Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, carried out a series of unannounced visits on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to evaluate the operational standards of key public facilities. The inspections covered healthcare, social welfare, and animal care sectors, specifically targeting the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH-32), the Group Home for mental health in Sector 31, and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Sector 38. Accompanied by senior administrative officers, Kataria emphasized that these visits are part of a broader commitment to ensuring high-quality, inclusive services for all residents and vulnerable groups in the city.
At GMCH-32, the Administrator focused on the Emergency and Trauma Block, inspecting the triage area as well as the surgical, medicine, and paediatric emergency wards. During his interaction with patients, Kataria noted a general sense of satisfaction with the treatment being provided. He also reviewed the efficiency of the blood collection centre and the ultrasound rooms while being briefed on the readiness of the emergency operation theatres. The visit underscored the administration’s priority on maintaining robust emergency response systems in Chandigarh’s premier medical college.
Following the hospital visit, the Administrator moved to the Group Home in Sector 31, an institution dedicated to the rehabilitation of persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. After reviewing the admission processes and interacting with the residents, Kataria lauded the staff for maintaining a supportive environment. However, he directed the Social Welfare Department to intensify outreach and awareness campaigns to ensure that more eligible beneficiaries are able to access the specialized care offered at the facility.
The final stop of the inspection was at the SPCA in Sector 38, where the focus shifted to animal welfare. Kataria inspected the enclosures for dogs, cats, and birds, specifically enquiring about the medical protocols for sick and injured animals. Taking note of the challenges regarding aggressive stray dogs, he directed the Municipal Commissioner to establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their management. He concluded the visit by ordering regular inspections and strengthened monitoring to prevent any lapse in animal care standards across the Union Territory.
