In a dedicated effort to upgrade and develop Punjab’s healthcare landscape, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the state’s first Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in SAS Nagar on 28th February 2024. This novel initiative, announced during the 2022 Budget session, flags the state government’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class medical facilities to its residents.

Facilities and Investment in ILBS

Established at Phase 3B-1 of SAS Nagar, the Institute is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure designed to offer super-specialty care, advanced training and research in the field Hepatology. With an investment exceeding Rs. 40 crores and a staff of approximately 450 individuals, including 80 doctors, 150 nurses, and 200 group-D employees, the institute is primed to become an epitome of excellence in liver and biliary disease management.

Leadership and Expertise at ILBS

Renowned Hepatology expert Professor Virendra Singh, formerly of the PGIMER, Chandigarh, has been appointed as the Institute’s Director, ensuring the highest standards of medical leadership and expertise. Expressing gratitude to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for his unwavering and wholehearted support to accomplish this prestigious institute, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that Punjab will become the second state in the country, after New Delhi, to host a dedicated Institute for liver and biliary diseases, matching the esteemed Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in the nation’s capital.

Pioneering Healthcare Offerings and Expansion of Services and Future Plans

The Institute has been running OPD services for the last 8 months and from 28th February 2024 onwards, the Institute commenced Indoor, Intensive care and Emergency services. Patients with various types of liver diseases including acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, ascites, various pancreatic diseases and disorders of the gallbladder and biliary diseases can avail the treatment from this institute.

Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted the Institute’s pioneering offerings, includes UGI Endoscopy, Fibroscan, Endoscopic Ultrasound, and ERCP. Additionally, the Institute will extend Telemedicine services to government hospitals across Punjab, ensuring equitable access to expert care. Anticipating the launch of liver transplant services soon, the Institute is all set to redefine healthcare standards and foster a culture of excellence in liver and biliary disease management across Punjab.

Inauguration of Food and Drug Administration Offices

Meanwhile, during this occasion, CM Bhagwant Mann also virtually inaugurated the new state and zonal offices of the Food and Drug Administration, Punjab. These establishments, including the Commissionerate, Food and Drugs Administration, setup at Phase 9 with a cost of Rs. 2.63 crores, and four zonal offices, including Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Ferozepur established with the cost of Rs. 278.01 lakh underscore Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing and ensuring public health and safety across the state.