Governor lays stone for Rs 10-cr super-speciality Ayurveda hospital in Chandigarh

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria today laid the foundation stone for a 250-bed Super-Speciality Ayurveda Hospital at Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital (SDACH), Sector 46, here. The event marked the golden jubilee celebrations of the college.

Addressing the gathering, Kataria described the event as more than just a ceremonial act — a step towards fusing India’s ancient healing practices with cutting-edge healthcare technologies. He emphasised the Centre’s potential to benefit not only the residents of Chandigarh but also the neighbouring states. He lauded Shri Dhanwantry Educational Society for its five-decade dedication to quality Ayurvedic education, ethical practices and research. The college, established in 1975, has produced over 2,500 graduates, now serving in healthcare facilities nationwide.

The Governor highlighted India’s renewed commitment to Ayurveda, referencing the Union Budget 2025–26 allocation of Rs 3,992.90 crore for the Ministry of AYUSH. He underlined the transformative role of digital tools like telemedicine and the Ayush Grid in expanding the accessibility and relevance of traditional healthcare. Several important healthcare initiatives were also launched at the event, reflecting the college’s broader public health mission. These include a neonatal intensive care unit, a free delivery programme (covering both normal and caesarean births), a free anti-rabies vaccination campaign and a geriatric care programme designed to offer compassionate services to senior citizens.

Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Dr Koustubh Upadhyaya, Adviser (Ayurveda), Ministry of AYUSH; KK Gupta, president of Shri Dhanwantry Educational Society; and college principal Dr Sumit Srivastava.

Later, a convocation was held during which 135 students received their degrees. The event was presided over by Satnam Singh Sandhu, Rajya Sabha MP. He encouraged the graduates to channel their knowledge towards service and transformation, noting the healing potential within Ayurvedic and holistic systems.

Patients with spine disorders to benefit

The upcoming 250-bed facility at Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital will be a centre of excellence for Ayurvedic management of spine disorders. The hospital is being built with a grant of about Rs 10 crore under the Ministry of AYUSH's Ayurswasthya Yojana.