Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18 inaugurated a series of healthcare projects at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, as part of a development package exceeding ₹4,700 crore aimed at boosting healthcare, education, and infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Among the key healthcare projects inaugurated were the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, both expected to significantly enhance tertiary care services for Chandigarh and neighbouring states.
The 300-bed Advanced Mother and Child Centre has been equipped with modern medical infrastructure to strengthen maternal and paediatric healthcare. The facility is expected to improve access to specialised care for women and children while serving patients from across the region.
The Advanced Neurosciences Centre brings together neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-critical care, and advanced diagnostic services under one roof. The centre is designed to provide comprehensive treatment for patients with complex neurological conditions while also supporting medical education, research, and specialised training.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, and Congress MP Manish Tewari.
Speaking at the event, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the country’s healthcare landscape has undergone major reforms over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He noted that the National Health Policy 2017 broadened India’s healthcare approach by placing greater emphasis on promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, geriatric, and palliative care.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi described Chandigarh as an important healthcare destination for northern India, highlighting that institutions in the city cater to patients not only from the Union Territory but also from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Chandigarh’s progress under the Smart City Mission, stating that investments of over ₹2,500 crore have been made to upgrade urban infrastructure through initiatives such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre, intelligent traffic management systems, smart parking facilities, and digital governance services.
