PGI's Rs 490 cr Advanced Neuroscience Centre nears launch by Sept
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh, is preparing to launch its long-awaited Advanced Neuroscience Centre, a Rs 490 crore project that promises to revolutionise neurological and neurosurgical care across the country.
Approved in 2017 and with construction beginning in 2020, the centre is now nearing full operationalisation. PGI officials have confirmed that the outpatient department (OPD) is expected to become functional by September, marking a significant milestone in the journey to improve access to specialised brain and spine treatment.
Once fully operational, the centre will join the ranks of premier institutions like NIMHANS Bengaluru and AIIMS Delhi's Cardiothoracic and Neurosciences Centre. However, PGI's facility stands out for its integrated model, combining neurology and neurosurgery services under one roof. "This will be the largest such centre in India where both specialities are housed in a single building," said a PGI official. "Beds will be consolidated, not scattered across departments, ensuring seamless care for patients.
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The project has faced several hurdles over the years. Construction was halted during the Covid pandemic in March, 2020 and resumed with limited labour by June. More recently, delays were caused by the renewal of pollution control clearance from the state pollution control board and the calculation of property tax arrears owed by PGI. Despite these challenges, the administration remains optimistic about the centre's phased rollout.
The facility will feature 300 general ward beds, 10 modular operating theatres, dedicated ICUs, 10 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds, and 30 private ward beds. It will offer advanced sub-specialities such as cerebrovascular surgery, skull base surgery, and spinal functional neurosurgery. A key highlight is the Brain Suite, a specialised operating room designed for complex neurosurgical procedures.
While some equipment requests—like a 3T MRI, Bi-plane DSA, and dual-energy CT scan—were scaled down due to budget constraints, PGI faculty believe the centre will still significantly enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
"Patients come from all corners of India because of the expertise and affordability PGI offers," said a senior faculty member.
The Advanced Neuroscience Centre is expected to serve as a national hub for neurological care, addressing a long-standing gap in specialised treatment. With its integrated approach and cutting-edge infrastructure, the centre is poised to offer a lifeline to thousands of patients who currently struggle to access timely and affordable brain and spine care.
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