PGI Chandigarh gets nod for Sarangpur campus, 500-bed Trauma centre to come up

Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh has received approval from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to set up advanced medical facilities in Sarangpur. This move aims to not only expand PGI’s capacity and strengthen medical education and healthcare services in the region.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) is moving forward with its proposal for commencing the MBBS course next year and soon the institute is going to approach the Standing Finance Committee for approval of the budget from the Union Government. The proposal for setting up the MBBS course with 100 MBBS seats will be placed before the Finance Committee in October. The meeting, chaired by the Secretary of the Union Health Ministry, Rajesh Bhushan, is also expected to discuss the budget approval.

The project, which is being spearheaded by PGI and supported by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, includes the creation of a 100-seat MBBS college, a 500-bed trauma center, an advanced cancer center with a capacity for 500 patients, and a multi-level parking facility with space for 3,000 cars.

PGI Director Prof. Vivek Lal, who has been at the forefront of this expansion, described the project as a long-term vision for the region’s healthcare system.

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Speaking to TOI, he said, "This is the dream project of the health minister, who has helped us in the expansion of PGI for better patient management. Also, the medical college under PGI will provide world-class MBBS teaching in this part of the region."

Following the approval, the next step will involve obtaining sanctions from the finance ministry and the governing body before proceeding with the construction.

Since its establishment in 1963, PGI has been at the forefront of medical services in the region, serving an average of 50,000 visitors daily. However, this heavy footfall has put a strain on its resources, highlighting the need for expanded space and facilities. To address this, PGI requested an additional 50.76 acres of land at Sarangpur, which will serve as the foundation for a much-needed campus expansion. The land, valued at Rs 1,011.8 crore, was ultimately transferred to the institute by UT for Rs 180.7 crore on a 33-year leasehold basis, with an option for renewal for an extended period.

Following this, the land was officially handed over by the Chandigarh administration in November 2021. The initial plans for the Sarangpur campus included the establishment of several specialized centers, including a 750-bed gastroenterology and liver center, an advanced endocrinology and diabetes research center, a blood transfusion center, and an 80-bed advanced dialysis center.

However, following a series of meetings and consultations in late 2020 and 2021, the final proposal was revised to include the 100-seat MBBS college, a 16,000-patient capacity screening OPD/emergency, advanced cancer and trauma centres, multi-level parking, a mortuary, and several other key facilities, including a convention center with seating for 800 people.

In addition to the healthcare facilities the new campus will also have a museum, an STP/ETP (Sewage Treatment Plant/ Effluent Treatment Plant), and a Sarai complex to further support the medical community and visitors.

According to TOI, under the residential area, there will be type 3, 4, and 5 houses with 9 blocks. The final nod has also been given for a married doctors' hostel and a bachelor doctors' hostel along with a shopping complex on the campus. PGI shall now prepare a master plan based on the new proposal and get approval from local authorities.

Planned Facilities and Features:

According to the news reports, the first phase of the Sarangpur campus will include the following features:

- 100-seat MBBS college

- Screening OPD/emergency for 16,000 patients

- Advanced cancer center for 500 patients

- Advanced trauma center for 500 patients

- Multi-level parking for 3,000 cars

- Mortuary

- Sarai complex

- One super-specialty block

- Museum

- Convention center with seating capacity for 800 persons

- STP/ETP

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