Chandigarh's New Trauma Centre Faces Safety Scrutiny After Ceiling Collapse
Less than six months after its high-profile inauguration, the state-of-the-art trauma centre at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32, Chandigarh, has come under intense scrutiny following a dangerous structural failure. The incident occurred on Friday morning during heavy rainfall in the city, when the false ceiling at the main entrance collapsed abruptly.
Incident Details and Conflicting Reports
The collapse happened at the main gate area, which is a high-traffic zone operating 24/7. At the time of the incident, the location was crowded with patients, their relatives, and security personnel. While initial reports suggested one person was injured in the collapse, hospital administration provided a different account.
Dr. Dasari Harish, the medical superintendent at GMCH, confirmed the incident but clarified that it was not a total collapse of the ceiling. "A portion of the false ceiling came off. Nobody got hurt. We got a complete report of the whole thing through the EMO (emergency medical officer) and the nursing superintendent; nobody was injured," he stated.
Administration Response and Responsibility
As questions mounted regarding the safety of the relatively new building, Dr. Harish noted that responsibility for the structural failure lies with technical teams. "That is for the engineering department to explain," he said, adding that the hospital has already filed a formal report through its estate branch.
Eyewitnesses expressed grave concern about the timing of the collapse, noting that if the ceiling had fallen just seconds earlier or later, it could have resulted in catastrophic consequences. The incident has raised serious allegations against both the GMCH-32 administration and the UT engineering department.
Background of the Trauma Centre
The facility was inaugurated with much fanfare on August 9, 2025, by Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. It was intended to serve as a premier emergency hub for the entire Tricity area, representing a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Previous Issues and Ongoing Concerns
This was not the first red flag for the trauma centre. Since its opening, the facility has been plagued by multiple operational challenges:
- Delays in staff deployment
- Shortage of essential medical equipment
- Consistent distress to patients seeking emergency care
The recent structural failure has amplified existing concerns about the centre's readiness and safety standards, casting doubt on its ability to function as the region's primary trauma care facility.
