Centre approves 250-bed geriatrics centre at PGI
Sandeep Rana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 1
The Union Cabinet has approved a 250-bed Geriatric Care and Rehabilitation Centre at the PGI, which will be a boon for those aged 60 and above as they will get medical services under one roof.
Expected to come up at a cost of Rs 469 crore, it is touted to be the first such centre in the country. It will have a ground floor plus six storeys. DM and MD courses in geriatrics will also be started at the centre to produce specialist doctors, giving a major push to academics in this field.
According to officials, ultrasound, CT scan, blood tests and other facilities will be made available at the centre for elderly patients. They will also get dedicated OPD and emergency services at this centre. It will save them time and the hassle of visiting different departments in the premier hospital.
Amitabh Avasthi, Deputy Director, Administration, PGI, told Chandigarh Tribune, “We had been continuously following it up with the Centre for the past one year. The PGI has taken a lead in this field in the region and it will be the biggest asset for it. The elderly population is increasing and with this centre, we will be able to take better care of them.”
Once the formalities are completed, the project will be set up with a deadline of three years and three months near the Gol market at the PGI. Of the total Rs 469 crore, an amount of Rs 291 crore has been earmarked for civil works, including five-year annual maintenance, Rs 90 crore for equipment and Rs 88 crore for manpower.
At present, elderly patients are managed by various departments at the PGI. There are no dedicated beds for them. The centre will provide affordable healthcare of better quality to them and will also help in carrying out research activities in geriatrics.
