A Children's Day Promise Kept: Mohali Steps Up for its Youngest

Children's Day, a time usually filled with laughter, games, and perhaps a few extra treats, took on a profoundly serious, yet incredibly hopeful, note this year in Mohali. Because, you see, it wasn't just about celebrating childhood; it was about safeguarding it, ensuring a healthier tomorrow for every single young resident. And what a way to mark the occasion!

Imagine, if you will, the doors opening to a brand-new facility—a dedicated space for our littlest citizens, where their well-being is the absolute priority. That's exactly what happened at the District Hospital in Phase 6, Mohali, where a spanking new, 50-bed paediatric block officially welcomed its first day. Punjab Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, was there, of course, leading the inauguration, a truly pivotal moment for local healthcare infrastructure.

This isn't just another ward, not by a long shot. Costing a hefty Rs 5.50 crore, this block is, in truth, a statement—a tangible commitment to the future. It's kitted out with all the modern bells and whistles, designed specifically to tackle serious paediatric cases, meaning better, more immediate care for children right here in Mohali, without the often-daunting trek to bigger hospitals like PGI or GMCH. It's about bringing quality care closer to home, and honestly, that's a game-changer for families.

But the day's initiatives didn't stop there. Far from it. Hand-in-hand with the new block's unveiling came the launch of the National Pulse Polio Drive's first phase. You could say it was a double dose of good news for public health. Dr. Singh, alongside Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and Civil Surgeon Dr. Mahesh Kumar, personally administered polio drops to some children, symbolizing a renewed fight against a disease we've worked so hard to eradicate.

The numbers behind this polio drive are pretty staggering, actually. The goal? To reach an estimated 3.1 lakh children—yes, that's 310,000 little ones—aged zero to five across the entire Mohali district. To make this happen, a small army of dedicated health workers, around 1,500 of them, are fanning out. They're setting up booths in public spaces, catching families at transit points, and even going door-to-door with mobile teams. It’s a massive undertaking, but absolutely vital, isn't it?

Dr. Balbir Singh, speaking with conviction, underscored the state government's unwavering resolve to fortify Punjab's healthcare infrastructure. His vision? To ensure every child, indeed every citizen, receives top-tier medical attention. He talked about childhood vaccinations, the necessity of regular health check-ups, and the profound impact these have on a child's overall development. Ultimately, the aim is grand yet simple: to sculpt a healthier Punjab, one where quality healthcare isn't a luxury, but a given.

So, on a day meant for children, Mohali really showed up. With a cutting-edge paediatric block and a robust polio campaign, it's clear the commitment to the youngest generation's health is not just talk. It's action. And for once, that's a promise kept, loud and clear.