- Healthcare Boost for Rural Punjab; CM also interacted with patients and reviewed the facilities.
Punjab Newsline | Sangrur(Cheema)
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Thursday inaugurated the Sant Atar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in Cheema village, built at a cost of ₹11.70 crore. The 30 bed state of the art facility is set to significantly strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The Chief Minister said the hospital will benefit around 50,000 residents from 15 villages, along with an additional population of 35,000–40,000 from nearby areas by providing affordable and quality treatment. During the visit, he also interacted with patients and reviewed the facilities.
Mann highlighted that earlier, due to lack of facilities, patients had to be referred to cities like Sangrur, Patiala, and Ludhiana. With the new hospital equipped with modern machines, dedicated emergency services, and maternal and child care wards, patients will now receive treatment locally.
He also announced that work on a medical college named after Sant Baba Atar Singh will begin soon, with the state government finalizing preparations. He praised Sant Atar Singh Ji Maharaj for his contributions to education and social service, calling it an honor to name the institution after him.
The Chief Minister noted that the center was originally established in 1975 with 10 beds, later expanded to 20, and now upgraded to 30 beds to meet growing needs. The hospital is expected to be a major relief for nearly 50,000 people requiring emergency and specialized healthcare.
Highlighting services available at the facility, Mann said it will offer ENT and dental care, pediatric services, free maternal and child healthcare, X-ray and blood testing, and de-addiction treatment.
He added that public funds are being utilized for the welfare of people. Addressing another issue, Mann clarified that commission agents have not gone on strike and their demands related to the Centre will be raised on April 6. He reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring a “drug-free Punjab” and will not allow the state to fall into the trap of substance abuse again.