 are in Amritsar, 26 in Patiala, 17 in Ludhiana, 12 in Gurdaspur, 11 in Jalandhar and 10 in SAS Nagar (Mohali).

Mann maintained that expanding the network of clinics was part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen primary healthcare services across Punjab.

𝗥𝘀 𝟭𝟬 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟱𝟰.𝟮𝟬 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗵 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀

Highlighting the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Mann said the programme provided healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh to 54.20 lakh families across the state.

He claimed that nearly eight lakh beneficiaries had already received treatment under the scheme.

The Chief Minister said the programme was intended to ensure that families did not face financial hardship while seeking medical treatment.

He reiterated that the government's priorities were healthcare for citizens, education for children and employment opportunities for young people.

Mann contrasted these initiatives with what he described as the previous governments' failure to address the everyday needs of Punjab's residents.

"The historic mandate given by the people of Punjab has placed a tremendous responsibility on our shoulders, and we are fulfilling our promises through concrete action," he said.

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

In remarks carrying political significance ahead of the Assembly elections, Mann cautioned voters against supporting parties that, according to him, could reverse the welfare measures introduced by the AAP administration.

He alleged that rival parties were uncomfortable with the popularity of government initiatives and were attempting to undermine them through political attacks.

The Chief Minister claimed that successive governments had used political power to benefit a limited number of families and influential individuals.

"Earlier, power was treated as a means to benefit some families and select individuals, but today, governance revolves around the common people, their aspirations and their welfare," he said.

Mann asserted that his administration had shifted the focus of governance towards public services and the needs of ordinary citizens.

"The winds of development are blowing across Punjab, and no conspiracy by the opposition can stop this transformation," he added.

He also said that political attacks would not deter him from continuing the government's programmes.

"They may resort to any number of malicious tactics to defame us, but as long as I have the love and trust of the people, I have nothing to fear from them," Mann said.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗶 𝗗𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸

Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann claimed that the party was struggling to retain its political relevance despite having previously projected itself as a long-term governing force in Punjab.

"The Akali Dal once claimed that it would govern Punjab for 25 years, but today it is struggling to maintain its political relevance," he said.

He accused previous Akali governments of failing to protect Punjab's youth from drug abuse and claimed that incidents of sacrilege had severely damaged the party's credibility.

Turning to the Congress, Mann alleged that its leaders were divided and unable to present a coherent vision for Punjab.

"Congress leaders are unable to present a united front even on matters concerning Punjab's future," he said.

He claimed that opposition parties were joining forces against AAP because they lacked a credible alternative agenda.

"Those who ruled Punjab for years and failed to fulfil the aspirations of its people are now unable to tolerate the work being done by the AAP government," Mann said.

𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗖𝗠

The Chief Minister asserted that Punjab's voters had rejected what he described as corruption, nepotism and politics driven by personal enrichment.

He said people now expected accountable governance and measurable improvements in public services.

Mann urged residents to remain vigilant against attempts to mislead them about the government's policies and achievements.

"The trust and blessings of the people are our greatest political strength," he said.

Reiterating his administration's commitment to public welfare, Mann said the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, availability of free medicines and diagnostic tests, and implementation of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna reflected the government's efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

He maintained that these initiatives, alongside improvements in education and employment, would remain central to the AAP government's agenda as Punjab approached the next Assembly elections.