In view of CWG and Olympics, Gujarat plans Spine and Sports Injury Centre at Ahmedabad Medicity
Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad, June 17 Gujarat will establish a world-class Spine Institute, Sports Injury Centre and Rehabilitation Centre at Ahmedabad Medicity at an estimated cost of Rs 295 crore, with the facility expected to strengthen specialised treatment, rehabilitation, education and research in spine care and sports medicine.
The project was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya in Gandhinagar on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by Dr Piyush Mittal, Director of the Government Spine Institute, senior officials of the Health Department and officials of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
Announcing the project, Pansheriya said the institute is being planned to address the growing burden of spinal disorders in Gujarat while also preparing the state to meet future healthcare requirements linked to major international sporting events.
"Through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat is striving to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and the Olympic Games in 2036. This institute will prove to be a boon for the state's athletes by ensuring that world-class medical and rehabilitation facilities are available within Gujarat itself," he said.
He said the state's vision extended beyond providing treatment alone. "Our goal is not merely to provide treatment but to make Gujarat a global hub for sports medicine and spine care capable of meeting future challenges," Pansheriya said.
The minister said the proposed complex would bring together all modern facilities required for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of spinal disorders and sports-related injuries under one roof.
The institute will include facilities for complex spine surgeries, a dedicated sports injury centre and a world-class rehabilitation centre.
Pansheriya also highlighted Gujarat's performance in spine care, congratulating doctors for maintaining a record of zero infection cases in spine surgeries over the past three years.
"In the last three years, not a single infection case has been reported in spine surgeries in Gujarat," he said while commending the medical teams involved.
The project will also have a strong academic and research component. According to the minister, colleges equipped with advanced educational infrastructure will be established within the complex to train super-specialist healthcare professionals.
Special provisions will be developed to facilitate world-class research in spine care and sports medicine, creating opportunities for experts from India and abroad to contribute their knowledge and services.
Officials said the integrated facility is intended to serve as a centre for advanced treatment, rehabilitation, training and research, bringing specialised healthcare services together at a single location in Ahmedabad.
During the review meeting, the minister directed PIU and departmental officials to finalise project timelines and ensure that implementation is carried out expeditiously while maintaining quality standards.
— IANS
Reader Comments
295 crore is a significant investment. Let's hope the project doesn't get delayed or face cost overruns like many government projects. Also, will there be any subsidized treatment for common people or only for athletes? Important questions need answering.
As someone from Ahmedabad, I'm really excited about this! Our city is becoming a major healthcare hub. The combination of spine care, sports medicine, and research under one roof is exactly what we need. PM Modi's vision for hosting the Olympics is pushing states to think big!
Impressive zero infection record for three years in spine surgeries. That's world-class quality. Now if they can replicate that in the new centre, India could become a destination for medical tourism in sports injuries. Very strategic thinking by Gujarat government.
While this is good news, I hope they don't ignore existing healthcare needs in rural areas. A single centre doesn't help the lakhs of people suffering from spine issues in smaller towns. Need to ensure telemedicine and outreach programs are also prioritized. Just saying... 🤔
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