-CM Bhagwant Mann Lays Foundation Stone for Shaheed Bhagat Singh Medical College
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, March 23, 2025
After decades of neglect, the Doaba region of Punjab is witnessing a healthcare revolution, with the foundation stone of its third medical college laid within 36 months. On Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Medical College in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar, a Rs 300 crore project aimed at transforming healthcare and medical education in the region.
This marks the third medical college in Doaba, following similar initiatives in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, both spearheaded by CM Mann. With this visionary step, three of Doaba’s four districts—Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and SBS Nagar—will now boast government medical colleges, a testament to the state government’s commitment to equitable development.
A Tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh
The new medical college, attached to the Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar, is named after revolutionary icon Shaheed Bhagat Singh, symbolizing dedication to the welfare of Punjab’s people. Set to offer 50 MBBS seats, it will bring quality medical education within reach of local students while addressing the region’s long-standing healthcare gaps.
For years, SBS Nagar, a remote district, has lacked advanced medical facilities, forcing residents to seek treatment in cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, or Chandigarh. The establishment of this institution promises to change that narrative by delivering specialized care locally.
Transforming Healthcare in SBS Nagar
Currently, the District Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar provides only secondary-level care. The new medical college will elevate it into a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, equipped with:
- Specialized Departments: Enhanced services in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, gynecology, and emergency care.
- Advanced Facilities: Upgraded ICU, trauma center, and diagnostic labs to manage complex cases.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Introduction of modern medical equipment to improve patient outcomes.
Specialist and super-specialist doctors will be available 24/7, reducing the burden on referral hospitals and offering affordable, high-quality healthcare closer to home. In the future, the college aims to introduce advanced specialties like cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and oncology, positioning SBS Nagar as a healthcare hub in North Punjab.
Boosting Medical Education and Opportunities
The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Medical College will not only improve healthcare but also revolutionize medical education in the region. Local students will no longer need to leave Doaba to pursue MBBS degrees. By training doctors in a rural setting, the institution will encourage graduates to serve underserved communities.
Beyond education, the college will create a ripple effect:
- Employment: Jobs for doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff.
- Economic Growth: Increased presence of students and faculty will stimulate local businesses and infrastructure development.
Addressing Decades of Neglect
Successive governments overlooked Doaba’s healthcare needs, leaving districts like SBS Nagar underserved. CM Bhagwant Mann’s administration has prioritized this region, fast-tracking six new medical colleges across Punjab, with three in Doaba alone. The SBS Nagar project reflects a broader mission to strengthen Punjab’s healthcare and education systems.
To ensure swift progress, the government has committed to:
- Timely construction and infrastructure development.
- Prioritized recruitment of faculty and staff.
- Additional funding for hospital upgrades and future expansions.
A Promise to the People
More than just a project, the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Medical College is a pledge to the people of Doaba. It fulfills a decades-old demand, offering better healthcare, educational opportunities, and economic growth. Named after a national hero, it will inspire future doctors to serve with the same zeal and dedication as Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
This milestone underscores the Punjab government’s resolve to transform the state’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that quality medical education and treatment are accessible to all, regardless of location.
The Doaba region, long ignored, is now on the cusp of a healthcare renaissance, thanks to the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann and the establishment of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Medical College.
