Kapurthala, March 19: To expand the state’s medical infrastructure, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday introduced plans for a new government medical college in Kapurthala. The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji State Institute of Medical Sciences represents a ₹275 crore investment aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and professional education in the Doaba region.
During a press conference in Chandigarh, the Minister stated that the project would feature a 100-seat MBBS program, helping to reduce the reliance of Punjabi students on expensive medical degrees abroad. He affirmed that the facility is designed to offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services, such as a central lab and blood bank, and will adhere to a 24-month construction timeline starting March 25.
The Health Minister declared that the government is committed to a “health-first” approach, integrating existing local hospitals into the new academic framework. Specifically, hospitals in Sultanpur Lodhi and Begowal will be attached to the Kapurthala college to serve as specialized urban and rural centers. Dr Balbir Singh maintained that this network would significantly bolster the state’s capacity to handle complex medical cases.
Officials stated that the new infrastructure will include advanced skill labs and modern teaching departments to support the training of future doctors. The Minister asserted that the development would act as an economic driver for the district, providing livelihoods to thousands. Accompanied by Punjab Health System Corporation leadership, Dr Balbir Singh affirmed that all administrative formalities are finalized to ensure the project meets its March 2028 completion target.
