Punjab Investors Summit: Dr. Balbir Singh urges private hospitals to reserve 20% beds for affordable care
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 14, 2026: Emphasizing that healthcare is a fundamental right, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday urged private hospitals to reserve at least 20 per cent of their beds under government health schemes to ensure affordable treatment for patients across the state.
Speaking at a session titled “Hospitals and Healthcare” during the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 held in Chandigarh and Mohali, the minister stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers to achieve universal and equitable healthcare services in Punjab.
Dr Balbir Singh said the initiative aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make quality healthcare accessible to every citizen. He noted that private hospitals can reserve beds for patients who cannot afford treatment while receiving reimbursement through government health schemes.
Highlighting efforts to bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban areas, the minister said the state government has significantly expanded the network of Aam Aadmi Clinics. According to him, 565 clinics have been established in rural areas and 318 in urban localities, particularly in underprivileged communities, to ensure primary healthcare reaches even remote regions.
Dr Balbir Singh also encouraged corporate hospitals to actively support the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, saying the participation of private healthcare institutions is crucial to achieving the goal of universal healthcare coverage.
Inviting investors to explore opportunities in the healthcare sector, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul said Punjab offers a supportive ecosystem for medical investments. He noted that the government provides land, policy incentives and fast-track approvals to encourage healthcare infrastructure development.
The session featured several prominent healthcare leaders, including Dr Ashish Gulia, Director of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Anurag Yadav, CEO of Livasa Hospitals, Dr Vikramjit Singh Dhaliwal, Medical Director at Fortis Healthcare, and Prof Dr Vivek Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals New Delhi. The discussion was moderated by Sandeep Jha from KPMG.