CHANDIGARH—Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, marking the opening of a new specialist facility intended to expand neurological care, medical education and research in northern India. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and laid the foundation stone for a 150-bed Critical Care Block at the institute.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Advanced Neurosciences Centre will bring neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-critical care and advanced diagnostic services together under one roof, aiming to improve treatment for patients with complex neurological disorders while strengthening research and specialist training. The government said the new infrastructure is expected to enhance access to tertiary healthcare for patients from Chandigarh and neighbouring states.
The ministry said the Prime Minister told the inauguration ceremony that the expansion of advanced healthcare facilities at PGIMER reflected broader efforts to improve access to affordable and quality medical care across India. He cited the government's investments in new medical institutions and healthcare infrastructure since 2014, including the expansion of AIIMS campuses and medical colleges.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said the projects formed part of continued efforts to strengthen India's public health system and improve access to specialised treatment. Following the inauguration, Nadda reviewed the newly opened facilities, according to the ministry.
PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal had previously said the combined healthcare projects represent an investment of around 12 billion rupees (about $140 million) and would significantly expand the institute's capacity to serve patients across northern India. The projects include the Advanced Mother and Child Centre, the Advanced Neurosciences Centre and the planned Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
The Advanced Neurosciences Centre had begun phased clinical operations earlier this year, with outpatient neurology and neurosurgery services moving into the new building before its formal inauguration. PGIMER said the transition was intended to reduce overcrowding and improve patient care while preparing the facility for full-scale operations.
The Ministry of Health said the Critical Care Block, whose foundation stone was laid on Friday, is expected to strengthen emergency preparedness, intensive care capacity and disaster response capabilities at PGIMER once completed.
