Derabassi (SAS Nagar), May 12: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government will soon recruit 1,000 additional doctors in state-run hospitals to address the shortage of medical professionals. The recruitment process has already commenced, he added.
During a surprise inspection of hospitals in Derabassi, Lalru, and Zirakpur (Dhakoli) on Monday, Dr Balbir Singh interacted with patients and visitors to gauge their experience with the existing healthcare facilities. He also inquired about the waiting times for obtaining OPD slips.
Dr Balbir Singh emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to delivering quality healthcare services in government hospitals, which include free lab tests and medicines. He added that medical specialists in Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology and Pediatrics are available in most sub-divisional hospitals and Community Health Centers (CHCs). To further enhance specialized care, Eye, ENT and Dermatology specialists will be assigned on a weekly roster basis at facilities with vacant positions.
The Minister noted that the Community Health Center in Lalru has adequate infrastructure, and additional staff will be appointed to optimize services. At the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Derabassi, while staffing levels are sufficient, there is a shortage of space that will be addressed in due course. In Zirakpur, he highlighted the availability of laparoscopic surgery services alongside other medical treatments.
Addressing the shortage of nursing staff, Dr. Balbir Singh assured that the government is actively working to fill these vacancies. He reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made significant strides in enhancing the public healthcare system by ensuring the availability of free medicines and lab testing facilities.
The Minister stated that his visits aim to assess the ground realities by directly interacting with the public while also providing necessary directives to the medical and paramedical staff to maintain a high standard of patient care.