Advanced Neuroscience Centre at PGI Chandigarh to begin operations by September

Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh, is set to launch its long-awaited Advanced Neuroscience Centre, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at addressing the country’s dire shortage of neurologists and neurosurgeons.

With an estimated cost of Rs 490 crore, the centre is one of the largest public health investments in neurology and neurosurgery in recent years. The Outpatient Department (OPD) is expected to become operational by September 2025, offering a major boost to a nation where only one neurologist is available per million people.

The centre, which was approved in 2017 and began construction in 2020, is now approaching full operational status. According to PGI officials, the outpatient department (OPD) is set to become functional by September, representing a key milestone in enhancing access to specialised brain and spine care.

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As per the news reports by TOI, once fully operational, the centre will join the ranks of premier institutions like NIMHANS Bengaluru and AIIMS Delhi's Cardiothoracic and Neurosciences Centre. However, PGI's facility stands out for its integrated model, combining neurology and neurosurgery services under one roof. "This will be the largest such centre in India where both specialities are housed in a single building," said a PGI official. "Beds will be consolidated, not scattered across departments, ensuring seamless care for patients.”

The project faced a series of delays, from halted construction during the COVID lockdown in March 2020 to slow resumption of work due to labour shortages. In more recent months, issues related to pollution clearance and property tax arrears further stalled progress. However, officials remain optimistic about a phased rollout.

Also Read: HC orders water supply to PGI- Neurosciences Centre left idle since completion

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the 300-bed Advanced Neurosciences Centre at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh-including a 36-bed neurosurgery ICU, has remained non-operational since its completion in September 2024 due to the absence of a water supply. In a bid to resolve the months-long impasse, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has now directed the Municipal Corporation to provide a temporary water connection within three working days.

The 300-bed facility will house 30 private ward beds and 10 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds, along with dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICUs). It will also feature 10 modular operating theatres and a specialised Brain Suite designed for complex neurosurgical procedures.

The hospital will offer advanced sub-specialities, including cerebrovascular surgery, skull base surgery, and spinal functional neurosurgery, aimed at treating highly complex neurological conditions. A key highlight of the facility is the Brain Suite, a state-of-the-art operating room tailored specifically for intricate neurosurgical interventions.

While some equipment requests—like a 3T MRI, Bi-plane DSA, and dual-energy CT scan—were scaled down due to budget constraints, PGI faculty believe the centre will still significantly enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities. "Patients come from all corners of India because of the expertise and affordability PGI offers," said a senior faculty member, reports TOI.

The Advanced Neuroscience Centre is not just another healthcare facility—it is envisioned as a national hub for brain and spine care, offering a beacon of hope for thousands of patients suffering from neurological disorders, many of whom have limited or no access to timely care.