PGIMER Showcases Transformational Healthcare Expansion Ahead of Hon'ble Prime Minister's Visit

"A Defining Milestone in PGIMER's Journey towards Healthcare Excellence": Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER

Chandigarh, 13 July 2026: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, today outlined the significance of the landmark healthcare infrastructure projects that will be dedicated to the nation by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during his visit on 17 July 2026.

Addressing the media at the Board Room, Kairon Block, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, described the occasion as a defining milestone in the Institute's journey towards healthcare excellence as he stated, “The forthcoming visit of the Hon'ble Prime Minister marks a defining milestone in PGIMER's journey. These centres are not merely new buildings—they represent a transformational leap in our ability to deliver advanced, accessible and affordable healthcare to millions of patients across Northern India."

The Hon'ble Prime Minister will inaugurate the Advanced Mother & Child Centre (AMCC) and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre (ANC), besides laying the foundation stone of the 150-bed Critical Care Hospital Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Together, these projects represent an investment of nearly ₹1,200 crore and will significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare, medical education and advanced research in Northern India.

Emphasising PGIMER's enduring commitment to patient care, Prof. Lal stated, "Our guiding principle has always been simple—patient care, patient care and patient care. Every new facility we create is designed to strengthen that commitment and ensure that patients receive world-class treatment with dignity, compassion and the latest medical technology."

The senior functionaries present during the media briefing included Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics); Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration); Prof. S.K. Gupta, Head, Department of Neurosurgery; Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent; Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head, Department of Pediatrics; Prof. Vanita Jain, Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Prof. Vijay Goni, Head, Department of Orthopaedics; Prof. Sameer Aggarwal, Professor In-charge (Engineering); Lt. Col. Gurvinder Singh Bhatti, S.H.E.; Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Additional Medical Superintendent, Advanced Neurosciences Centre; Dr. Raman Sharma; and Dr. Vijay Tadia from the Department of Hospital Administration.

Director PGIMER further detailed about the AMCC Project, “Constructed at a cost of ₹505 crore, the Advanced Mother & Child Centre has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The 300-bed facility features advanced neonatal intensive care units, modular operation theatres and comprehensive maternal and neonatal services under one roof. It is expected to further strengthen PGIMER's capacity to manage over 6,000 high-risk deliveries annually.”

Acknowledging the support of the Infosys Foundation, Prof. Lal said, "We are deeply grateful to the Infosys Foundation for its generous contribution of ₹147 crore towards advanced medical equipment. This exemplary public-private partnership has significantly strengthened our capacity to deliver cutting-edge healthcare and will benefit patients for generations to come."

The Advanced Neurosciences Centre, another 300-bed facility, integrates neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuroanaesthesia, neurocritical care and rehabilitation services under one roof. Equipped with 61 intensive care beds, modular operating theatres and advanced diagnostic facilities, the Centre will significantly strengthen the management of complex neurological disorders.

Highlighting its significance, Prof. Lal observed, "The new Centre will substantially reduce treatment delays, improve survival and long-term neurological outcomes, and establish PGIMER as a leading national hub for neuroscience education, research and advanced clinical care."

The Hon'ble Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the 150-bed Critical Care Hospital Block, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹244 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Conceived in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility will enhance emergency preparedness and multidisciplinary critical care services.

Speaking on the growing patient load, Prof. Lal remarked, "The increasing number of patients coming to PGIMER is not a burden; it is a reflection of the trust people place in this institution. We consider it our responsibility to continuously expand our infrastructure and improve services so that no patient is deprived of quality healthcare."

Director PGIMER highlighted the transformative impact of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, as he said, "The Scheme has made several advanced treatments and complex surgical procedures financially accessible to patients who previously faced significant economic barriers. From organ transplantation and cancer therapies to complex cardiac and neurological interventions, PGIMER continues to deliver world-class care while minimizing the financial burden on patients."

Underscoring the affordability of advanced treatment, Prof. Lal added, "PGIMER today stands as a testament to the fact that advanced healthcare need not be prohibitively expensive. Through Ayushman Bharat and our AMRIT pharmacies, several high-end medicines are available to patients at PGIMER at nearly one-three-hundredth of the cost of their Western counterparts, making life-saving treatment accessible to those who need it most."

Prof. Lal also expressed gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for their continued support in strengthening India's public healthcare infrastructure as he underpinned, “These landmark projects will significantly enhance patient care, medical education, research and emergency preparedness while reinforcing PGIMER's position as one of the country's premier medical institutions.”

The media briefing concluded with an interactive session during which the Director responded to queries regarding patient care, infrastructure readiness and future expansion plans, reiterating PGIMER's unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, medical education and research.