CHANDIGARH: Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has raised alarm over the plight of nearly one crore Indians trapped in Gulf countries due to escalating tensions. In an exclusive interview, the minister revealed personal efforts to aid six distressed individuals from Patiala who ran out of funds.
“These people, including some from Patiala, contacted me directly saying their money had dried up,” Singh stated. He personally arranged hotel bill payments through a close associate for the group. “We’re working tirelessly to bring them back home safely.”
The minister highlighted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s direct coordination with the central government and External Affairs Minister. “The Union government must prioritize evacuating our citizens from the Middle East. Warnings were clear beforehand; action should have been swift.”
Singh also urged international intervention to halt the ongoing conflict. On a somber note, he addressed the tragic death of Indian social media influencer Nancy Grewal in Canada. “My heart goes out to her family. Nothing pains more than sending our youth abroad for studies or work, only to receive their bodies back.”
Shifting focus to healthcare, the minister announced expansions of medical colleges across Punjab. New institutions in Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute, and Phagwara will feature all government seats under a 60-40 Centre-state partnership. “We’ve reviewed past issues and are now scaling up to meet demands effectively.”
As diplomatic efforts intensify, Punjab stands ready to support its stranded diaspora, blending urgent rescue operations with long-term state development.