Plan on advanced centre for infectious diseases at GMCH-32 shelved

Hospital will increase MBBS seats and build a new academic block instead

Chandigarh | Updated: July 25, 2025 10:41 PM IST

2 min read

As of now, GMCH-32 offers 150 MBBS seats, with an increase in seats done between 2013 and 2019, and the post-graduation seats at the hospital are 157. (Source: File/ Representational)

In January 2022, the UT Administration had approved the establishment of an advanced centre for infectious diseases on a 1.6-acre plot on the GMCH-32 campus. Now, three years later, the plan has been shelved, and a new Academic Block 2 has been proposed.

“The government is very keen to increase MBBS seats, as the plan is to have a better doctor-patient ratio and so we will need more lecture theatres, infrastructure and more facilities for more MBBS and MD students,” explains Prof A K Attri, Director-Principal of GMCH-32. As of now, GMCH-32 offers 150 MBBS seats, with an increase in seats done between 2013 and 2019, and the post-graduation seats at the hospital are 157.

The director hopes that the MBBS seats will increase to 250, resulting in more patient care for the increasing number of patients from across the region, keeping in line with the Central government’s plan. “The plans for the new academic block have already been submitted to the Architecture Department more than a month back,” adds Dr Attri.

The move for an advanced centre for infectious diseases came after the emergence of infections like H1N1 and Covid-19 and the need to provide specialised services to patients from across the region for infectious and communicable diseases. It was also highlighted that viral infections, tuberculosis, bacterial and fungal pneumonia are prevalent in this geographical region, and the centre would provide treatment under one roof.

Dr Attri said, “We now have several facilities for critical care, with a new trauma block ready to be inaugurated this month at GMCH-32, and one being planned in Mani Majra by GMSH-16 and PGI, also offering super-speciality services, and so the plan for more seats for MBBS and MD.”

Incidentally, the PGIMER has also received final approval to develop a 100-bed medical college at Sarangpur, setting the ground for the institute to offer MBBS for the first time, expanding healthcare infrastructure in the region, and giving more opportunities to aspiring doctors.

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