No new AIIMS planned for Punjab beyond Bathinda
The Central Government has confirmed that there is no proposal to set up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Amritsar, Punjab, during the current phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, informed the Lok Sabha that AIIMS Bathinda is already functional and is the only AIIMS sanctioned for Punjab under PMSSY.
Upgradation of existing medical colleges
To enhance tertiary healthcare facilities in Punjab, the Government has upgraded Government Medical College, Amritsar, and Government Medical College, Patiala, with Super Speciality Blocks (SSBs) under a Centre–State cost-sharing arrangement.
MP raises concerns over healthcare gaps in border region
The response came to queries by Amritsar MP Shri Gurjeet Singh Aujla, who highlighted the lack of advanced healthcare facilities in the border belt, forcing critically ill patients to travel to PGIMER Chandigarh or Delhi. He also stressed that Amritsar’s strategic location near the Pakistan border requires specialized trauma care, especially in emergencies or conflict situations.
Government reiterates State’s responsibility in healthcare
Shri Jadhav clarified that “Public Health and Sanitation, Hospitals and Dispensaries” is a State subject, and strengthening medical infrastructure primarily lies with the State Government. While acknowledging the importance of the region, the Minister reiterated that no AIIMS is planned for Amritsar in the current PMSSY phase.
