Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday dedicated an ultra-modern Community Health Centre in Sangrur, marking a major expansion of rural healthcare infrastructure that will benefit residents of 85 villages. Equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, the 30-bed hospital in Kauharia village stands as a long-overdue intervention, coming nearly 80 years after Independence.

Highlighting how earlier governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted to a few, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that his government is reversing this legacy by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.

Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In order to impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the Community Health Centre at village Kauhrian.” He added, “This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of ₹13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds.” Highlighting its historical significance, he said, “After nearly 80 years of Independence, people of Kauharia village are celebrating getting their first 30-bed hospital.” Tracing its evolution, he noted, “This Community Health Centre was originally established in 1962 as a Primary Health Centre.”

Detailing the infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The new Community Health Centre will have four OPDs (Outpatient Departments), one emergency block, two labour operation theatres, one minor operation theatre and two major operation theatres.” He further stated, “It will also have a nursing station, two general wards, one ultrasound room, one laboratory, one X-ray room, three doctor consultation rooms and other essential facilities.”

Highlighting its impact, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The new CHC will directly benefit the village population of 4,100 people.” He added, “Additionally, it will serve as a boon for 85 surrounding villages, providing healthcare services to around 35,000 people.”

Emphasising round-the-clock care, the Chief Minister said, “The centre will have 24×7 emergency healthcare services and doctors will be available for surgeries and treatment of serious illnesses.” He further noted, “The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children’s diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided.”

Underlining affordability, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Patients will receive free X-ray, ECG and blood test facilities, and medicines will also be provided free of cost.” He added, “Cashless treatment will be available under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna at this CHC.”

Pointing to the government’s broader vision, he said, “This hospital should have been built years ago, but previous governments remained confined to their own families.” He added, “Our government will continue to return public money to people in the form of schools, libraries, hospitals and roads in villages.”

Expanding on specialised care, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Treatment for dental diseases will also be provided by a specialist dental doctor.” He further stated, “For de-addiction treatment, an OOAT Centre (Opioid Agonist Therapy Centre) will provide medicines and treatment for drug addiction patients.”

Reinforcing the government’s commitment, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Previous governments kept the Dirba region backward; Bhagwant Mann Government has enhanced its dignity by providing a medical college and hospital.”

Highlighting the focus on universal healthcare, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to the health of every Punjabi; allocating ₹2,000 crore for health insurance is the biggest proof.”