CHANDIGARH/MOHALI/PATIALA, February 14: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced on Wednesday that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government will bear all the treatment expenses for injured persons during the ongoing farmers’ protest, standing firmly with the protesters in their legitimate demands.

Assessment of Medical Services Near Haryana Border

The Health Minister embarked on a whirlwind tour of different Government health facilities near the Haryana border to assess the wellbeing of farmers, journalists, and police personnel injured during the police action by the Haryana Government. He visited Dr. B R Ambedkar State Institute for Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Mohali, CHC Banur, Civil Hospital Rajpura, and Rajindra Hospital Patiala.

Ensuring Safety and Medical Aid for Protesters

Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that all hospitals adjacent to the Haryana border are on high alert to ensure the safety of protesting farmers. Emergency services operate round the clock, and health facilities have stationed sufficient doctors. Moreover, ambulance deployment along the border has been intensified, with 14 ambulances on standby with requisite staff and medicines for emergent needs.

Free Medical Aid for Injured Protesters

Notably, at least 40 injured persons, two of whom sustained serious head injuries, were admitted to the Civil Hospital Rajpura, nearest to the Shambu Border. The Punjab Government, under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, will ensure free medical aid to those injured during the farmers’ protest.

Condemnation of Haryana Government’s Actions

Dr. Balbir Singh condemned the Haryana Government for its unprovoked police action against protesting farmers, asserting that farmers have the right to peacefully reach Delhi to express their demands. He criticized the Haryana Government’s attempt to block the farmers, emphasizing that the national highway is the property of the nation, and farmers have the constitutional right to pass through Haryana to reach Delhi.

Instructions to Enhance Emergency Services

During his visit to AIMS Mohali, the Health Minister assessed emergency medical services and directed officials to enhance them, aiming to minimize referrals to PGI or Government Medical College-32 for further care.