Aam Aadmi Clinics: Bringing free, quality healthcare closer to Punjab’s people
Punjab (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Clinics, launched by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann in August 2022, are transforming healthcare by providing free medicines, diagnostics, and primary care to millions across urban and rural areas. This bold initiative is bridging the gap in healthcare access, making quality services available to all.
The “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana,” Punjab’s most ambitious health policy to date, was introduced by the Punjab government in October 2025. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann announced the programme’s launch in Chandigarh. Each family in Punjab would be eligible for free cashless treatment of Rs 10 lakh per year at any government or affiliated private hospital, declaring the programme a “national model.” Arvind Kejriwal hailed it as a significant development in India’s healthcare system. Using only an Aadhaar card and a voter ID, registration opened on October 2.
Bringing Care Closer to Home
The Aam Aadmi Clinics are built on a simple yet powerful idea: quality healthcare should be accessible to all, not just a privilege for a few. By setting up clinics in underserved urban and rural areas, the government has brought medical services to the doorstep of residents, saving them from long-distance travel and crowded hospitals. Elderly patients, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic diseases have particularly benefited, enjoying improved healthcare and convenience. With clinics within walking distance (3–4 km range), patients can now access care faster and more easily. Hundreds of clinics are operational across Punjab, offering residents more options for local care and virtually eliminating the need for long-distance travel.
Free Medicines and Tests
The clinics provide dozens of essential medicines and diagnostic tests for free, saving families crores of rupees in medical bills. This financial relief has made routine check-ups and preventive care more common, especially for low-income households.
Massive reach and daily impact
The Aarn Aadmi Clinics' impact is staggering, with tens of lakhs of patients treated and thousands more walking through the doors daily. These clinics have become integral to the community, promoting healthy living, disease prevention, and early diagnosis. The medical teams at AACs handle common ailments and also identify potential risks for chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, playing a crucial role in preventive care.