Dog Bite Treatment Now Free at Mohalla Clinics in Punjab, Says Mann Government

Punjab: In a major step toward accessible healthcare, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has announced that all mohalla clinics across the state will now offer free treatment for dog bites, including anti-rabies injections

Until now, victims were often forced to pay between INR 2,000 and INR 4,000 at private hospitals or face long waits at overcrowded government facilities. The new policy eliminates both the cost and the uncertainty, folding emergency bite care into the services already provided by the state’s 880 operational Aam Aadmi Clinics.

This move expands the scope of the clinics, which already offer free consultations, over 100 diagnostic tests, and 107 essential medicines. By including emergency care like dog bite treatment, the government is reshaping the role of primary health centres in public life.

A phased, state-wide campaign for free anti-rabies vaccination has also been launched. This comes in response to rising dog bite cases and growing concerns about access to timely treatment.

Since their launch, the clinics have seen over 3.7 crore OPD visits—up from an annual average of 34 lakh before their existence. Over 1.5 crore diagnostic tests have been conducted free of charge, helping families avoid out-of-pocket expenses that often force them to delay or skip treatment.

Punjab is now the first state in India to provide universal health insurance with a coverage limit of INR 10 lakh per resident, with the government fully subsidising the premium.

“This is not just about free injections,” said a government spokesperson. “It’s about dignity and trust. Healthcare in Punjab is no longer a burden, it’s a right.”

The measure aligns with the Aam Aadmi Party’s larger vision of health equity and state-funded care, positioning Punjab as a potential model for other states navigating the pressures of public health infrastructure.