Muktsar residents protest shift of proposed 50-bed CCU to Gidderbaha

A large number of local residents, irrespective of their political affiliations, on Wednesday came out on the roads to protest against the move to shift the proposed 50-bed Critical Care Unit (CCU) from Muktsar to Gidderbaha.

A protest march was carried out in the town, starting from Ghas Mandi Chowk and culminating at Kotkapura Chowk.

Notably, this CCU is to be built under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM).

The residents have even written to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and some concerned officers to stop the transfer of this proposed healthcare facility to Gidderbaha.

They claimed that CCUs were to be constructed in 13 districts across the state, and Muktsar was the only district where it was not being built at the district headquarter town.

“We held a peaceful protest today to show our unity to the administration. Now, we will chalk out our future course of action and will not relent until the construction of this CCU begins here,” said the protesters.

They further claimed that Ferozepur MP Sher Singh Ghubaya had assured them that he would raise this issue in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, talking to The Tribune, Dr Jagdeep Chawla, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Muktsar, said, “Muktsar Civil Hospital does not have the land required for this CCU. We had identified some land parcels and written to the Director of Health and Family Welfare, requesting permission to construct the CCU at any of those sites. However, it requires nearly one acre of land, which is available at Gidderbaha Civil Hospital. Hence, the higher authorities decided to construct it there. I am not aware of the current status of the project.”

He further stated that the CCU would be used for isolating patients in critical condition or those suffering from severe illnesses.