In a significant advancement for Delhi's healthcare and medical education infrastructure, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has given the green light for the construction of a modern medical college and hostel complex at the Indira Gandhi Hospital campus in Dwarka. The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of ₹805.9 crore, was recently approved by the expenditure finance committee. An official stated that the government aims to complete the project by 2028.
Project Details and Facilities
The project will feature a comprehensive medical college, separate hostels for male and female students, faculty housing, and a modern academic block. This initiative is expected to address the growing demand for doctors while significantly strengthening healthcare services. The medical college will be developed in accordance with National Medical Commission (NMC) norms and will eventually accommodate 250 MBBS seats annually. Teaching activities will commence with an initial batch of 150 students.
Phased Construction Approach
Chief Minister Gupta explained, "The project will be executed in phases. The first phase will focus on the construction of the academic block, student hostels, and residential quarters for faculty members. A total of 1,17,246 square metres of area will be developed in this phase, including nearly 34,000 square metres of basement space for parking and other essential facilities. The academic block will be a multi-storey structure equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, and advanced teaching facilities. The hostels will be designed to accommodate a large number of students, while faculty residences will offer modern and comfortable living spaces."
Implementation and Oversight
The Public Works Department will carry out the construction work, while the Health and Family Welfare Department will oversee the project from inception to commissioning. Indira Gandhi Hospital is one of the largest Delhi government hospitals, with a capacity of 1,241 beds, and serves a large population from Dwarka and nearby areas of southwest Delhi. The hospital provides outpatient, emergency, and advanced treatment facilities.
Sustainable and Accessible Design
The project will adopt modern and sustainable construction techniques. "The buildings will be earthquake-resistant and designed for energy efficiency. As part of the green building plan, the campus will feature solar power systems, rainwater harvesting, water recycling mechanisms, ample natural lighting, and proper ventilation. The entire campus will be made fully accessible for persons with disabilities, with ramps, lifts, Braille signage, and wheelchair-friendly pathways. Modern safety systems, including CCTV surveillance, fire alarms, and fire safety infrastructure, will also be installed across the campus," said the CM.
Quality Assurance and Timelines
Gupta has directed officials to strictly adhere to quality standards and project timelines. "A robust quality assurance mechanism will be put in place, and regular monitoring will be carried out to ensure timely completion. Any unnecessary delays and cost overruns will not be tolerated. The procurement of equipment, recruitment of staff, university affiliation, and other operational requirements for the medical college will be completed in later stages in line with NMC norms," she added.
Long-Term Healthcare Investment
Calling the project a long-term investment in Delhi's healthcare future, Gupta said the initiative was not just about building another medical college but also about strengthening the city's overall healthcare system. "The government's goal is to ensure better and accessible healthcare for every resident of the capital, and increasing the number of trained doctors is crucial to achieving that objective. Once operational, the institution will benefit not only Delhi residents but also people from neighbouring regions seeking quality medical treatment."
