Punjab has carried out a record doctor recruitment drive and expanded its healthcare workforce significantly. The state has also boosted cancer diagnosis and infrastructure with new PET scan units and a medical college.
The Punjab government has completed one of the largest doctor recruitment drives in the state since Independence, while also expanding key diagnostic and cancer care infrastructure, according to official announcements.
Sharing updates on X, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the Bhagwant Mann-led government has taken significant steps to strengthen healthcare services across Punjab.
Among the major initiatives, PET scan facilities for cancer diagnosis have been started in Amritsar, Faridkot, Mohali and Patiala. In addition, more than 200 private centres have been empanelled to provide free X-ray and ultrasound services, especially benefiting women patients. The government also plans to introduce CT scan facilities in eight more state hospitals soon.
Highlighting recruitment efforts, the government said it has completed the largest-ever hiring of doctors in Punjab. Over the past four years, 35 per cent of the total government doctor workforce has been recruited. This includes the appointment of 948 general doctors and 627 specialist doctors. The recruitment process has also covered 300 nursing staff and 250 pharmacists, while the hiring of 2,000 nurses is currently underway.
Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced the establishment of a new government medical college in Kapurthala. The institute, named Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji State Institute of Medical Sciences, will be built within the existing district hospital complex.
The minister said all formalities, including the tendering process, have been completed and work orders have been issued. Construction is scheduled to begin on March 25 and is expected to be completed within 24 months, by March 2028.
The project will be developed at a cost of Rs 275 crore and will include a 300-bedded hospital along with a medical college offering 100 MBBS seats annually. The facility is expected to strengthen medical education in the state and reduce the need for students to seek expensive education abroad.
Once operational, the institute will provide advanced secondary and tertiary healthcare services and is expected to generate significant employment, directly benefiting over 1,000 people while creating indirect opportunities for thousands more.
As part of the expansion, the government hospital in Sultanpur Lodhi will be upgraded into an urban centre, while the Begowal government hospital will be developed as a rural centre. Both will be linked to the upcoming medical college in Kapurthala.
