Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces 200 more ‘aam aadmi clinics'
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Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced the state govt will open 200 new aam aadmi clinics (AACs) across the state, thereby taking the total number of clinics to 1,081.
Speaking at an event where he launched a WhatsApp chatbot for the existing 881 AACs, the CM claimed that approximately 90% Punjabis owned a smartphone, and they could now be directly reached through WhatsApp. "Patients will now receive complete health-related information via WhatsApp, and doctor's prescription slips will be accessible through the chatbot," he added.
He said diagnostic reports will also be shared, and patients will receive reminders about their next consultation dates.
"Regular WhatsApp updates will also be provided for elderly people with diabetes or blood pressure, pregnant women, and newborns. It will eliminate the need for patients to physically store prescriptions or medications, as they can access the information anytime on WhatsApp. Most importantly, patients can instantly share their reports with family members or consult another doctor through WhatsApp," he added.
The CM reiterated his govt's move to increase health insurance for people to Rs 10 lakh. He added the govt had also given approval to establishing four medical colleges, one each in in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Nawanshahr.
Hails schools of eminence
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also said many children had shifted from private schools to govt-run schools of eminence. "This year, 208 students from govt schools cleared the prestigious JEE Advanced exam, and over 800 students successfully passed the NEET," he said.
PROS OF CHATBOT
Patients will receive health-related info directly on WhatsApp
Doctor's prescription slips will be accessible digitally
Diagnostic reports will be shared through the chatbot
Reminders for next consultation dates will be sent
Regular updates for elderly (BP/diabetes), pregnant women & newborns
No need to physically store prescriptions or meds
Easy sharing of reports with family or for second opinions
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