Good news on Sarangpur centre of PGI soon: JP Nadda

CHANDIGARH: The city will soon have its first satellite centre of PGI at Sarangpur, announced Union minister of health and family welfare J P Nadda during PGI’s annual convocation on Saturday. “There is a need to expand the institute in public interest. Accordingly, we are close to reverting to the ministry of home affairs on Sarangpur centre. Very soon, you will hear the good news,” he said.

Nadda said, “Over 28 lakhs patients turned up at PGI’s OPDs last year and more than 1 lakh indoor patients have been seen. I am aware that the emergency services are stretched to capacity and numbers that are being managed are unimaginable.”

The PGI’s satellite centre project had been stuck owing to lack of funds. The UT administration has sought Rs 1,100 crore for acquiring 51 acres that have been earmarked in the neighbouring village for the centre. For almost two years, due to increased footfall, the institute has been asking to lower the rate to Rs 200 crore.

While talking to TOI, Nadda said, “Some formalities need to be done, but soon there will be something good to hear from the ministry of home affairs. There are already two satellite canters of PGI in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, one is in Sangrur and the other in Una.”

PGI plans to shift the OPDs to Sarangpur. Besides, there will be trauma and oncology centres and a learning-resource centre, a centre for teaching purposes. “This will provide us breathing space as the hospital is overcrowded. This centre will cater for the next 25 years of medical care,” said Prof Jagat Ram, director, PGI.

Giving details about dispensing affordable medicines and implants under various government schemes, Nadda said, “In the area of affordable medicines, PGI has dispersed medicines and implants of more than Rs 23.90 crore to more than 12 lakh patients with discount of Rs 11.20 crore.”