Minister Balbir Singh : Approximately ₹3.52 crore was spent on these life-saving procedures conducted at accredited hospitals in Punjab.
In a significant step toward ensuring better health for its youngest citizens, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has successfully provided free heart surgeries to 341 children diagnosed with congenital heart disease during the financial year 2024-25 so far, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh announced on Wednesday.
Congenital heart disease is a birth defect affecting the heart or nearby blood vessels, often requiring expensive surgeries that many families cannot afford. Acknowledging this challenge, the Punjab government has taken the initiative to fully cover the cost of treatment, offering these children a renewed chance at life. This effort is part of the larger Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a national program focused on early detection and management of health conditions in children.
Minister Balbir Singh stated that up until December 2024, the government has spent ₹3.52 crore on these critical procedures, conducted at reputed empaneled hospitals across the state.
To ensure the smooth execution of the RBSK program, the Punjab Health Department has deployed mobile health teams throughout the state. Each team consists of four members—a male and female doctor, a nurse, and a pharmacist proficient in data management.
These teams are well-equipped with necessary medical tools, medicines, and vehicles, regularly visiting government schools and anganwadis to screen children for health issues. A key aspect of the program is the maintenance of a digital health card for every child, tracking their medical history, growth, and overall development. This system enables continuous monitoring and timely medical intervention to keep children healthy.
Minister Balbir Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in Punjab. “This initiative reflects our dedication to ensuring a healthy childhood for every child in the state. Our goal is to make Punjab a benchmark for healthcare excellence, and this achievement marks a significant milestone in that journey,” he stated.