PGIMER Satellite Centre to be fully functional by January 2023
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Dr Mansukh Mandaviya visited PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur and reviewed its progress.
Expressing satisfaction at the pace of the execution of the project, the minister stated, “With the pace at which the work is being executed, including procurement of medical devices and equipment, the Satellite Centre will be fully functional by January 2023 and will provide a huge relief not only for the local population but for those far and wide.”
The minister chaired a meeting which was attended by Prof Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, senior faculty members and senior administrative officers including Kumar Gaurav Dhawan (IRS), DDA, Prof Vipin Koushal, MS, Kumar Abhay, FA, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Addl Medical Superintendent, PGIMER & Nodal Officer, Satellite Centre, Sangrur.
A detailed presentation was made before the minister wherein the dignitary was apprised that the Satellite Centre, comprising a 300-bed hospital, was envisaged with an intent to reduce the overcrowding in PGIMER, Chandigarh and reduce the travel time of patients.
Lal informed, “Spread over a land of 25 acres, the project cost of this Satellite Centre is Rs 449.00 crores. Phase 1 has already been executed with the construction of Temporary OPD, Guest House and Boundary Wall and Phase 2 of the execution is being fast-tracked. The Satellite Centre is expected to be fully functional early next year.”
Lauding healthcare workers for their commendable role in containing the COVID crisis, the Minister stated, “Our country has been appreciated across the globe for two things; for COVID management by adhering to the guidelines and vaccination drive by crossing the mark of over 200 crore doses.”
Endorsing the need for ‘affordable health for all,’ the minister shared about the initiatives by the Govt. to promote generic medicines which include over 8500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country which are visited by over 20 lakh people daily in the country, an awareness campaign by engaging with National Medical Council and launch of an app ‘Jan Aushadhi Sugam’ to make people aware about the salt in the medicine to enable them to make a considered choice between generic and branded medicine. The Minister also shared that ‘a Jan Aushadhi Kendra will also be opened in the Satellite Centre, Sangrur.’
