Punjab Health Minister flags off seven new mobile medical vans for rural areas

Rural health facilities today got a fillip as Punjab added new mobile vans to cater to villages. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh flagged off seven newly-prepared mobile medical vans from Patiala to various rural areas.

A joint effort by The Hans Foundation and the state government’s Health Department, the project aims to provide free and quality health facilities to people living in remote and backward areas. The vans will visit two villages daily.

Singh said the initiative was a significant step towards making the state government’s objective of “health services for every individual” a reality. He stated that these mobile vans will have an experienced doctor, a pharmacist, a lab technician, and a social development officer.

Health minister Dr Balbir Singh at the ambulances’ launch event in Patiala. TRIBUNE PHOTO: RAJESH SACHARand will be equipped with the necessary equipment for almost all essential tests. Through these vans, citizens will receive free tests, free medicines, and medical advice.

“This is a unique initiative under the health sector reforms that will directly impact people’s lives,” the minister said, calling the mobile medical clinic a “moving hospital” that will be a boon for those who cannot reach a hospital or dispensary for any reason.

He also informed that the vans will not only provide health services but also spread health-related awareness.

“This will provide people with proper advice, regular medicine, necessary tests, and prompt facilities,” he said, adding that the state government’s goal was not to limit health services to urban areas but to take them to every village and rural area.

He announced that more such mobile clinic units will be prepared and sent to different districts in the coming time and ultrasound machines will also be made available in villages.