Punjab AAP MLA raps own govt over sloppy healthcare, says Moga residents feel like living in ‘Pakistan’

The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab faced unexpected criticism from within its own ranks during an Assembly session when two party MLAs raised concerns over the state's shoddy healthcare system, reported NDTV.

One of them, Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose, went as far as saying that people in his constituency feel like they are “living in Pakistan” due to the lack of medical facilities.

"Why this discrimination against Moga... whether Moga is part of Punjab. I feel like perhaps we are living in Pakistan," he said.

MLA Dhose Slams Govt for Ignoring Moga

Dhose, the MLA from Dharamkot in Moga district, had questioned Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh about plans to upgrade the primary health centre in Dharamkot.

In response, the minister stated that no such proposal was under consideration, reasoning that the centre operates under a community health centre in Kot Ise Khan, located 8 km away.

He also ruled out the possibility of setting up a trauma centre, adding that Punjab currently has five such facilities in Jalandhar, Pathankot, Khanna, Ferozepur, and Fazilka.

Unhappy with the response, Dhose sharply criticised the government, claiming that his constituency and Moga district had been neglected.

Later, while speaking to the media, Dhose softened his stance, saying the situation was “not bad” and that AAP leadership had always encouraged MLAs to voice concerns.

“I only meant that we need more doctors and hospital upgrades. Our leadership supports us in raising our voices for our constituencies,” he clarified.

Shutrana MLA Also Raises Alarm Over Lack of Doctors in Hospitals

Dhose was not the only MLA to voice dissatisfaction. Kulwant Singh Bazigar, AAP MLA from Shutrana, also questioned the health minister, claiming that three hospitals in his constituency lacked doctors, further exposing the gaps in Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure.

The incident has put the AAP government on the defensive, highlighting growing internal criticism over public welfare issues.

While the party maintains that MLAs are free to express concerns, the episode has sparked political debates on whether the state is doing enough to improve healthcare access.