Punjab News : In a major step to strengthen emergency medical services, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Wednesday unveiled a plan to provide advanced critical care training to a minimum of two medical officers from each district. The training, to be conducted at leading institutions, aims to equip doctors with the expertise needed to handle ICU and trauma cases efficiently throughout the state.
While concluding the two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on National Health Programs and MLR/PMR for Medical Officers, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stressed that the initiative would significantly improve emergency healthcare delivery by ensuring timely intervention during the crucial “golden hour” — the period that often determines a patient’s chances of survival.
He remarked, “Every moment is vital when it comes to saving lives. Punjab is committed to setting new standards in golden-hour emergency care so that no patient is left untreated.” Dr. Singh also referenced the success of the STEMI project, which has notably reduced deaths from heart attacks through rapid response and timely medical intervention. The event saw participation from dedicated medical officers representing all 23 districts, reaffirming Punjab’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and high-quality healthcare services.
ਸਿਹਤ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਭਲਾਈ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਡਾ.ਬਲਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਹਰੇਕ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਦੇ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਦੋ ਮੈਡੀਕਲ ਅਫ਼ਸਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਸੰਸਥਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਐਡਵਾਂਸਡ ਕ੍ਰਿਟੀਕਲ ਕੇਅਰ ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ, ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਡਾਕਟਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਯੂ ਅਤੇ ਟਰੌਮਾ ਕੇਸਾਂ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ… pic.twitter.com/7wPjSj4zMa
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He also highlighted the importance of compassionate care for psychiatric patients, including those recovering from substance abuse. He shared that the government is integrating skill development with medical treatment to aid patients in recovery and reintegrate them into society. “Mental health is a top priority—we’re committed to offering both treatment and pathways for rehabilitation and empowerment,” he said.
Dr. Singh further announced that Punjab is preparing to appoint 1,000 new medical officers, who will undergo structured induction training before being posted in rural, border, and remote areas. This step aims to close the gap in healthcare accessibility between urban and rural regions and bring quality medical services to all parts of the state.