At long last, the overburdened prestigious regional super speciality government institute for medical education and research, PGI Chandigarh, may be able to derive some comfort from moves afoot in cash-strapped Punjab to give a facelift to its health services. In a meeting to review functioning of the Medical Education and Research Department, on Thursday, Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh cracked the whip for expediting work on upgrading the Mohali Government Hospital to a Medical College and Hospital by adding 100 more beds to the existing strength of 200, completing basic infrastructure for early construction of AIIMS Bathinda by the Centre, opening of PGI satellite centre at Ferozepur, restoring the glory of the Patiala Medical College and Hospital with infusion of more funds, and speedy planning for opening two new medical college and hospitals at Sangrur and Gurdaspur or Pathankot.
Aiming to come down heavily on unprofessional private medical colleges operating in the state, the Chief Minister asked the Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) Dr. Raj Bahadur to ensure that students were not duped by these institutions and that they followed all Medical Council of India norms. The university should not hesitate in taking stern action against erring institutions by closing down courses or shutting down the institutions altogether, if needed, he asserted.
Photo By : Life In Chandigarh
Additional Chief Secretary Health Satish Chandra was instructed to immediately take up with the Central Government the issue of approval for a satellite centre of PGI Chandigarh at Ferozepur, for which a 25-acre plot had already been identified at Mallwal Kadim village near Wazidpur.
Similarly, Capt. Amarinder Singh sought the department’s greater indulgence in getting the central government to complete the construction of AIIMS Bathinda within the stipulated time-frame. The Finance Department was asked for early release of funds for completion of Punjab’s commitment towards basic infrastructure works associated with the project, like a 66 KV sub-station, shifting of power lines, water channel, approach road, etc.
Seeking a comprehensive plan for up-gradation of infrastructure and faculty to restore the glorious legacy of the Patiala Medical College and Hospital, the Chief Minister directed the Finance Department for immediate release of Rs. 65.95 crore towards execution of new works in the institution, including a multi-level parking, renovation and repair of TB Hospital and new ambulances. The meeting was informed that funds had already been released for installing sewerage treatment plants and repair of sewage lines.
Capt. Amarinder Singh emphasised on the Medical Education and Research Department to regularly convene meetings of the departmental promotion committees to ensure seamless time-bound promotions of the medical faculty.
Health Minister Brahm Mohindra, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Tejveer Singh, Finance Secretary Anirudh Tewari, Director Medical Education and Research Dr. Avinash Kumar, OSD Medical Services to the Chief Minister Dr. Girish Sahni and Principal of Patiala Government Medical College and Hospital Dr. B.S. Sidhu were among others who participated in the meeting.
