AAP MLAs criticize Punjab government over health services

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders faced backlash from their own members during a session in the Punjab legisl assembly on Tuesday. Criticism was directed toward the government's handling of health services, which AAP claims to prioritize. The controversy began when MLA Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhos questioned why Moga, a district in Punjab, received only four new doctors in recent appointments. He compared this to Malerkotla, a smaller district, which received 28 doctors. Dhos expressed frustration, saying, "We feel like we are living in Pakistan." In response, Punjab's health minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, explained that plans were in place to recruit more doctors for Moga. Another MLA, Kulwant Singh from Mohali, also expressed dissatisfaction with the government's funding timeline for health facilities. He demanded clarity on when funds would be available so the necessary work could begin. The health minister humorously suggested that the MLAs should personally ask the finance minister for funds over tea. Further discussions in the assembly saw complaints about the lack of proper staff in dispensaries. Kulwant Singh questioned whether temporary staff would be able to provide good services. The assembly session also touched on other issues, such as concerns about MNREGA workers being insufficient for cleaning ponds. MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon suggested using machinery for this work. Congress MLA Avtar Singh Junior proposed connecting village ponds to create a sewerage treatment plant for agricultural water use. Additionally, there were demands for a new government college in Zirakpur and action against officials responsible for misappropriating funds in Jagraon. An exchange between the opposition leader and rural minister highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption in government spending. The leader of the opposition questioned whether an investigation is prompted only by assembly inquiries, and the minister defended the government's actions. Lastly, the animal husbandry minister mentioned that traditional sports like bullock cart and dog races were under legal review, with a possibility for their revival in Punjab.