Sector 32 hospital to get new emergency-cum-trauma centre on July 28
The city is set to witness a major leap in emergency medical care with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art emergency-cum-trauma centre at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32), on July 28. The facility, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been completed at a cost of Rs 42.65 crore.
Facilities and services
Centre a 283-bed facility
ICUs and separate wards for critical and stable patients
Isolation unit and ambulatory care wing
Digital X-ray, MRI, CT scan and diagnostic labs
Two major and one minor operation theatres
Post-operative recovery ward
Parking space for 60 cars and 144 two-wheelers
The GMCH authorities have already started recruiting faculty members, nurses and paramedical staff. The facility is expected to become fully functional by the first quarter of the next financial year. Once operational, the GMCH-32 trauma centre is expected to not only serve residents of Chandigarh more efficiently, but also cater to patients from neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Though the project was sanctioned in 2019, its construction was severely affected by pandemic-related disruptions. The work stalled for nearly two years and timelines had to be revised multiple times. Now complete, the 283-bed trauma centre is scheduled to be inaugurated on July 28 by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
The city’s emergency medical system has been under immense strain. The PGIMER, which has 100 emergency beds, sees an average daily footfall of 250 to 300 patients. The GMSH-16 operates with just 70 emergency beds but treats over 100 patients each day. The GMCH-32 has been dealing with the most acute shortage —only 50 beds to accommodate up to 120 emergency patients daily.
The situation has often forced patients to wait for hours in corridors, lie on stretchers or even on the floor. The new trauma centre is expected to offer a long-term solution to this chronic overcrowding.
Modern design for quick, specialised care
The new trauma block is designed to deliver fast and efficient treatment, especially during the critical “golden hour” following a traumatic injury. The facility includes intensive care units (ICUs), dedicated wards for stable patients, an isolation wing for infectious cases and an ambulatory care unit for walk-in patients.
Key diagnostic services such as digital X-ray, MRI, CT scan and clinical laboratories are available under one roof to ensure quick evaluations and interventions.
Surgical readiness, post-operative support
To manage emergency surgical needs, the facility features two major operation theatres and one minor OT, along with a post-operative ward. This integrated surgical and recovery set-up aims to enhance both response time and patient recovery outcomes.
Infrastructure beyond the hospital floor
The facility also includes a two-level basement parking structure that can accommodate 60 cars and 144 two-wheelers — a much-needed addition to reduce congestion in and around the hospital.
Chandigarh