Transfer defence land to state for hospital expansion: Vij to Rajnath

Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij has requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to transfer a defence land to Haryana Government for the expansion of the Civil Hospital in Ambala Cantonment.

To decongest the existing buildings of the civil hospital in Ambala Cantonment and for its expansion, the Health Department requires the 20-acre defence land adjacent to the hospital.

During his Delhi visit, the Haryana minister met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and raised the demands related to Ambala Cantonment constituency.

For the expansion of the Civil Hospital, Vij requested that the defence land adjacent to the existing Civil and Cancer Hospital in Ambala Cantonment be allocated to the Haryana Government. A large number of patients reach the Atal Cancer Hospital from nearby states for treatment.

However, the facilities for accompanying attendants aren’t adequate, following which it was proposed to build a hostel or dharmashala for the attendants, but the adjacent available land belongs to the Army.

The minister informed that a Critical Care Centre has also been planned at the civil hospital and funds have been already been sanctioned by the state government. About 3 acres are also required to set up a Spinal Injury Centre.

During the meeting, Vij also raised the demand for widening of road in front of the domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment. The Cabinet Minister has requested the Defence Minister for the four-laning of the road, under the jurisdiction of the Army, from BC Bazaar to the national highway.

He also requested the Defence Minister for the widening of several narrow roads in Ambala Cantonment under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Council and Cantonment Board — especially in areas like Boh and Babyal.

Vinay Goel, Deputy Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantonment, said, “We have been facing space-related issues in the existing buildings. For a heart centre surgery wing, spinal injury centre, hostel for attendants of cancer patients, support services, green belt, canteen, chemist shops, ATM kiosk and other facilities, more land is required but the adjacent land belongs to the Army. To decongest the hospital, for new projects, convenience of patients, parking and provide all facilities within the boundary of the hospital, there is a need to expand the hospital.”

Haryana Tribune