Rs 35-cr building at GMC yet to open

karam prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 18

The multi-storey institutional building at Government Medical College is proving to be the white elephant for the authorities. Constructed at a cost of Rs 35 crore, the building has been lying locked for over a year now.

Though the college had got a permanent increase in the MBBS seats from the MCI after inspections the building was still non-functional.

Last year, the college strength was increased by 25 seats after the EWS quota. If the building fails to start functioning in a month or two, doctors would be compelled to study in the old congested lecture halls.

The five-storey building, built by Punjab System Health Corporation (PSHC), had many structural faults, especially faults in labs and auditorium. One such discrepancy, in the auditorium, had already been raised by the principal secretary, medical education, during an inspection, last year.

Reportedly, the examination halls do not have attached washrooms and the students have to use toilets situated on another floor.

Besides, the required furniture for the facility had not been purchased until now.

In the wake of the shortcomings, the college authorities said they would take possession only after the PSHC would complete the deficiencies. Meanwhile, the PSHC, putting the blame on the college authorities, said the college authority raised the objections after the building had been completed. It would take time to rectify the objections.

Dr Harjinder Singh, Principal, GMC, said, “As soon as the shortcomings will be completed, we will take possession of the building and start the classes.”

Meanwhile, Shiv Kumar, Sub-divisional Officer, PSHC, said, “The building is ready more than a year ago but the college authority raised certain objections which will take time to repair. However, we will complete them in a few months.”

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