Punjab Chief Minister Inaugurates New 30-Bed Hospital in Cheema Village
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann officially opened the Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in Cheema village on Thursday. This significant healthcare facility, constructed at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore, features 30 beds and is set to serve approximately 50,000 residents from 15 surrounding villages. The hospital aims to strengthen access to affordable and high-quality medical treatment for an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people in nearby areas.
Modern Facilities and Enhanced Local Care
During his visit, CM Mann interacted with patients and their families, inquiring about their well-being and reviewing the hospital's amenities. He highlighted that previously, due to inadequate local facilities, patients were often referred to larger cities like Sangrur, Patiala, and Ludhiana for treatment. With the new hospital now operational, residents can receive care locally, equipped with modern medical machines and dedicated emergency and mother-child wards.
The chief minister emphasized, "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."
Expansion and Comprehensive Services
The hospital, originally established in 1975 with 10 beds and later expanded to 20, has now been upgraded to a 30-bed capacity. It offers a wide range of medical services, including:
- Pediatric specialists for children's diseases
- ENT and dental services
- Free maternal and child healthcare
- Facilities for X-rays and blood tests
- Treatment for de-addiction services
CM Mann noted that the Community Health Centre is named in honor of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, who made notable contributions to education and social service, and it is located at his birthplace in Cheema village.
Future Plans for Medical Education
Looking ahead, the chief minister announced plans to start work on a medical college named after Sant Baba Attar Singh. He stated, "The state government has already finalized 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."
Stance on Drug Abuse
Addressing the issue of drug abuse, CM Mann firmly rejected calls to legalize drugs, calling such proposals irrational and illogical. He explained, "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."
He highlighted ongoing state initiatives to combat drug trade, including the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, which has disrupted supply lines, led to arrests of smugglers, and confiscation of properties. The AAP government plans to launch a campaign to felicitate individuals who provide vital information against drug smugglers.
