In an effort to enhance healthcare access, research, and specialized treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32), Chandigarh, three state-of-the-art facilities were inaugurated by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit.
- Evidence-based Millet Clinic: The hospital’s Block-B now houses an Evidence-based Millet Clinic, aimed at promoting the consumption and benefits of millets. Millets are recognized for their health benefits, including being gluten-free, rich in nutrients, and having a low glycemic index. The clinic is designed to offer evidence-based information, consultations, and services related to incorporating millets into diets for improved health. It focuses on addressing conditions like diabetes, obesity, and malnutrition. Patients visiting the clinic will receive personalized millet-based diet plans, and their progress will be tracked for scientific evidence to understand the specific benefits of different millets for various health conditions. The clinic is supervised by the Biochemistry and Dietetics Department, with Dr. Jasbinder Kaur, Director-Principal and Head of the Biochemistry Department, being the brainchild behind this initiative.
- Cobalt Therapy Unit: The hospital has introduced a new Cobalt Therapy Unit in Block-D, level 1, for providing radiation therapy to cancer patients. This unit utilizes gamma rays from the radioactive isotope Cobalt-60 to target and destroy cancer cells. Cobalt therapy units, though less common today with the prevalence of modern linear accelerators, remain cost-effective and efficient for cancer treatment, especially in regions with limited resources or infrastructure for advanced radiation therapy.
- Ayushman Bharat Kiosk: In line with the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a new Ayushman Bharat Kiosk has been established in Block-B. This kiosk serves as an information hub providing citizens with access to healthcare services, facilitating appointments, offering information on health insurance, government health schemes, and serving as a resource for various health-related queries. It contributes to the comprehensive healthcare services provided by health and wellness centres (HWCs) under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.