In a significant decision, the Bhagwant Mann-led State Government has decided to convert another existing 308 Subsidiary Health Centers (SHCs) under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat as Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) on the same pattern as was followed in the past. As per the notification issued in this regard by the Director, Health Services, Punjab, on February 3, 2026, necessary instructions have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners-cum-Chairman, District Health Society (DHS), Punjab as well as all the Civil Surgeons-cum-CEO, DHS, Punjab.
The notification, a copy of which is with The News Gateway, mentions, “The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab has established 881 AACs in Punjab. Establishment of these centers has not only strengthened the access to healthcare services in the state but is also contributing in reducing the ‘Out of Pocket’ expenditure of the residents on healthcare services.”
The notification mentioned that after careful consideration, the Punjab Government has now decided to strengthen the existing 308 SHCs under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat as AACs on the same pattern as has been followed in earlier AACs, that is, a standardized human resource, infrastructure and branding, drugs and diagnostics.
The notification further reads that the government has also decided to undertake the said strengthening exercise through a decentralized model with District Health Societies overseeing the entire exercise. The notification also lists all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed by all the District Health Societies.
Notably, in the past, the state government’s move to convert several Subsidiary Health Centers (Rural Dispensaries) into Aam Aadmi Clinics had sparked a storm of resistance. Rural Doctors and staff across Punjab rose in revolt, staging widespread protests, while opposition parties joined the chorus of dissent, slamming the AAP government and mounting dharnas across the state. Congress, BJP and Akali Dal have repeatedly alleged that most Aam Aadmi Clinics are defunct, insisting that they serve little to no real purpose.
Meanwhile, according to the notification, for the conversion of the 308 SHCs into AACs, the District Health Societies will be responsible for defining the scope of work and monitoring the execution of the infrastructure strengthening of each individual SHC falling under its jurisdiction.
Besides, the District Health Society shall also advise the executing agency to prepare the estimate in association with the concerned Rural Medical Officer (RMO) posted in the said facility after taking into account the felt need for that SHC.
“The Chief Executive Officer and Convener District Health Society shall submit a weekly report of the progress in the prescribed format on the weekly/monthly basis to the Chairman as well as to the State Programme Officer, AACs. The District Health Society shall ensure the due completion of ‘Infrastructure strengthening’ of all the SHCs district wise at the earliest”, reads the notification.
