Lehragaga (Gurpreet Singh): In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure, Punjab Cabinet ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Balbir Singh and Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday inaugurated Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD) services at the Community Health Centre in Lehragaga.
The upgraded facility, which was earlier in a neglected state, has now been renovated and equipped with specialist doctors, making essential medical services accessible to residents of Lehragaga and surrounding areas within a 50-kilometre radius.
Speaking at the inauguration, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema described the development as a foundational step towards establishing a full-fledged medical college and hospital in the region. He noted that the initiative would not only enhance healthcare access but also elevate Lehragaga’s prominence within Sangrur district and beyond.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh clarified that while operational responsibilities have been entrusted to a unit of the Janhit Trust, the institution remains under the government’s oversight. He emphasized that the objective is public service rather than profit, ensuring affordable and quality treatment for patients.
The ministers also highlighted plans to revive the long-defunct Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute of Engineering and Technology as a medical college and hospital. Once operational, the institution is expected to serve nearby regions such as Moonak and Khanauri, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.
Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that the project would bring major economic benefits to the constituency by generating employment and opening new avenues in medical education. He added that nursing courses are likely to begin next year, followed by postgraduate medical programmes.
Officials said the proposed medical college will have an intake capacity of 100 MBBS seats and at least 440 hospital beds. Admissions and fee structures will be regulated as per government guidelines.
Local residents welcomed the development, noting that the availability of emergency and specialised services in the area would help prevent delays in treatment that previously forced patients to travel to cities like Sangrur and Patiala.
Several dignitaries, including members of the Janhit Trust and district administration, were present at the event, marking what officials described as a major milestone in improving healthcare and education infrastructure in the region.
