Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh) — In an effort to expand tertiary healthcare and medical education, the Haryana government is set to undertake a massive Phase-II expansion of the Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College and Hospital (KCGMCH) in Karnal at an estimated cost of ₹404.95 crore. The proposed upgrade will add roughly 505 new patient beds, taking the facility’s total operational capacity from 600 to approximately 1,100 beds, while expanding its annual MBBS intake from 120 to 250 seats.
The roadmap was discussed during a State Finance Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Wednesday, attended by Health Minister Arti Rao. Saini stated that strengthening medical colleges with advanced clinical capabilities remains a priority for the state, ensuring that residents can access emergency and super-specialty treatment closer to home without facing referrals to distant tertiary centres.
The Phase-II expansion framework includes the creation of a specialized trauma centre, advanced intensive care units (ICU and ICCU), a dedicated burn unit and ward, as well as super-speciality departments spanning nephrology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and general medicine. The facility will also incorporate an on-campus helipad to support rapid aeromedical evacuations during critical emergencies. The institution currently enrolls 120 undergraduate MBBS students and offers 64 postgraduate medical seats annually.
State officials noted that residential components of the project are already under way, with the Haryana Police Housing Corporation executing hostel and staff housing construction at a cost of ₹169.58 crore. The primary hospital expansion works will begin shortly once administrative clearances are completed. The session was attended by Principal Secretary to the CM Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary for Medical Education and Research C.G. Rajini Kaanthan, and Director Dhirendra Khargata.
