Punjab's Health Sector Gets ₹1900 Crore Boost

The Union government has reaffirmed its commitment to Punjab's healthcare, investing more than ₹1,900 crore in key institutions and projects. Addressing the second convocation of AIIMS Bathinda, Union minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighted the expansion of quality healthcare services, medical education, and specialized treatment facilities in the state over the past decade.

Punjab is unique in receiving two PGIMER satellite centers within ten years, planned for Sangrur and Ferozepur to improve access to advanced medical services. AIIMS Bathinda, inaugurated in 2019, received over ₹1,000 crore, with ₹449 crore allocated for the Sangrur PGIMER center and ₹490 crore for Ferozepur.

AIIMS Bathinda has rapidly grown into a significant medical hub, serving Punjab and neighboring states, with daily outpatient footfall averaging 3,000. The institute now provides specialized cancer treatment, previously requiring patients to travel long distances. New facilities, including a PET-CT scanner, a second HELA unit, a burns intensive care unit, and a child development center, have been inaugurated.

During his visit, Minister Nadda also inaugurated a state-of-the-art PET-CT facility and a second High-Energy Linear Accelerator (HELA) unit. These enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment through early detection and precision therapy. A dedicated burns intensive care unit and the region's first child development and early intervention centre were also dedicated.