Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh has revealed the severe damage caused by recent floods to the state’s healthcare system. Speaking at Punjab Bhawan ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Singh said the floods have dealt a crippling blow to hospitals, dispensaries, and health centres across the state, with initial estimates putting the total loss at around ₹780 crore.
The Health Minister explained that essential medicines worth ₹130 crore were destroyed, while 1,280 dispensaries and health & wellness centres, 101 community health centres, and 31 out of 41 sub-divisional hospitals were severely damaged. These losses represent a major setback for Punjab’s public health infrastructure, affecting millions of people who rely on these facilities for medical care.
Despite this unprecedented devastation, Singh praised the efforts of the state health department, from the Principal Secretary to ASHA workers, for working tirelessly to provide medical aid. Flood-affected residents have been assisted through ambulances, boats, and helicopters, ensuring that healthcare services reach even the hardest-hit areas.
Singh has already written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, detailing the flood damage and requesting immediate financial assistance for the health sector. Now, he is making a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, who is scheduled to visit Punjab on Tuesday, urging substantial support rather than symbolic gestures.
“The backbone of Punjab’s rural and urban healthcare has been broken,” Balbir Singh said. “This is not just about damaged buildings; it is about the loss of life-saving equipment, essential medicines, and the facilities where millions of Punjabis receive care.”
The minister stressed that Punjab urgently requires at least ₹20,000 crore from the central government to rebuild vital health infrastructure and restore healthcare services for the population. Singh also highlighted the need for ₹60,000 crore in stalled central funds for the overall recovery of Punjab’s flood-affected economy. A strong healthcare system, he said, is essential for a recovering population and a reviving economy.
Singh criticized the “short-sighted” approach of some central leaders and urged the Prime Minister to adopt a broader and more compassionate view of Punjab’s plight. He emphasized that people need concrete action and urgent funds, not just symbolic gestures or statements of solidarity.
The minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to standing with the people during this crisis. He assured that the AAP-led Punjab government will continue advocating at the highest levels to secure necessary relief and financial assistance to rebuild a stronger, more resilient health system.
Apart from government efforts, Singh thanked Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and volunteers who have been actively helping flood-affected communities. Their contribution has been crucial in delivering medicines, food, and medical support to remote and heavily flooded areas.
Singh explained that rebuilding healthcare infrastructure is a massive challenge but one that the state government is determined to tackle. He emphasized that the recovery process must focus on resilience, ensuring that future floods do not cause similar destruction. This includes reconstructing hospitals, upgrading dispensaries, and maintaining a robust stock of medicines and life-saving equipment.
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The minister also assured that efforts will be made to ensure quick restoration of damaged facilities, along with upgrading healthcare services to meet modern standards. He urged all stakeholders, including central agencies, local authorities, and community groups, to work together to ensure that Punjab’s public health system returns stronger than before.
Balbir Singh concluded by stressing that the floods, though devastating, should be seen as an opportunity to rebuild and modernize the state’s healthcare system, making it more capable of handling future emergencies while providing reliable services to all Punjabis.
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