Construction of 100-bed Critical Care Unit starts at Jalandhar Civil Hospital

Jalandhar: In a significant setback for a high-priority health initiative, the state health department has encountered serious difficulties with a centrally-sponsored project to enhance healthcare infrastructure. The challenge stemmed from the department's difficulty in securing adequate land within its premises.

However, the recent relocation of the civil surgeon's office to a new site within the civil hospital grounds has paved the way for the project's commencement.

The highly anticipated critical care unit (CCU) at Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Civil Hospital in Jalandhar, one of the largest hospitals in the state, only started construction two years after it was initially announced. The project, which is estimated to cost ₹44.50 crore, will be jointly funded by both the state and central governments.

The primary obstacle to this centrally sponsored project is the department's inability to secure sufficient land on its premises, which has delayed the project’s progress and cast uncertainty over its future. Now the department has successfully relocated its civil surgeon's office to a different area within the civil hospital premises, which has cleared the way for the project to commence.

Jalandhar's healthcare infrastructure is poised for a major enhancement with the commencement of construction for a new Critical Care Unit (CCU) under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. The five-storeyed, 100-bedded facility is set to provide high-quality treatment for critical patients across the district, addressing a vital need in the region.

The project has achieved a crucial milestone with the successful acquisition of land within the civil hospital premises. Dr Jyoti Sharma, the Civil Surgeon of Jalandhar, confirmed that the land has been officially handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD), which will oversee the construction process. This move marks the end of a challenging period of land acquisition and planning.

Also Read: Punjab: Bhatinda to get new AIIMS at the cost of Rs 925 crores

Dr Jyoti Sharma expressed optimism about the project's timeline. “We are hoping to complete the project at the earliest,” she said. The PWD's preparation and tender awarding represent significant steps toward actualizing the CCU, with the clearing of the site already underway.

The Doaba region has been lacking in public critical care facilities, forcing patients to travel to Chandigarh, Ludhiana, or Amritsar for advanced treatment.

According to the proposal, the new CCU will not only serve as a vital resource for immediate and advanced medical care but will also be integrated with government medical colleges. This linkage will enable the provision of secondary and tertiary healthcare, bridging gaps in the region’s medical services and improving overall patient care.

A hospital official, who requested anonymity, emphasized that the unit’s design reflects a commitment to addressing a wide range of medical needs. The CCU's multi-disciplinary approach will enhance Jalandhar’s capability to manage complex medical cases and support critical care across various specialties.

Despite the promising outlook, the project has not been without controversy. The process of clearing trees to make way for construction has drawn criticism from residents and environmental advocates. Avtar Singh, a former hospital employee, voiced concerns about the ecological impact. “While the development of health facilities is crucial, it should not come at the expense of our environment,” Singh said.

As construction moves forward, the new CCU is expected to greatly enhance healthcare delivery in Jalandhar and the wider Doaba region. The addition of the 100-bed CCU is anticipated to be a pivotal development in advancing the healthcare system in Jalandhar, promising substantial improvements in care and efficiency for managing critical cases.

Also Read: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy inaugurates 300-bed Medicover Hospital in Warangal