4 days ago
Now, WhatsApp chatbot to track visit to Punjab's Aam Aadmi Clinics
Integrating 'WhatsApp Chatbot' into the existing 881 Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics (AAMCs) in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced the ruling AAP government will soon open 200 more such primary health centres — taking the total to 1,081 — across the state.
Calling the integration a 'major breakthrough' in Punjab's healthcare sector, Mann said: 'All the 881 Aam Aadmi clinics across the state have been connected to a WhatsApp Chatbot tool. These clinics cater to nearly 70,000 patients daily, and in today's digital age, WhatsApp Chatbot will be most beneficial for patients.'
Asserting this initiative would bring 'revolutionary changes' in healthcare services, the CM said: 'Approximately 90% of Punjabis use smartphones, and now, they can be contacted directly through WhatsApp — patients will receive complete health-related information like diagnostic test reports and reminders for upcoming consultation, as well as access prescriptions. Regular WhatsApp updates will be provided on care for elderly people suffering from diabetes or blood pressure, pregnant women, and newborns… This will eliminate the need for patients to physically store and manage healthcare data. Patients will also be able to instantly share health reports with family members or consult another doctor on WhatsApp.' He said the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, will 'maintain a digital database of patients and their ailments, treatments'.
On the upcoming 200 AAMCs, he said 'this will ensure every resident gets quality medical services.'
Recalling that Punjab was the first state in India to implement the 'Mukhmantri Sehat Bima Yojana' — providing medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family — Mann said: 'The Punjab government is making significant efforts to develop the state in a medical hub.' The approval for the establishment of four new medical colleges in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Nawanshahr has already been given.
Further, slamming previous governments, Mann said 'their manifestos had no mention of Punjab's healthcare sector, due to which the public were left to fend for themselves. The situation deteriorated to the point where rural patients suffering from serious illnesses did not even opt for treatment due to high cost — often pushing their families in debt… It is the duty of the government to provide free, quality healthcare services to the public, and we are fulfilling this responsibility, with full dedication.'
During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Mann said data indicated that Punjab recorded over 150,000 fatalities due to road accidents annually. 'The formation of the 'Sadak Surakhya Force' led to a 48% drop in such deaths, setting an example for other states. The Force is working very effectively, and several states as well as the Union Government have appreciated our initiative,' he said.
