Lehragaga, April 15: Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Balbir Singh, and Barinder Kumar Goyal on Wednesday inaugurated outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services at the renovated Community Health Centre (CHC) in Lehragaga. The launch of these services is the initial phase of the state government’s plan to establish a full-scale Medical College and Hospital in the region.
The facility, which was previously in disrepair, has been upgraded to include specialist doctors and modern medical infrastructure. Officials stated that the CHC will serve residents within a 50-kilometer radius, providing local access to treatments that previously required travel to Patiala or Sangrur.
“These medical services will be managed by the Janhit Trust’s unit, Acharya Vidyanand Jain Institute of Medical Sciences and Research,” Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated. He asserted that the initiative would significantly raise the profile of Lehragaga and provide a substantial boost to the local economy.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh clarified that the partnership with the trust does not constitute privatization, as the organization operates on a non-profit basis. He maintained that the government is reviving the former Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute of Engineering and Technology to house the upcoming medical college.
“The objective is to move Punjab towards a universal cashless and digitally integrated healthcare ecosystem,” Dr. Balbir Singh declared while noting that the new college will eventually feature 100 MBBS seats and 440 beds.
Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal affirmed that the medical college will begin nursing classes next year, followed by MD and MS courses. He stated that the local availability of emergency services would prevent the loss of lives caused by delays in reaching distant hospitals. Goyal also affirmed that admissions and fee structures at the new institution will strictly adhere to state government guidelines and notifications.
