Dispensary construction in Mohali halted due to planning issues

Construction of a new dispensary in Sector 79, Mohali, has been stopped due to poor planning by the previous government. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh made this announcement during a session with the state assembly. MLA Kulwant Singh raised concerns about the lack of health staff in dispensaries across Mohali. He noted that newly built dispensaries in Sector 69 and the nearby village of Saneta urgently need staff. Singh pointed out that despite significant investment in these facilities, there are not enough personnel, which is hindering healthcare services. Patients are experiencing long waiting times, and they are not receiving timely medical attention. In response, Dr. Balbir Singh suggested that the information the MLA received might be incorrect, claiming that staff appointments had been made. However, Singh argued that only temporary staff were hired, which is not a viable long-term solution. Singh also discussed the dispensary construction in Sector 79. He mentioned that work began in 2021 but is only 40% finished. He asked the health minister about funding and when the project would be completed. Dr. Balbir Singh explained that construction was halted due to disputes between the previous administration and the builder. He noted that new cost estimates totaling Rs 1.51 crore had been prepared. Once funds are available, it is expected that the construction will take another 12 months to finish—six months to restart work and six months to complete the project.