In a significant move to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday approved the empanelment of **300 specialist doctors** across **12 key specialties**. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship.
According to the spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, the empanelment will cover major specialties including **Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Chest & TB, Surgery, Gynecology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, and Anaesthesiology**. These specialists will serve at various government health facilities across Punjab.
The government aims to significantly enhance specialist availability, ensuring improved access to quality secondary healthcare for citizens.
The empanelment process will be carried out at the district level through **Civil Surgeons**. The empanelled specialists will receive prescribed fees per patient for services including **OPD, IPD, emergency duties, major and minor surgeries, procedures, and other consultations**. This initiative is expected to ease patient load, reduce waiting times, and bring expert medical care closer to rural and urban populations alike.
Uniform Disciplinary & Appellate Framework Approved under Cooperative Societies Rules
Further strengthening administrative efficiency, the Cabinet also approved the insertion of **Rule 28A**, introducing a Uniform Disciplinary and Appellate Framework under the *Punjab Cooperative Societies Rules, 1963*.
This reform aims to eliminate duplication of appellate channels, prevent conflicting decisions within boards, and clearly define the chain of command for disciplinary matters.
The move will ensure:
* A single, streamlined appeal process within institutions
* Protection of employee rights through a transparent system
* Strengthening of institutional accountability
* Uniformity across apex institutions and cooperative banks operating in the state
Green Light to Punjab Minor Minerals Rules 2013 (Amended as per 2025 Policy)
The Cabinet also approved modifications to the *Punjab Minor Minerals Rules 2013*, aligning them with the Punjab State Minor Minerals (Amendment) Policy, 2025.
These changes aim to provide clarity in the allocation of mining rights for Mining Lease Holders, Crusher Mining Sites, and Landowner Mining Sites.
The updated framework is expected to streamline mining operations, bring transparency, and support sustainable mineral extraction across Punjab.
