SAS Nagar, November 14, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Children’s Day celebrations in Mohali assumed a special significance today with a series of health-focused initiatives launched by Punjab Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh.
Reflecting the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s strong commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for every child, the Minister inaugurated a new 50-bedded Pediatric Block at AIMS Mohali and also administered polio drops to children at Phase 7 Aam Aadmi Clinic.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Balbir Singh visited the Aam Aadmi Clinic in Phase 7, where he administered polio drops to children and interacted with mothers. He emphasised the critical importance of routine immunisation, preventive care, and parental awareness in safeguarding children from vaccine-preventable diseases. “Every child in Punjab deserves a healthy start, and preventive healthcare remains our strongest shield,” he stated.
The Minister later inaugurated the newly developed 50-bedded Pediatric Block at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) Mohali. Equipped with a 6-bedded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), High Dependency Unit, Playroom, Pediatric Skill Lab, and child-friendly wards, the facility has been designed to deliver comprehensive, family-centered care for children. Director, Medical and Education Research, Dr Avnish Kumar and Director Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences Dr Bhavneet Bharti and Civil Surgeon Dr Sangita Jain were also present.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIMS Mohali and Dr. R. S. Bedi, a renowned Pediatrician and Neonatologist, to enhance neonatal care services through collaborative expertise and knowledge sharing.
Lauding AIMS Mohali for its progressive strides, the Minister announced that the institute will soon establish a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Room in Block 2, further strengthening specialized emergency care for children in Punjab.
As part of the day’s celebration, AIMS Mohali introduced a unique initiative—“Book in a Nook” Corner, a child-friendly reading space at the hospital reception. The corner aims to promote reading habits, creativity, and reduced screen-time among children of staff and students. It will function from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. The initiative also integrates elements of medical humanities for MBBS students to encourage empathy, imagination, and reflective learning.
Interacting with the media, Dr. Balbir Singh reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure. He announced that the number of Aam Aadmi Clinics in Punjab will be increased from the existing 881 to 1100, significantly expanding access to primary healthcare.
He added that the scope of free lab tests has been enhanced from 38 to 47, while the list of free medicines has been expanded from 80 to 112, ensuring wider and affordable healthcare coverage.
The Minister further stated that all 140 Government Health Facilities in Punjab will soon be fully strengthened with advanced Mother and Child Health (MCH) services, including delivery and cesarean facilities.
Speaking about the upcoming 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Dr. Balbir Singh said that foolproof medical arrangements will be ensured at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Ropar. “Dedicated health teams will be stationed, and 20 temporary Aam Aadmi Clinics will be set up. Emergency services will be supported by teams from Government Medical Colleges, Patiala and Amritsar,” he added.
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