MBBS Course Approval in Sight for PGI Chandigarh

 Chandigarh: The top-tier medical institution, PGI Chandigarh, is in the final stages of securing approval for its MBBS course at the Sarangpur satellite center. The crucial verdict will be rendered after the governing body and institute body meeting, under the leadership of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, which was held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Following this determination, the planned multispeciality blocks will be revised to accommodate the medical college on the available 25-acre land. The extended gap of two years between meetings may result in some agenda items being postponed. Sources suggest that the ministry will prioritize matters like MBBS courses, seniority lists, and new staff appointments.

The month of April witnessed the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) granting in-principle approval for the initiation of the MBBS program. The next crucial step involves obtaining clearance from the governing and institute bodies. The health ministry, in June of the preceding year, gave its approval for the commencement of the MBBS course at PGI, which had initiated the proposal.

According to a report in The Tribune, Kumar Gaurav Dhawan, Deputy Director of PGI, stated that although they had conducted a Standing Finance Committee meeting during the current financial year, they have requested the ministry to organize another meeting to secure approval for the MBBS course. The Sarangpur project has been suspended pending a budget decision.

The initial concept for PGI's Sarangpur facility, occupying 50.76 acres, outlined the creation of a 500-bed trauma center, a screening OPD, a 500-bed hepatology center, an endocrinology center, and a learning resource center. Additionally, it included the establishment of a 250-300 bed infectious disease hospital.

An official mentioned that when half of the land is designated for the medical college, some of the superspeciality blocks will need to be removed from the list. The official also stated that the OPDs would be transferred to the satellite center from the PGI campus in Chandigarh.

As per sources in the ministry, it is anticipated that the college will be operational around 2025/2026, subject to approval by the National Medical Council. Additionally, these sources have indicated plans to eventually increase the seat count by 100.

An official stated that PGI's various departments have been eagerly awaiting the approval of additional manpower, which is anticipated to be granted.