PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur will be fully functional by January 2023 says Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.  

Expressing satisfaction at the pace of the execution of the Project, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, “With the pace at which the work is being executed, including procurement of medical devices and equipment, the PGIMER Satellite Centre will be fully functional by January, 2023 and will provide a huge relief not only for the local population but for those far and wide.”  

Updating about the success of the ‘free precaution vaccination drive’ launched by Prime Minister on 15th July for 75 days to mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Union Health Minister shared, “Already over 13 crore people have leveraged this facility by getting vaccinated under this initiative in one month and three days till date.” The Minister urged the people of Punjab and country in general, especially the vulnerable population, to get vaccinated in the balance of 75 days and equip themselves to face the COVID crisis.”

Lauding healthcare workers for their commendable role in containing the COVID crisis, the Minister stated, “Our country has been appreciated across the globe for two things; for COVID management by adhering to the guidelines and vaccination drive by crossing the mark of over 200 crore doses.” 

Endorsing the need for ‘affordable health for all’, Dr. Mandvaiya shared about the initiatives by the government to promote generic medicines which include over 8,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country which are visited over 20 lakh people daily in the country, awareness campaign by engaging with National Medical Council and launch of an app ‘Jan Aushadhi Sugam’ to make people aware about the salt in the medicine to enable them make considered choice between generic and branded medicine.

 The Minister also shared that ‘a Jan Aushadhi Kendra will also be opened in the Satellite Centre, Sangrur.’  

The Minister chaired a meeting which was attended by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, senior faculty members, senior administrative officers including Kumar Gaurav Dhawan (IRS), DDA; Prof. Vipin Koushal, MS; Kumar Abhay, FA; Prof. Ashok Kumar, Additional Medical Superintendent, PGIMER; and Nodal Officer, Satellite Centre, Sangrur. 

Prof. Vivek Lal said, “Spread over 25 acres, the project cost of this Satellite Centre is Rs. 449 crore. Phase 1 has already been executed with the construction of temporary OPD, guest house, and boundary wall and Phase 2 of the execution is being fast tracked. The Satellite Centre is expected to be fully functional early next year.”