*Recruitment of 672 staff nurses to boost healthcare workforce across Punjab: Dr Balbir Singh*
*Punjab expands healthcare workforce with 672 new staff nurse posts to improve patient care in govt hospitals*
CHANDIGARH, March 12:In a major step to further strengthen the public healthcare system, the Bhagwant Mann Government has issued advertisements for the recruitment of 672 Staff Nurses to enhance service delivery across government health institutions. The recruitment advertisement has been published in leading newspapers, inviting eligible candidates to apply through the official online portal of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot.
The online application portal will remain open from 13 March 2026 to 02 April 2026. Candidates can submit their applications for these posts under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab through the university’s official website.
This recruitment comes in addition to the earlier sanctioned 406 Staff Nurse posts, out of which 275 appointment orders have already been issued. The appointed nurses have been deployed at various Sub Divisional Hospitals and District Hospitals across Punjab.
Notably, in January this year, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann personally handed over appointment letters to 282 newly recruited nurses. The move reflected the Punjab Government’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare services and demonstrated the administration’s focus on efficient governance and timely recruitment in the public health sector.
The recruitment of 672 additional nurses will further strengthen the nursing workforce, particularly at the primary and secondary healthcare levels. This step is expected to improve patient care and reduce the workload in government hospitals.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare manpower, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to strengthening both healthcare infrastructure and manpower across Punjab. We have already recruited doctors, specialists and paramedical staff to improve services in government hospitals. To further reinforce our healthcare workforce and enhance patient care, we are now recruiting 672 additional Staff Nurses. This step will strengthen primary and secondary healthcare services and ensure better quality treatment for the people of Punjab.”
Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has consistently expanded the healthcare workforce and infrastructure across Punjab.
More than 1500 doctors have been appointed in recent years, including over 600 specialists and 948 general doctors. These appointments account for nearly 35 percent of the total doctors currently serving in Punjab and have significantly strengthened medical services across Punjab.
The Punjab Government has also focused on strengthening secondary healthcare facilities along with expanding the network of Aam Aadmi Clinics to bring quality primary healthcare services closer to communities.
In addition, the availability of free medicines and modern medical equipment has been enhanced across health facilities through procurement exceeding ₹300 crore, helping improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
Families across Punjab are also receiving financial protection through health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family per year under the Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana, ensuring access to quality healthcare without financial burden.
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*Congress MLA calling Speaker, ministers & AAP MLAs ‘bonded labourers’ is insult to Constitution & people’s mandate: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira refused to apologise in House after making derogatory remarks: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Some MLAs using theatrics & abusive language for social media traction: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Assembly passes resolution to refer breach of privilege case against MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira to Privileges Committee*
CHANDIGARH, 12 March 2026:The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution with a significant majority to refer a breach of privilege case against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira to the Privileges Committee. The resolution, introduced by Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, addresses recent derogatory statements and unparliamentary conduct by the legislator, which the House deemed a direct insult to its elected members, the Constitution and the public.
Explaining the background of the resolution, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The call for disciplinary action stems from social media posts made by MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on March 10, 2026. In these public statements, he referred to the Speaker, Cabinet Ministers and Aam Aadmi Party MLAs as ‘bonded labourers’.”
Presenting the resolution in the House, he said, “Such language undermines the dignity of constitutionally elected representatives and belittles the mandate given by the people. The issue was further aggravated on March 11, 2026, when MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira was given an opportunity on the floor of the House to clarify his statements and issue an apology, but he categorically refused to retract his words.” The resolution also strongly condemns highly objectionable physical gestures made by MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira while exiting the House during an opposition walkout on March 11.
Comparing the conduct to behaviour unbecoming of a legislative assembly, the Punjab minister added, “The gestures completely lacked parliamentary decorum and these actions were also witnessed by Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s fellow Congress MLAs. Certain legislators may be compromising the oath they took to the Constitution by using such vocabulary and theatrics to gain social media traction, generate amusement and potentially monetise their viewership.”
Calling for action to protect the dignity of the House, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “To firmly establish professional boundaries and uphold the sanctity of the Legislative Assembly, I appeal to the House to pass a resolution to entrust the Privileges Committee with a comprehensive investigation into the matter.”