After removing Singla on graft charges, CM Mann takes charge of health ministry

After sacking Health Minister Vijay Singla, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took charge of the state health ministry on Wednesday, sending a stern message to his cabinet colleagues on corruption.

The Chief Minister will himself monitor the investigation against Singla. The sacking of the state health minister has come barely two months after AAP formed the government in the state.

Immediately after forming the government, Mann announced his government would replicate Mohalla Clinics, the Delhi model of primary health intervention programme, across the state, a major poll promise. In the first phase of the ambitious project will be launched on Independence Day this year, in which 75 Mohalla Clinics will be opened in the state.

With Mann taking charge of the ministry, senior officials say, the ambit of investigation against the former minister from Mansa would expand, even as the chief minister monitors the progress of the flagship project.

Under this project, the Health Department is in the process of buying 1015 laptops, 500 desktops, 1450 printers, and other necessary paraphernalia for 75 Mohalla Clinics. Goods worth Rs 25 crore are also to be purchased. Hence, CM Mann has taken it upon himself to oversee all preparations, so he is able to dedicate these primary health centres to the people of Punjab before his government completes six months in power in the state.

A few days before Singla was unceremoniously discharged from his office, CM Mann had on 20 May held a meeting with department officials. Mann has also approved a proposal to convert non-functional heath service centres across the state into Mohalla Clinics. Under this project, all these service centres will be refurbished and equipped with basic internal components, including doctors’ room, reception-cum-waiting area, pharmacy as well as separate toilets for staff and visiting patients. Singla was also present in this meeting.

With the expulsion of Singla, eight portfolios are now lying vacant in the Punjab cabinet. Initially, 10 ministers were inducted by Mann overlooking senior leaders like Baljinder Kaur, Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, and Aman Arora.