Punjab government announces a ₹160-crore SBS Nagar Medical College with a 220-bed teaching hospital, 50 MBBS seats and advanced cardiac care facilities.

The Punjab government has announced a major healthcare and medical education initiative for Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar, with plans to establish a modern medical college and teaching hospital at an estimated cost of ₹160 crore. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the project aims to strengthen healthcare facilities, improve access to specialised treatment and provide more opportunities for students aspiring to pursue medical education.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Thursday, the minister announced that the government has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the project. The Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) has awarded the project to M/s Indus Super Speciality Healthcare Private Limited under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The proposed SBS Nagar Medical College will be developed by upgrading the existing District Hospital in Nawanshahr and adding modern academic, residential and specialised healthcare facilities.

Nawanshahr District Hospital to Become a 220-Bed Teaching Hospital

Under the project, the existing 150-bed District Hospital in Nawanshahr will be upgraded into a 220-bed teaching hospital in accordance with National Medical Commission (NMC) standards.

The development will include a dedicated medical college building, academic infrastructure and residential facilities to support students and healthcare professionals.

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Dr Balbir Singh said construction of the medical college building is scheduled to begin next month. The institution is expected to become operational within 18 months, although the formal project completion timeline is three years.

He added that the availability of the existing hospital infrastructure would help accelerate the development process and bring the facility into operation sooner.

₹160-Crore Project to Include Advanced Cardiac Care Facilities

A major feature of the proposed SBS Nagar Medical College project will be a 30-bed super-speciality cardiac care unit.

The facility will be equipped with advanced medical technology, including a Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab). This will enable doctors to perform important cardiac procedures such as angiography and angioplasty.

According to the health minister, the specialised cardiac facility will significantly improve access to emergency heart treatment for people living in Nawanshahr and nearby regions.

Patients who currently have to travel to Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana or Amritsar for advanced cardiac treatment will have access to these services closer to their homes.

50 MBBS Seats Every Year, 50% Under Punjab Government Quota

The proposed medical college will offer 50 MBBS seats annually, creating additional opportunities for students seeking medical education in Punjab.

The government has also planned to reserve 50 per cent of these seats under the Punjab Government quota.

This arrangement is expected to benefit students from Nawanshahr and surrounding areas by allowing them to pursue medical studies closer to their families while reducing the need to relocate to distant cities.

The establishment of the institution will also strengthen the region’s medical education infrastructure and support the availability of trained healthcare professionals.

Healthcare Benefits for Nawanshahr and Nearby Areas

The proposed hospital is expected to serve residents across a wide geographical area within a radius of approximately 35 to 40 kilometres.

The key areas expected to benefit include:
– Nawanshahr
– Balachaur
– Ropar
– Garhshankar
– Banga
– Machhiwara

The minister said the project would improve access to general healthcare services as well as specialised medical treatment for residents of these areas.

With the development of the SBS Nagar Medical College, people will have better access to hospital facilities, emergency services, specialist doctors and diagnostic infrastructure without travelling long distances.

OPD Registration Fee to Remain at ₹10

Emphasising the government’s commitment to affordable healthcare, Dr Balbir Singh said the OPD registration fee at the facility would remain ₹10.

He also clarified that eligible beneficiaries would be entitled to free cashless treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

The government will also ensure the availability of essential medicines free of cost through government pharmacies.

In addition, diagnostic services, including CT scans and MRI examinations, will be offered at highly subsidised rates. These measures are intended to reduce the financial burden on patients and make essential healthcare services more accessible.

Punjab Government Focuses on Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure

The announcement of the ₹160-crore medical college and teaching hospital reflects the Punjab government’s focus on expanding healthcare infrastructure beyond major cities.

The project combines medical education, general hospital services and advanced cardiac treatment within a single healthcare complex. It is expected to benefit patients, medical students and healthcare professionals across the region.

Several senior officials and public representatives attended the press conference, including Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Rupnagar MLA Dinesh Chadha and Nawanshahr Halqa Incharge Jaspreet Singh Robby Kang.

With construction expected to begin next month, the SBS Nagar Medical College project is set to become an important healthcare development for the region. Once operational, the institution is expected to expand medical education opportunities, improve specialised treatment facilities and provide affordable healthcare to thousands of residents.