New Delhi, Feb 11: Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has formally requested the establishment of a PGI satellite centre in Talwara to bridge the healthcare gap in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district. During a meeting with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday, Singh discussed the logistical challenges faced by local residents who currently travel long distances for specialized medical care.
The proposed facility in Talwara would serve as a critical medical hub due to its proximity to the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Singh noted that the strategic location ensures the benefits would extend beyond Punjab, providing a central treatment point for patients across three northern states.
“The people of this region will not have to travel to distant cities such as Chandigarh for treatment,” Singh said during the discussion. He mentioned that a local facility would alleviate the financial and physical burden on families who are forced to seek advanced healthcare far from their homes.
The meeting, which took place during the ongoing Budget Session, addresses a long-standing grievance of the local population. Residents of the semi-hilly terrain have frequently approached political representatives to advocate for a robust government health infrastructure. The MP’s social media team shared images of the session, confirming that the proposal has been officially brought to the central government’s attention.
