Ignored for several decades, the Doaba region of the state on Sunday got its third medical college within 36 months as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation stone of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Medical College to come up at a cost of around Rs 300 crore.
This is the third medical college in Doaba region as the Chief Minister had earlier laid the foundation stones of Medical Colleges at Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. So due to the visionary approach of the Chief Minister, out of four districts of Doaba region three viz. Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will now have Government medical colleges.
The new Government Medical College will be attached to the Civil Hospital and this institution, named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, is a tribute to his legacy and commitment to the people of Punjab. The college will offer 50 MBBS seats, bringing medical education closer to students from the region.
The District Civil Hospital, SBS Nagar, currently provides secondary-level care but lacks specialized medical facilities. With the establishment of the medical college specialist and super-specialist doctors will be available round the clock.
New departments in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, gynecology, and emergency care will be strengthened. Similarly, ICU, trauma center, and diagnostic labs will be upgraded to handle more complex cases. Advanced medical equipment and technology will be introduced to improve patient care.
The hospital will be transformed into a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, benefiting both patients and medical students. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar is a remote district with limited access to tertiary healthcare facilities but successive governments ignored this region, forcing patients to travel to Ludhiana, Jalandhar, or Chandigarh for treatment.
However, this medical college will reduce patient burden on referral hospitals by offering advanced care locally and train future doctors in a rural setting, encouraging them to serve the local population. This college will ensure that people get affordable and quality healthcare services near their homes.
Likewise, this College will also enhance Medical Education as local students will no longer have to leave the district for medical studies. This medical college will act as a catalyst for specialized healthcare services with the availability of cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and oncology services in the future.
Similarly, the Medical college will open new Employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, technicians, and non-medical staff. It will also give impetus to the economy as increased student and faculty presence will boost local businesses and infrastructure.
Pertinently, the state government is dedicated to strengthening Punjab’s healthcare and medical education with six new medical colleges in progress. This project has been fast-tracked ensuring timely completion and operationalization.
Recruitment of faculty and staff will be prioritized to make this institution fully functional at the earliest. The Punjab government will ensure timely construction and infrastructure development, additional funding for expanding hospital services and further upgrades to make SBS Nagar a healthcare hub for North Punjab.
This medical college is not just a project, but a promise to the people of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. It will provide better healthcare, create opportunities for youth, and fulfill a long-pending demand of the region.
The college, named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, will inspire future generations of doctors to serve with dedication. This is reflective of the state government’s commitment to transform Punjab’s healthcare system, ensuring quality medical education and treatment for all.