Punjab: Mann government expands pregnancy care at Aam Aadmi Clinics; 10,000 women get free ultrasounds in four months
The Punjab government has expanded pregnancy-related healthcare services at Aam Aadmi Clinics, with official data showing increased use of ante-natal care across the state within four months of the rollout.According to the government, more than 10,000 pregnant women have received free ultrasound scans during this period, while around 20,000 expectant mothers are now visiting Aam Aadmi Clinics every month for pregnancy-related check-ups. The initiative aims to strengthen early detection and monitoring at the primary healthcare level amid concerns over maternal health indicators in the state.Punjab records about 4.3 lakh pregnancies annually. Government data shows that fewer than 70% of pregnant women earlier received a first antenatal check-up and less than 60% completed the recommended four visits. The state’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 90 per one lakh live births, above the national average, highlighting gaps in regular monitoring and timely referrals.Under the expanded model, Aam Aadmi Clinics now provide a range of ante-natal tests, including blood tests, sugar, thyroid, haemoglobin, HIV and syphilis screening, along with foetal heart rate assessments. Where ultrasounds are required, doctors issue referral slips that allow women to undergo scans free of cost at nearly 500 government-empanelled private diagnostic centres. The market cost of an ultrasound typically ranges between Rs 800 and Rs 2,000.Officials said the system has helped identify around 5,000 high-risk pregnancies every month, enabling follow-up and referral to higher medical facilities when needed. The government estimates that free ultrasound services alone have provided financial relief of about Rs 1 crore so far.Punjab has 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which form the backbone of its primary healthcare network. Health minister Dr Balbir Singh said the expansion of pregnancy care through these clinics is intended to improve access to essential services closer to home and reduce the burden on larger hospitals.The government said the focus remains on improving coverage, early diagnosis and continuity of care for mothers and newborns across the state.