Punjab Government Allocates Rs 3 Crore to Expand Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Mohali
Punjab Government Allocates Rs 3 Crore to Strengthen Regional Spinal Injuries Centre Mohali
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, March 13, 2025 – In a significant move to improve healthcare services in Punjab, the state government has committed to strengthening the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre (RSIC) in Mohali. The Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced an immediate release of Rs 3 Crore for the construction of a second floor at the facility. This development is part of the Punjab government’s efforts to expand medical infrastructure and enhance care for patients suffering from spinal injuries.
During her visit to the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Sector 70, Mohali, Dr. Baljit Kaur discussed the ongoing improvements at the institute and affirmed the government’s continued support for its growth. She reiterated the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to strengthen healthcare services across the state, particularly for patients with spinal injuries.
Strengthening Spinal Injury Care in Punjab
The Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, which is annually supported by a grant of Rs 2 Crore from the Punjab government, has gained prominence in the region for its specialized care in spinal injury treatments. The centre serves patients not only from Punjab but also from neighboring Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. The facility has gained a reputation for providing advanced treatment under the expertise of renowned spinal surgeon and Project Director Dr. Raj Bahadur.
Dr. Kaur highlighted that the centre performs an impressive average of 50 surgeries per month related to spinal injuries and urological issues, alongside catering to over 100 outpatients daily. She emphasized the government’s focus on increasing resources to meet the growing demand for spinal injury treatments in the region.
“The commitment of the state government to improve health services is unwavering. We are not only enhancing infrastructure but also ensuring that essential services are accessible to all patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds,” said Dr. Kaur.
Immediate Funding for Second Floor Construction
One of the key outcomes of Dr. Baljit Kaur’s visit was her assurance to release Rs 3 Crore immediately to begin the construction of a second floor at the centre. The expansion aims to add more bedding capacity and provide additional space for surgeries and critical care. This initiative follows a request made by Dr. Raj Bahadur, who highlighted the need for more infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of patients seeking treatment.
Dr. Kaur also mentioned that the Rs 2 Crore annual financial support provided to the centre is under review, with the possibility of further increasing the allocation to meet future demands. She noted that this financial backing is part of the Punjab government’s broader commitment to improving the healthcare sector.
State-of-the-Art Facilities at the Centre
During her visit, Dr. Baljit Kaur toured several key departments of the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, including the X-ray and MRI rooms, as well as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU). She expressed her satisfaction with the centre’s current facilities and praised the team for their efforts in providing high-quality care to patients at affordable rates. The charges for surgeries at the centre are considerably lower than private healthcare facilities, making it an accessible option for many patients in the northern region of India.
“The Spinal Injuries Centre has been running exceptionally well under the leadership of Dr. Raj Bahadur and his dedicated team. The services offered here not only cater to patients from Punjab but also attract individuals from neighboring states due to the quality and affordability of treatment,” Dr. Kaur added.
Acknowledging the Efforts of Medical Professionals
Dr. Baljit Kaur also lauded the contributions of other medical professionals at the centre, including Dr. Vidur Bhalla, a former head of the Urology Department at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32, Chandigarh. Dr. Bhalla, along with Dr. Raj Bahadur, continues to play an instrumental role in providing specialized care at the Spinal Injuries Centre.
Interacting with the patients and their families, Dr. Kaur acknowledged their experiences and assured them that the government would continue to invest in improving healthcare infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.
Future Plans for the Centre
The Punjab government’s efforts to bolster the infrastructure of the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre align with the state’s long-term vision to provide quality healthcare facilities to its residents. Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the state would continue to review the needs of such facilities and take proactive steps to enhance their capacities.
The centre’s ongoing expansion, alongside the Rs 3 Crore funding for the second floor, is expected to provide critical relief for patients suffering from spinal injuries and related conditions. The Punjab government’s investments in healthcare infrastructure are expected to significantly improve the overall quality of care in the region.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Improved Healthcare Access
The announcement of immediate funding for the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Mohali marks a major milestone in Punjab’s healthcare journey. By expanding medical infrastructure and supporting specialized treatment facilities, the state government is reinforcing its commitment to public health and patient care. With leaders like Dr. Baljit Kaur advocating for stronger healthcare initiatives, Punjab is poised to set a higher standard for healthcare access and quality across the region.