Sirsa's wait for medical college gets longer amid promises, challenges  

The Nayab Saini-led government in Haryana has completed 100 days in office. However, in Sirsa, only the foundation stone for the much-awaited Sant Sarsai Nath Medical College has been laid. Apart from this, no significant project has taken shape in the district. Discussions about a railway overbridge (ROB) and an underpass have been going on for years, but officials cite technical issues as reasons for delays.

Advertisement

The demand for a medical college in Sirsa saw some hope on November 21, 2024, when CM Saini performed the bhoomi pujan for the construction work of the medical college in front of Chaudhary Devi Lal University. The medical college is planned on 21 acres, with 100 medical seats and a budget exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. The project aims for completion within two years.

Will take 3 yrs to finish: Contractor

The medical college is planned on 21 acres, with 100 medical seats and a budget exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. Contractor Sunil Kumar Arora said the excavation for basement had been done and preliminary construction, such as labour quarters and visitor offices, have been completed. He estimated the project will take three years

The CM also announced a cancer treatment center on 5.5 acres, aiming to provide better healthcare locally. Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao and senior BJP leaders were present during the event.

Despite the excitement, locals have mixed opinions about the project. Harish Kumar, a resident, highlighted logistical challenges, noting that two of the three access roads to the college have railway crossings, while the third is a congested city road. He suggested the ROB and RUB constructions should precede the medical college.

Ashok Sharma, another resident, expressed doubts about the college being completed on time due to bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, contractor Sunil Kumar Arora shared progress updates, stating that the basement excavation is done, and preliminary construction, such as labour quarters and visitor offices, has completed. He estimates the project will take three years.

The medical college's foundation has sparked a political tussle. Congress MLA Gokul Setia claims credit for initiating discussions with the CM, while former MLA Gopal Kanda expressed gratitude to the government for allocating funds. Both leaders have traded barbs in a race to claim credit for the project.

Students like Kirti Arora, a tenth grader dreaming of becoming a doctor, are hopeful. She sees the local medical college as an opportunity to pursue her dreams without leaving her city.

Meanwhile, MP Selja stressed the importance of completing the college promptly to benefit not just Sirsa but neighboring states Punjab and Rajasthan. Highlighting the growing number of cancer cases in Sirsa and Fatehabad, she urged the government to prioritise a cancer treatment center.

Sirsa eagerly awaits the day when these projects transition from promises to reality. Until then, the clock is ticking.