Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes obituary resolutions

Chandigarh, February 24-The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on the inaugural sitting of 7th session of the 16th Vidhan Sabha here today passed obituary resolutions to pay tributes to prominent personalities including political personalities, freedom fighters and renowned artist who passed away recently.

The House paid respects to MLA Gurpreet Singh Bassi (Goggi), Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Ex Ministers Dharam Pal Sabharwal and Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur, Ex Rajya Sabha MP Harwinder Singh Hanspal and Ex MLAs Joginder Pal Jain, Sukhwinder Singh Butter and Bhag Singh.

The House also remembered freedom fighters Karnail Singh, Kikkar Singh and Kehar Singh.

The House also paid homage to Renowned artist Jarnail Singh, Raikot MLA Hakam Singh’s wife Jaspal Kaur and Nabha MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann’s father Lal Singh.

A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of departed souls as a mark of respect during the obituary references.

Meanwhile, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan proposed that homage be paid to all those members who had passed away since the previous session. After the obituary references to the departed souls, he passed a resolution for conveying the condolences of the House to their respective families.

On the request of Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains the name of late Justice Kuldeep Singh was also added to the obituary list.

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NATIONAL CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL TO COME UP IN PUNJAB

•Punjab inks MoU with NCDC, New Delhi to establish a state branch in Amritsar

•NCDC centre to give major push to disease surveillance and strengthen public health-infra in Punjab, says Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh

Chandigarh, February 24:To further ramp up the public health infrastructure in the state, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi to establish a state branch at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Manawala in the Amritsar district.

The MoU was signed between Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul and Dr Amarjeet Kaur, Senior Regional Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GoI) in the presence of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh at Punjab Bhawan here on Monday.

Sharing details about the upcoming project, Dr Balbir Singh stated that this MoU will facilitate the introduction of essential disease control expertise directly to the state of Punjab, aligning with the 'Sehat Kranti' initiative envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Dr Balbir Singh informed that due to the increase in population, along with emerging and re-emerging communicable and infectious diseases, it is crucial to upgrade and strengthen our public healthcare infrastructure. "The key objective is to enhance our disease surveillance system, improve outbreak investigation capabilities, and boost our rapid response to contain outbreaks, including communicable diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea," he added.

Underlining the importance of this collaboration, the Health Minister stated that it is a vital step in preparing Punjab for future health crises, drawing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasised that this partnership will support the state in strengthening Integrated Disease Surveillance activities, as well as enhancing preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks and disasters.

He said that the NCDC Punjab will offer logistical support, including the storage and distribution of diagnostic kits, drugs, vaccines, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, it will assist in the capacity building of health personnel to address public health challenges. This MoU holds significant importance for Punjab's healthcare system, positively impacting disease control and public health in our state, and will contribute to the vision of creating a 'Rangla Punjab.'

Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Deputy Director Dr. Rohini, State Program Officer (IDSP) Dr. Manmeet Kaur Chahal were also present on the occasion.

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PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER LAUNCHES 10 NEW MOBILE MEDICAL UNITS TO BOOST RURAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS

— LAUNCHED IN COLLABORATION WITH HANS FOUNDATION, MMUs TO SERVE MANSA AND BATHINDA DISTRICTS

— A TOTAL OF 77 MMUs OPERATIONAL IN PUNJAB, OFFERING FREE CONSULTATIONS, TESTS, MEDICINES

— MMUS TAKE HEALTHCARE A STEP FURTHER BY BRINGING MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO PEOPLE'S DOORSTEPS: DR BALBIR SINGH

Chandigarh, February 24: In yet another move aimed at strengthening healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved areas as desired by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh flagged-off 10 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) from Punjab Bhawan here on Monday. He was accompanied Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLAs from Mansa and Bathinda districts.

These units, launched in collaboration with The Hans Foundation, aim to bring essential medical services directly to the doorsteps of residents in rural areas.

Divulging details, Dr Balbir Singh said that these fully-equipped mobile vans have been allocated to the districts of Mansa and Bathinda, ensuring that underserved populations receive timely and quality healthcare at their doorsteps. The MMUs provide a wide range of services, including free medical consultations with MBBS doctors, 40 types of diagnostic tests, 220 types of free medicines, specialised health awareness camps, and home visits for patients unable to reach healthcare facilities, he said.

He said that these units will serve two villages daily, prioritising accessibility and convenience for residents of rural areas. "These MMUs will eliminate the need for people to travel long distances for medical care, ensuring that quality healthcare is available right at their doorstep," he added.

The Health Minister also praised The Hans Foundation and other NGOs, referring to them as "angel investors" for their invaluable contributions to Punjab’s healthcare system and society at large.

Pertinently, at present 66 MMUs are operational across Punjab, including 51 MMUs supported by The Hans Foundation, 13 MMUs under the National Health Mission (NHM), 1 MMU sponsored by ICICI Bank, and 1 MMU operated by the NGO "Doctors for You.” From April 2024 to January 2025, these units have treated 4.40 lakh patients through OPD services and conducted 1.39 lakh diagnostic tests.

Highlighting the success of Aam Aadmi Clinics, Dr Balbir Singh noted that more than 2.86 crore people have benefited from these clinics, leading to savings of over ₹1,500 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses for Punjabis. These mobile units take healthcare a step further by bringing medical services directly to people's doorsteps, eliminating the need for them to travel, he said.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by MLA Budhlada Principal Budh Ram, MLA Bhucho Mandi Master Jagseer Singh, MLA Sardulgarh Gurpreet Singh Banawali, MLA Rampura Phul Balkar Singh Sidhu, MLA Bathinda Urban Jagroop Singh Gill, MLA Bathinda Rural Amit Rattan Kotfatta, MLA Mansa Vijay Singla, Principal Secretary of Health Kumar Rahul, Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director of Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Assistant Director Dr Rajesh Bhaskar, and representatives of The Hans Foundation.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests private person for accepting Rs 10,000 bribe on behalf of police personnel

Investigation Officer ASI also booked in this corruption case

Chandigarh, February 24, 2025:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested a private individual Harpreet Singh, a resident of village Jharon, district Sangrur for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson for the VB stated that the aforementioned accused was arrested after an enquiry of an online complaint lodged by a woman on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line.

He further informed that during the investigation of this complaint, it was found that accused Harpreet Singh had demanded a bribe of Rs 60,000 from complainant on behalf of the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Investigating Officer Jasbir Singh, Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) to provide assistance in a police case registered at Police Station Cheema, in Sangrur district. It was also established that the said accused had already taken Rs 10,000 from the complainant in this regard for said police personnel.

The spokesperson further stated that a case has been registered against the accused and ASI Jasbir Singh under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at VB Police Station, Patiala Range. Role of concerned SHO would be probed during further investigation into this case, he added.

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Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government all set to embark a massive drive to make Punjab drug free

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha issues directive to all the DCs to eradicate drugs from their respective districts

Chandigarh, February 24-In order to make Punjab free from scourge of drugs, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government has decided to launch a massive war against drugs in the coming days.

Giving details a spokesperson of the state government said that on directions of the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary Mr KAP Sinha has issued stern directions to the Deputy Commissioners across the state. In his letter the Chief Secretary has asked the Deputy Commissioners to wipe out the menace of drugs from their respective jurisdictions. KAP Sinha has asked the DCs to ensure adequate number of rehab and Drug De-addiction centres equipped with necessary equipment and medicines including Buprenorephine medicine, testing kits, required staff etc.

The Chief Secretary has directed that Preparations should be done on a war footing and every DC should be ready in coming days with a foolproof plan. He said that respective DC shall be personally responsible to ensure this and any laxity in this regard shall invite strict disciplinary action. He said that the Chief Secretary will be monitoring the Entire exercise personally.

IAS Officer Sandeep Kumar shall visit all centres during this period and report any deficiency directly.