News Freedom Services
Chandigarh, April 5
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a major upgrade of the Advanced Cancer Institute at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences after a surprise inspection.
He said the facility would be developed into a “world-class” centre, with plans to introduce advanced technologies including robotic surgery.
Officials said the chief minister reviewed hospital services, met staff and patients, and assessed gaps in infrastructure and manpower.
Mann said the aim of the visit was to strengthen the institute rather than find faults. He added that improving patient care across the Malwa region — which has a high burden of cancer cases — was a priority.
The government will introduce new facilities based on patient needs and take steps to modernise treatment systems, he said.
The chief minister also acknowledged a shortage of staff at the hospital and said recruitment would be expedited.
He reiterated that patients covered under Ayushman Bharat and the state’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna would continue to receive treatment at the institute.
Punjab has long faced challenges in cancer care, particularly in the Malwa belt, where demand for specialised treatment often exceeds available capacity.