Chandigarh, July 13 (IANS) The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here on Monday outlined the significance of the landmark healthcare infrastructure projects that will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit on July 17.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, besides laying the foundation stone of the 150-bed Critical Care Hospital Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Together, these projects represent an investment of nearly Rs 1,200 crore and will significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare, medical education and advanced research in northern India.

PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal described the occasion as a defining milestone in the institute’s journey towards healthcare excellence as he stated, “The forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister marks a defining milestone in PGIMER’s journey. These centres are not merely new buildings; they represent a transformational leap in our ability to deliver advanced, accessible and affordable healthcare to millions of patients across northern India.”

Emphasising PGIMER’s enduring commitment to patient care, Prof Lal told the media, “Our guiding principle has always been simple — patient care, patient care and patient care. Every new facility we create is designed to strengthen that commitment and ensure that patients receive world-class treatment with dignity, compassion and the latest medical technology.”

Detailing the Advanced Mother and Child Centre project, the Director said: “Constructed at a cost of Rs 505 crore, the Advanced Mother and Child Centre has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The 300-bed facility features advanced neonatal intensive care units, modular operation theatres and comprehensive maternal and neonatal services under one roof. It is expected to further strengthen PGIMER’s capacity to manage over 6,000 high-risk deliveries annually.”

Acknowledging the support of the Infosys Foundation, Prof Lal said, “We are deeply grateful to the Infosys Foundation for its generous contribution of Rs 147 crore towards advanced medical equipment. This exemplary public-private partnership has significantly strengthened our capacity to deliver cutting-edge healthcare and will benefit patients for generations to come.”

The Advanced Neurosciences Centre, another 300-bed facility, integrates neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuroanaesthesia, neurocritical care and rehabilitation services under one roof. Equipped with 61 intensive care beds, modular operating theatres and advanced diagnostic facilities, the centre will significantly strengthen the management of complex neurological disorders.

Highlighting its significance, Prof Lal said the new centre would substantially reduce treatment delays, improve survival and long-term neurological outcomes, and establish PGIMER as a leading national hub for neuroscience education, research and advanced clinical care.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the 150-bed Critical Care Hospital Block, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 244 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Conceived in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility will enhance emergency preparedness and multidisciplinary critical care services.

Speaking on the growing patient load, Prof Lal said the increasing number of patients coming to PGIMER is not a burden; it is a reflection of the trust people place in this institution. “We consider it our responsibility to continuously expand our infrastructure and improve services so that no patient is deprived of quality healthcare,” he added.

–IANS

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