Punjab CM hails health dept as state tops in operationalisation of HWCs

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday appreciated the efforts of Punjab's health department as the state was adjudged the best-performing state in the operationalisation of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday congratulated the state Health and Family Welfare department for the top ranking among the best performing states in operationalisation of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).

Hailing the achievement, which comes at a time when the state is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister said it showed how well the health department had strengthened the healthcare facilities, and underscored his government's commitment to providing affordable healthcare to all.

Health was the top priority of his government, especially in view of the Coronavirus outbreak which had further highlighted the need for greater investment in medial and health infrastructure, he added.

"The ranking was the outcome of the hard work of the dedicated staff of Health and Family Welfare Department, including doctors, paramedics and health workers, who have relentlessly worked day and night as corona warrior," Singh stated.

The Chief Minister also praised the HWCs for not only effectively handling routine services during the pandemic and lockdown but also in supporting the fight against COVID by helping in contact tracing.

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A spokesperson from the Chief Minister's Office said that the HWCs scheme was launched by the government in 2019, and currently 2042 HWCs are operational across the state. As many as 1600 Community Health Officers (CHOs) have been appointed at the HWCs and 823 more would be appointed by the end of this year.

The Punjab Government had on Thursday announced that the state achieved first rank in operationalisation of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) as per the latest rankings released by the Centre.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that despite restrictions on the movement of people due to COVID-19-induced lockdown, HWCs across Punjab recorded 28.1 lakh footfall in the last five months.

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