Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Advanced Paediatric Centre at GMCH-16, Chandigarh

Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Advanced Paediatric Centre at GMCH-16, Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Date: 4 January 2024

In a momentous event, the Advanced Paediatric Centre at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) -16, Chandigarh, was officially inaugurated today by the esteemed Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T, Chandigarh, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit. The inauguration ceremony, attended by key dignitaries, including Dr. Vijay Namdeorao Zade, IAS Adviser to the Administrator, and Sh. Ajay Chagti, IAS, Secretary Health, marked a significant leap in paediatric healthcare infrastructure.

The event witnessed the presence of prominent figures such as Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare-cum-Mission Director (NHM), Sh. Kapil Setia, Chief Architect, Sh. C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer, and Dr. V.K. Nagpal, Medical Superintendent, GMSH-16, alongside other senior officials and healthcare professionals from the Health Department, U.T, Chandigarh.

Established as a 32-bedded Paediatric Care Unit, the Advanced Paediatric Centre received approval from the Government of India under the Emergency COVID-19 Response and Health System Preparedness package – Phase II (ECRP- Phase II). A substantial budget of Rs. 225 lakhs was allocated for infrastructure preparedness and the establishment of the Paediatric Centre of Excellence, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities for children.

The Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC) is poised to deliver unparalleled specialized care to paediatric patients, featuring a state-of-the-art 12-bedded hybrid ICU unit comprising 4 ventilator beds and 8 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds. Furthermore, the centre boasts 20 oxygen-supported beds and provides an array of essential services, including EEG, Echocardiography, and Ultrasonography. Round-the-clock services such as X-Ray, ECG, sample collection, pharmacy, blood transfusion, nebulisation, etc., are available to effectively manage sick and critical patients.

Notably, the Advanced Paediatric Centre serves as a pioneer in telemedicine, offering tele-consultation services in collaboration with PGIMER, Chandigarh, positioning itself as a Centre of Excellence in paediatric healthcare.