PGIMER to get Rs 1000 crore to setup two new centres

The two most important Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research projects- Neuroscience Centre and the Mother and Child Care Centre have finally received their long standing clearance by the Finance Committee, which met this Tuesday . “The meeting was positive,” stated Dr YK Chawla, Director PGI.

It is reported that the projects worth Rs 500 crore each have finally got a green signal from the SFC.

On an earlier occasion, the Neuroscience Centre approval had been shelved due to the Rs 800 crore, asked for by the PGI . “The agenda of the neuroscience centre was placed in the previous SFC meeting too, but at that time, it was postponed, as the cost pitched by the PGI was too high (around Rs 800 crore). Thereafter, the PGI was asked to make changes in the proposal, by constructing it in a phased manner,” said an official talking to the HT.

The neuroscience project will be constructed in two phases; with the 500 crore being sanctioned for the Ist phase, said an official. “The proposal will be now presented in the PGI governing body meeting, following which it will be sent for clearance of the expenditure finance committee,” he informed

Other than these two major projects, an SFC primary approval has also been given for a modern operation theatre (OT) complex and funds have been sanctioned for replacement of air-conditioners in the operation theatres at Nehru Hospital. Faculty members have often complained about dysfunctional AC’s.

The PGI faculty’s demand for a modular OT Complex has been long standing. A conceptual approval for the location of the new complex was given by the UT administration in the last week of April. PGIMER is reported to be performing around 2 lac major and minor surgeries every year. In the absence of operation theatres, patients have to queue up for several months for their turns, even in the case of minor surgeries.