In a landmark move to elevate healthcare infrastructure in North India, Chandigarh is set to get a state-of-the-art 1,050-bedded Regional Medical Hub. The ambitious project, with an estimated total cost of Rs 2,160 crore, is slated for completion within a tight timeline of 42 months. The entire financial burden will be borne by the Chandigarh Administration, marking a significant public investment in health.
A Dual-Focus Healthcare Powerhouse
The massive facility is strategically designed with two equal and specialised wings. The first is a dedicated 525-bed centre for women and children, aimed at providing comprehensive care from pregnancy to early childhood. The second wing is an equally large 525-bed centre for super speciality care, intended to offer advanced medical treatments and attract top-tier talent.
The women and children's centre will offer a full spectrum of services. For mothers, this includes extensive pregnancy and postnatal care, ensuring quality health checks reach even remote populations. For children, the focus will be on preventive health through immunisations, nutrition monitoring, and treatment of common illnesses from birth to age five. A critical component will be the Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs) for infants requiring specialised attention.
Beyond Treatment: Research, Accommodation, and Regional Impact
The super speciality block is envisioned as more than just a hospital. It aims to become a hub for high-standard medical research, which officials believe will positively impact the nation and boost indigenous manufacturing of medical instruments under the 'Make in India' initiative. Furthermore, it is expected to enhance medical tourism and raise the region's overall healthcare standards.
The project's blueprint extends beyond medical wards. It includes essential infrastructure like doctors' accommodations, a nurse hostel, and a shopping complex combined with a night shelter or sarai (dormitories) for patient attendants. This holistic approach aims to support the medical staff and ease the burden on patient families.
Project Genesis and Logistical Details
The concept for this regional hub was born in 2024 following a visit by the Union Home Secretary to Chandigarh. The central government directed the UT administration to develop a long-term 'centre of excellence' akin to AIIMS, moving beyond a simple expansion of the existing Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH-16). The project is now being developed under the guidance of the Niti Aayog.
A detailed project report is ready, and land has been allocated. The hub will be constructed on a 10-acre unutilised plot in Sector 53, with an adjacent 4-acre residential parcel, making the total project area 14 acres. Officials confirm the land is free from encroachment. Pre-construction activities, including surveys and statutory clearances, will take six months, followed by 36 months of main construction work.
The facility's impact will be regional, catering not just to Chandigarh but also to the surrounding states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. By providing advanced care closer to home, it is expected to significantly reduce the patient load on the city's existing hospitals and make specialised healthcare more accessible to peripheral and village populations.
