PGI Secures Approval for Major Healthcare Expansion in Sarangpur

After years of discussion, the Chandigarh administration formally handed over the land in November 2021, paving the way for this large-scale medical expansion.

In a significant boost to healthcare services, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) has received approval from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to establish multiple state-of-the-art medical facilities in Sarangpur.

The expansion plan includes the construction of a 100-seat MBBS college, a 500-bed trauma center, an advanced cancer center with a 500-patient capacity, and a multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating 3,000 vehicles.

This ambitious project has received strong backing from Union Minister J P Nadda, aligning with the government’s recent focus on expanding medical education and cancer care infrastructure across the country.

PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal described the initiative as a "dream project", highlighting its potential to improve patient care and medical training in the region.

PGI's Land Acquisition & Infrastructure Development

PGI has been catering to an average of 50,000 visitors daily, significantly straining its existing infrastructure.

Recognizing the need for expansion, the institute requested 50.76 acres of additional land in Sarangpur, a request that was met with approval after prolonged deliberations.

The land, valued at INR 1,011.8 Cr, was transferred to PGI by the Union Territory administration at a leasehold price of INR 180.7 Cr for 33 years, with the option for renewal.

After years of discussion, the Chandigarh administration formally handed over the land in November 2021, paving the way for this large-scale medical expansion.

The initial proposal included establishing specialized centers such as a 750-bed GI and liver center, an advanced endocrinology and diabetes research institute, a blood transfusion center, and an 80-bed dialysis unit.

However, after further discussions in 2020 and 2021, the final proposal expanded to include additional facilities to better serve patient needs.

Planned Facilities

Under the new expansion plan, PGI will introduce a screening OPD/emergency center capable of handling 16,000 patients, a super-specialty block, a mortuary, a Sarai complex for patient attendants, a medical museum, and a convention center with an 800-person capacity.

The multi-level parking facility is expected to significantly ease congestion on the campus, ensuring smoother operations.

The residential sector within the expanded campus will include nine blocks of housing for doctors and hospital staff, comprising Type 3, 4, and 5 residences.

Additionally, separate hostels for married and bachelor doctors have been approved, along with a shopping complex to cater to the needs of residents and visitors.

With the health ministry’s approval secured, the proposal will now be submitted to the finance ministry and PGI’s governing body for final funding and administrative clearance.

PGI is set to develop a comprehensive master plan for the expansion, which will be reviewed by local authorities before construction begins.

Once completed, these new facilities are expected to significantly enhance healthcare accessibility and medical training in the region.

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