Health minister conspicuous by his absence at Medical College Foundation stone laying ceremony

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Health minister conspicuous by his absence at Medical College Foundation stone laying ceremony

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday laid the foundation stone of Sant Attar Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences at Mastuana Sahib to come up over an area of 25 acres with an estimated cost of nearly Rs.345.00 crores.

In today’s foundation stone laying ceremony of Medical College at Mastuana Sahib, state health minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra was conspicuous by his absence. Though, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Lal Chand Kataruchak, MLAs Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Barinder Goyal, Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra,Jameel Ur Rehman, Kulwant Singh Pandori, Dr. Balbir Singh, Labh Singh Ugoke and others were present during the event.

“Health minister’s absence during his own department’s function has raised everyone’s eyebrow. The state government has also not appointed any principal secretary health, after Hussan Lal relinquished his office on July 29, which raises questions that “All in not well” in between Punjab CM and health minister “said GS Walia, a political analysist.

On the other hand health minister Chetan Singh Jauramjara had attended a district level function at Govt Bikram College of Commerce at Patiala

At the foundation stone laying ceremony, chief minister Bhagwant Mann reiterating firm commitment of his government to provide quality medical facilities to people, the Chief Minister said that this institute will be a step forward towards this direction. He said that this project will be a humble and befitting tribute to the great religious leader Sant Attar Singh, who propagated the message of universal love, peace and communal harmony to people. Bhagwant Mann also recalled the immense contribution of Sant Attar Singh in spreading the light of education in the entire region.

The Chief Minister envisioned that this college with MBBS seats will emerge Sangrur as a hub of medical education in the entire region. Bhagwant Mann said that apart from construction of Academic block the project will include upgradation of existing Civil Hospital Sangrur from 220 bedded to 360 bedded, construction of Nursing School, separate hostels for Senior/Junior Girls and Boys, Sports Track & Pavilion for students, open Air Theatre for extracurricular activities, faculty residence and shopping complex. Likewise, he said that widening of approach road from NH-07 to State Institute of Medical Sciences from 5.50 m to 7.00 m including Four Lanning of the road in front of the Institute is also a part of the project.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this upcoming Medical Institute will act as a pivot for imparting quality Health services and Medical education to Punjab in general and Malwa region in particular. He directed the officers to ensure that the work on this ambitious project was completed in a time bound manner adding that work on Medical college will be completed by March 31, 2023 and academic session will commence from April 1. Bhagwant Mann also asked the officers to ensure that highest quality norms were adhered to during the construction of this state-of-the art medical institute.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government is formulating several pro-people and development oriented schemes for the well being of people. He said that there is no dearth of funds for this purpose and impetus will be given to all round development of state. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that no stone will be left unturned for progress of state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for providing social securities to the people. He said that pension will be disbursed directly to the beneficiaries at their doorsteps. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that Food security will also provided to people by providing Atta-Dal at their homes.