Punjab reconstitutes village health committees to boost grassroots healthcare
Chandigarh: In a significant move to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level, the
Punjab health department
has reconstituted village health, sanitation and nutrition committees (VHSNCs) across the state.
Health minister Dr Balbir Singh called upon these committees to work in close coordination with the govt to combat vector- and water-borne diseases and contribute towards building a drug-free Punjab.Over 1 lakh members from 12,977 VHSNCs participated online in the inaugural event, showcasing strong community engagement.
During a virtual interaction, Dr Balbir Singh personally addressed more than 100 members from selected VHSNCs representing the districts of Mansa, Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, and Bathinda. Highlighting the pivotal role of VHSNCs in addressing public health concerns, the minister said that the committees would focus on the prevention and control of
vector-borne diseases
such as Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya, along with waterborne illnesses like Diarrhoea.The health minister informed that
Asha workers
were trained to identify mosquito larvae under the ongoing "Har Shukarvar Dengue Te Vaar" campaign, which aims to eliminate stagnant water — a primary breeding ground for mosquitoes.
As part of biological control measures, the health department is also distributing Gambusia fish to be released in village ponds to curb mosquito populations.He further noted that dengue testing is now available free of cost at all Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs), and that free treatment is accessible at any govt healthcare facility for those diagnosed with the disease.Beyond disease control, Dr Balbir Singh underscored the importance of safe drinking water, drug-free villages, and community vigilance against drug peddling, in collaboration with Village Defence Committees.
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He urged community members to take active roles in ensuring public well-being.Addressing the ongoing heatwave, the minister issued vital public advisories — encouraging citizens to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear loose cotton clothing, and seek immediate medical attention in cases of heatstroke. He also emphasised the long-term need to plant more trees as a climate resilience measure.In a follow-up review meeting with civil surgeons from all districts, Dr Balbir Singh called for a paradigm shift in mindset regarding public healthcare. He urged them to "own the hospitals as if they were their own," advocating a move away from a bureaucratic "government property" attitude. He said this sense of ownership should translate into empathetic and dignified patient care, noting the powerful "placebo effect" of positive staff behaviour on patient recovery.#designerDISTRICTS HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN HEALTH PROGRAMMES:Lowest Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in 2024-25: Ropar (25)Best Performing District in AACs: SangrurBest Performing District in Vector Borne Diseases Control: LudhianaBest Performing District in Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) (30+ screening): PathankotMaximum Screening of Vulnerable Groups in 100-day TB Campaign: Fatehgarh SahibBest Performing District in Immunisation: HoshiarpurBest Performing District in NPCB Free Distribution of Spectacles in Schools: Malerkotla100% Achievement in Tubectomy and PPIUCD (Family Planning): BarnalaHighest Sex Ratio of 964 under PC & PNDT program in Civil Registration System of 2023-24 and 2024-25: Kapurthala (964) MSID:: 121142430 413 |
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