4 Aam Aadmi clinics in Muktsar district sans doctors

Even as the state government promotes Aam Aadmi Clinics (recently renamed as Ayushman Arogya Kendras) as a cornerstone of its healthcare reform, four out of the 24 such clinics in Muktsar district are currently without doctors, affecting the delivery of healthcare services to people.

Dr Jagdeep Chawla, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Muktsar, said, “Four clinics are currently without doctors. Any MBBS-graduate doctor can come for a walk-in interview at my office during working hours on any day. Eligible candidates will be given appointment letters on the spot.”

The CMO urged qualified doctors to step forward and join the initiative, calling the clinics a “boon” for residents. He also appealed to the public to take full advantage of the services being offered.

Dr Chawla claimed that the network of 24 clinics had significantly improved access to healthcare in both rural and urban areas. “Since the launch of Aam Aadmi Clinics, over 2.62 lakh patients have received free consultations and medicines, while more than 6.64 lakh patients have availed free lab tests. Each clinic offers 90 essential medicines and 38 diagnostic tests, and maintains digital records of patients to ensure continuity of care,” said the CMO.

He further informed that clinic hours would be changed from April 16. “From Wednesday, the clinics will open from 8 am to 2 pm, instead of the current 9 am to 3 pm schedule,” he added.

Meanwhile, sources said that four doctors at these clinics had recently resigned, while one more had submitted his resignation but was currently working.