Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks response on relocation of CCU from Muktsar to Gidderbaha

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought a response from the authorities concerned regarding the relocation of a proposed critical care unit (CCU) from the district hospital in Muktsar to the Gidderbaha subdivision.

Taking up a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Muktsar resident Anurag Sharma, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel directed that an affidavit be filed, specifically addressing the rationale behind the move.

The matter is listed for further hearing on May 20.

Notably, the 50-bed critical care unit (CCU) is to be built under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM). Citing the unavailability of land at the Muktsar Civil Hospital or any other feasible site in Muktsar town, the health department has allowed the proposed facility to be constructed at the Gidderbaha Civil Hospital.

However, residents of Muktsar town are up in arms over the decision. They have written to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and concerned officials, urging them to halt the transfer of the project to Gidderbaha.

Even Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP’s Punjab affairs in-charge Vijay Rupani has written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, requesting necessary action to establish the CCU in Muktsar.

Dr Jagdeep Chawla, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Muktsar, has reiterated that the required land for the CCU was not available at Muktsar Civil Hospital and that no other suitable site could be identified in the town. "As a result, the head office decided to construct the facility in Gidderbaha," he said.