Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab transforms maternal care: 20,000 women monthly access free services at Aam Aadmi Clinics
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 4, 2026: In a landmark move to improve maternal health, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has successfully decentralized pregnancy care, making Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) the cornerstone of maternal healthcare in the state.
Since the launch of a protocol-driven, comprehensive pregnancy care model four months ago, nearly 20,000 pregnant women are visiting AACs every month, accessing essential ante-natal services closer to home. Over 10,000 free ultrasounds have been conducted during this period, in partnership with 500 empanelled private diagnostic centers, saving families an estimated ₹1 crore in out-of-pocket expenses.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted that the initiative addresses critical gaps in maternal care. Prior to the program, fewer than 70% of pregnant women had their first ante-natal check-up, and less than 60% completed the recommended four check-ups, contributing to a maternal mortality ratio of 90 per one lakh live births—higher than the national average.
The expanded program offers a full range of ante-natal services, including blood tests, HIV and syphilis screening, sugar and thyroid monitoring, fetal heart rate assessments, cholesterol and hemoglobin testing, and referral-based free ultrasounds. Around 5,000 high-risk pregnancies are identified each month for continuous monitoring and timely referral to specialized care.
Dr. Balbir Singh stated, “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is building a healthcare system that ensures every mother receives quality care close to home. The expansion of pregnancy care services at Aam Aadmi Clinics is a transformative step, setting a benchmark for primary healthcare in India.”
With 881 AACs already operational and treating nearly 70,000 patients daily, this initiative integrates technology, standardized clinical protocols, referral systems, and community-level support to ensure accessible, efficient, and equitable maternal healthcare across the state.
The government says this program is among Punjab’s most significant investments in maternal and child health in recent years, aiming to improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns, regardless of geography, income, or awareness.