PGI rolls out red carpet, Health Minister Nadda fails to turn up

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 17

Foundation stone-laying ceremony of the neurosciences centre was postponed yet again as Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda failed to visit the PGI here.

The authorities had made elaborate arrangements near the Gol Market to offer red-carpet welcome to the Health Minister. The entire plot was cleaned and the garbage dumped in it was also removed. The authorities also cordoned off the area with a security tape and installed flags of different colours.

However, the minister did not visit the institute. Sources said Nadda is visiting Karnataka, which is witnessing intense political battle following the election results.

Sources said the project had been stalled for an indefinite period. Even PGI Director Prof Jagat Ram is unsure as to when the minister will visit next to lay the foundation of the proposed centre.

“We had made all arrangements for the inauguration. On Wednesday night, we had received a communiqué about the cancellation of the scheduled programme. I do not know when the foundation stone-laying ceremony will take place,” said Prof Jagat Ram.

In the meantime, Ashwani Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, visited the PGI on Thursday.

Prof Jagat Ram, Dr Rajesh Kumar, Dean Academics, Dr Arvind Rajvanshi, Dean Research, Amitabh Avasthi, Deputy Director, PGI, Dr AK Gupta, Medical Superintendent, PGI, and Kumar Abhey, Financial Advisor,  welcomed the minister.

Presentations on the PGI and upcoming projects were made to apprise Ashwani Kumar of the present patient rush in OPDs, Emergency and trauma centre. The minister interacted with various heads of departments and faculty of the institute.