Chandigarh:- The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, will mark a major milestone on 17 July 2026 when the Hon'ble Prime Minister inaugurates the Advanced Neurosciences Centre (ANC) and the Advanced Mother & Child Centre (AMCC), besides laying the foundation stone of the Critical Care Block (CCB). Together, these projects involve an investment of nearly ?1,200 crore and represent one of the largest healthcare infrastructure expansions in the institute's history.
The new facilities are expected to significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare services for millions of patients from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and neighbouring states who depend on PGIMER.
PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal described the projects as a major step in strengthening India's public healthcare system. "These facilities will substantially increase our capacity to provide world-class treatment while ensuring affordability under the Ayushman Bharat scheme," he said.
The Advanced Neurosciences Centre will be one of the country's most advanced neurological care facilities, equipped with modern diagnostic technologies, modular operation theatres, advanced ICUs and emergency services. Prof. Lal noted that neurology and neurosurgery services, which began in 1967 with just 50 beds, will now expand to more than 400 beds, benefiting patients with stroke, brain tumours, spinal disorders, epilepsy and other complex neurological conditions.
The Advanced Mother & Child Centre will offer comprehensive maternal, neonatal and paediatric care with specialized ICUs, modern labour suites, neonatal services and advanced diagnostic facilities, further strengthening PGIMER's long-standing leadership in mother and child healthcare.
The Critical Care Block, whose foundation stone will also be laid, is aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and expanding intensive care capacity, reflecting lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PGIMER currently treats nearly 30 lakh patients annually and records 10,000–15,000 OPD visits daily. Stressing that rising patient numbers reflect growing public trust, Prof. Lal said, "The answer is not reducing patient numbers but continuously expanding infrastructure and services."
The Director highlighted that PGIMER continues to provide highly specialized treatment at minimal or no cost under the Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY scheme. The institute has performed over 5,500 kidney transplants, besides liver, heart, lung and corneal transplants, with many procedures now offered free of cost under the scheme.
Prof. Lal also noted PGIMER's leadership in digital health, having delivered over 40 lakh telemedicine consultations, and highlighted the SARATHI volunteer programme, which engages thousands of students in assisting patients while promoting compassion and community service.
The commissioning of these landmark facilities is expected to significantly enhance access to advanced, affordable and patient-centred healthcare, reinforcing PGIMER's position as one of India's premier medical institutions.