PM Modi to inaugurate two state-of-the-art healthcare facilities at PGIMER Chandigarh on July 17

Chandigarh, Jul 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate two state-of-the-art healthcare facilities here and lay the foundation stone of the critical care block worth nearly Rs 1,200 crore on Friday. Together, these projects, including the Advanced Neurosciences Centre (ANC) and the Advanced Mother & Child Centre (AMCC), mark one of the largest expansions of healthcare infrastructure in the history of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), said a statement. The new facilities are expected to significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare services not only for Chandigarh but also for millions of patients across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and neighbouring states who depend upon the PGIMER for advanced medical care. Speaking ahead of the inauguration, PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal said, "These projects represent a giant leap in strengthening India's public healthcare infrastructure. The PGIMER has always remained committed to delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to every patient irrespective of financial status. "With these facilities, our capacity to provide world-class treatment will increase substantially while maintaining affordability under the Ayushman Bharat scheme." During his visit to Chandigarh, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore, spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure. The Advanced Neurosciences Centre has been designed as one of the country's most advanced neurological care facilities. Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, modular operation theatres, advanced intensive care units and emergency services, the centre will dramatically enhance PGIMER's capacity to treat neurological disorders, said the PGIMER statement. Highlighting its significance, Prof Lal said, "Neurology and Neurosurgery at PGIMER began in 1967 with just 50 combined beds. With the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, we are moving to more than 400 beds, including dedicated ICU and emergency facilities. "This is a transformational leap that will directly benefit patients suffering from stroke, brain tumours, spinal disorders, epilepsy, trauma and other complex neurological diseases." The Advanced Mother & Child Centre will provide comprehensive maternal, neonatal and paediatric healthcare through dedicated intensive care units, modern labour suites, specialised neonatal services and advanced diagnostic infrastructure. "The PGIMER pioneered several neonatal services in India. The Advanced Mother & Child Centre will further strengthen our commitment towards providing the highest standards of care for mothers and newborns through specialised ICUs, advanced technology and dedicated healthcare teams," said Lal. The foundation stone of the new critical care block reflects India's continued commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness following the lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. "The pandemic reminded us that critical care infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity. This new critical care block will ensure that patients requiring intensive care and ventilator support receive timely treatment without unnecessary delays. It is an important investment in future healthcare resilience," he said. The PGIMER currently registers nearly 30 lakh patients annually and approximately 10,000-15,000 OPD consultations every day. Rather than reducing patient inflow, the Institute views increasing patient numbers as a reflection of public trust, said the director. PTI CHS KSS KSS