Chandigarh, May 18 -- In promising news for aspiring doctors in the region, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has received the final nod to develop a 100-bedded medical college in Sarangpur, paving the way for the institute to offer MBBS for the first time. So far, PGIMER has only offered postgraduate courses, such as MD and MS. Apart from the medical college, the Advanced Cancer Institute, a Trauma Centre and outpatient departments (OPD), also part of the ambitious Sarangpur project, also got clearance from the Institute Body, the top decision-making body of the premier medical institute. All 29 agendas were approved in the meeting, held on Friday - after a long gap of two years. Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who chaired the meeting, attended by all members, directed PGIMER to prepare and submit a detailed project report (DPR) for the Sarangpur project to the health ministry. The project is aimed at significantly expanding the institute's healthcare and training infrastructure in the region. Currently, only Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, offers MBBS seats in Chandigarh, numbered at 150. PGIMER had first announced plans to develop health facilities in Sarangpur in 2017 to ease patient load. Initially, the proposal involved shifting trauma, cancer, and kidney transplant services to the 50-acre site. After obtaining land possession on lease from the UT administration in 2021, the proposal was revised to include a new MBBS college, Advanced Cancer Institute, Trauma Centre and outpatient department. But only the boundary wall has been constructed since 2022. Earlier this year, on February 26, PGIMER's governing body, which provides the first-level clearance, had approved development of 50.76 acres in Sarangpur for construction of medical college for undergraduate students and other medical centres. Deputy director administration Pankaj Rai said the DPR will now be prepared with cost estimates and other project details for submission to the ministry. The health minister also urged PGIMER to frame a long-term "Vision 2047" to enhance its global standing in medical education, research and healthcare. The institute has been tasked with developing a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen academics, infrastructure and community outreach over the next two decades....