Ludhiana Civil Hospital's 75-Bed Critical Care Block to Become Operational by June End
In a significant development for public healthcare in Punjab, the Ludhiana Civil Hospital is set to inaugurate a new 75-bed Critical Care Block (CCB) by the end of June. This expansion marks a major upgrade to the city's medical infrastructure, increasing the hospital's total functional capacity from 330 to 405 beds. The move is expected to address long-standing issues of overcrowding and reduce the need for patient referrals to other facilities.
Construction Progress and Timeline
According to Ludhiana Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, construction on the multi-story block commenced in March 2025 and is now approximately 70% complete. Once the structure is handed over in late June, the health department will immediately begin installing advanced medical machinery and life-support systems. This phased approach ensures a swift transition to operational status.
Facility Features and Modernization
The new CCB is designed as a comprehensive one-stop facility, integrating several specialized units under one roof. Key components include:
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- High Dependency Units (HDU)
- Private patient rooms
- Specialized Mother and Child Hospital (MCH) labour rooms
Beyond increasing bed count, the block modernizes diagnostic capabilities. The first floor will house an Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL), enabling rapid on-site testing for critical patients. Additionally, a dedicated diagnostic wing will offer radiology and emergency diagnostic services, minimizing patient transport time between departments.
Addressing Critical Needs
The expansion arrives at a crucial juncture. Currently, the hospital's emergency ward operates with only seven beds, which is woefully inadequate for a city of Ludhiana's size. Daily, the facility handles:
- 30-40 critical patients in emergency intake
- 60-70 medico-legal cases (MLC)
- 20-30 security-related prisoner medical examinations
Senior Medical Officer Dr. Akhil Sareen emphasized that the new 75-bed CCB will be reserved exclusively for critically ill patients. This will alleviate pressure on the existing emergency ward and decrease the number of patients requiring tertiary care in cities like Chandigarh or Patiala.
National Context and Future Outlook
The Critical Care Block is being constructed under the central government's Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). This national scheme aims to bridge critical gaps in public health by establishing specialized care units in every district with a population exceeding 5 lakh. While some social activists, such as Keemti Rawal, argue that a city of 40 lakh residents needs at least two major government hospitals, the completion of this block is viewed as a vital step toward elevating Ludhiana's public healthcare to corporate standards.
