In a significant boost to child healthcare services, Mohali celebrated Children's Day with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art paediatric facility and the launch of a statewide polio vaccination campaign. The developments mark a major step forward in Punjab's healthcare infrastructure and preventive care initiatives.
Minister Launches Healthcare Initiatives
Dr. Balbir Singh, Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister, personally inaugurated the new 50-bedded Paediatric Block at AIMS-Mohali and administered polio drops to children at the Phase 7 Aam Aadmi Clinic. The minister emphasized that "every child in Punjab deserves a healthy start, and preventive healthcare remains our strongest shield" during his interactions with parents at the clinic.
Dr. Singh stressed the critical importance of routine immunization and early preventive healthcare, urging families across the state to remain vigilant about timely vaccinations for their children. The event, held on November 15, 2025, transformed Children's Day into a landmark occasion for healthcare advancement in the region.
Advanced Paediatric Facilities Unveiled
The newly inaugurated paediatric facility at AIMS-Mohali represents a quantum leap in child healthcare infrastructure. The comprehensive block features:
- 6-bedded Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- High Dependency Unit for critical care
- Specially designed child-friendly wards
- Interactive playroom for young patients
- Advanced Paediatric Skill Lab for training
The facility is designed to deliver family-centered care that addresses both medical and emotional needs of children during treatment. Senior medical professionals including Director MER Dr. Avnish Kumar, Director Principal Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, and Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangita Jain were present at the formal launch ceremony.
Expanding Healthcare Access Across Punjab
In a major policy announcement, Dr. Singh revealed plans to significantly expand healthcare infrastructure across the state. The number of Aam Aadmi Clinics will increase from 881 to 1,100, substantially improving access to primary healthcare services.
The government has also enhanced the scope of free medical services available to citizens. The panel of free laboratory tests has been expanded from 38 to 47, while the list of free medicines provided at government facilities has increased from 80 to 112 different types.
Additionally, all 140 government health facilities across Punjab will soon be upgraded with comprehensive Mother and Child Health services, including delivery and cesarean facilities, ensuring better maternal and child healthcare coverage.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
A significant milestone of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between AIMS-Mohali and renowned paediatrician and neonatologist Dr. R S Bedi. This collaboration aims to strengthen neonatal services through shared expertise and implementation of advanced care protocols.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh announced that a dedicated paediatric emergency room will soon be established in Block 2, further expanding specialized emergency care services for children in the region.
Adding an innovative educational component to the healthcare facility, AIMS-Mohali introduced "Book in a Nook" - a child-friendly reading corner designed to cultivate reading habits and reduce screen time among young patients. This initiative will also support medical humanities learning for MBBS students.
Preparations for Major Events
Looking toward future healthcare requirements, the minister outlined robust medical arrangements for the upcoming 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The preparations include establishing 20 temporary Aam Aadmi Clinics and deploying emergency teams from medical colleges at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Ropar to ensure seamless health services for attendees.
These comprehensive healthcare initiatives demonstrate the Punjab government's strengthened commitment to building a more accessible, advanced, and child-friendly healthcare ecosystem across the state.
