Health Minister leads Lohri festivities at state-level event

Punjab Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh during the state-level Lohri festival honoured mothers and daughters from the city and surrounding areas on behalf of the state government and recognised the outstanding contributions of ASHA workers.

Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted the several achievements of girls across various fields, noting that they are bringing pride to their families and communities.

However, the minister went on express concern about the declining number of girls compared to boys and emphasised the urgent need to change societal mindsets to improve Punjab's gender ratio.

He praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's initiative to celebrate Lohri for daughters as a powerful message of gender equality, urging people to eliminate gender discrimination and treat daughters as equals.

During the event, ASHA workers were honored with awards for their exemplary service.

The ASHA workers who wish to pursue further education will receive assistance, and exceptional performers who contribute to combating diseases like dengue or managing patients with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes will be recognized, the minister said.

Other dignitaries, including Special Secretary-cum-MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Director of Health Services Punjab Dr. Jasvinder, and Executive Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpal Inder Singh, also addressed the attendees.

Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Rachna, District Health Officer Dr Gurpreet Kaur, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr Jaswinder Singh, Senior Medical Officer Dr Vikas Goel were among the others present at the event.