Harbhajan Singh urges PGI satellite centre for Talwara

February 11, 2026

Jalandhar, Feb 11: Cricketer‑turned‑Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh met Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament to press for the establishment of a Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGI) satellite centre in Talwara, a town in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. The development could significantly improve healthcare access in the region.

Talwara’s Need for Quality Medical Care

During the meeting, Harbhajan highlighted that residents of Talwara and surrounding areas currently have to travel hundreds of kilometres to cities such as Chandigarh for specialized treatment a journey that can be difficult in emergencies. He urged Khattar to support the opening of a PGI‑linked medical facility in Talwara so that local patients can access advanced care closer to home.

Strategic Location and Wider Benefits

Harbhajan also pointed out Talwara’s strategic geographic position near the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that a new satellite centre would not only benefit people in Punjab but also improve healthcare options for neighbouring regions in these states, reducing travel burdens and improving outcomes for serious illnesses.

Long‑standing Local Demand

Local residents and community groups have long demanded a quality government healthcare facility in Talwara. The lack of such infrastructure has meant that patients requiring specialist care often face delays and high costs due to long travel distances. Harbhajan’s intervention aims to address these persistent concerns by advocating for a facility that can deliver PGI‑standard medical services locally.

What a PGI Satellite Centre Would Mean

A PGI satellite centre would typically offer advanced medical care and specialized treatments similar to the main institute, helping to decongest major hospitals and making quality health services more accessible for rural and semi‑urban patients. Such centres have been set up in other parts of Punjab, including Sangrur and Ferozepur, to reach underserved areas with better clinical infrastructure.

Officials say patients currently travel significant distances for care that could be provided locally if a centre were available in Talwara, underscoring why Harbhajan’s push has gained attention among residents.

Harbhajan’s Advocacy in Parliament

Singh, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representing Punjab in the Rajya Sabha, has been active in raising public interest issues since entering politics, including healthcare, education and welfare for local communities. His push for a PGI satellite centre in Talwara aligns with broader calls by MPs from Punjab to expand high‑quality medical infrastructure across the state.

Although specifics such as site, funding and timeline for the proposed centre were not disclosed during the meeting, Harbhajan’s appeal to the Union minister underscores growing political and public support for improved healthcare facilities in North Punjab border areas, which have historically been underserved.

What Happens Next

With Union Minister Khattar receptive to the request highlighted by Harbhajan’s social media team the next steps would likely involve official consideration of the proposal, feasibility studies, and budgetary allocations once approved. The MP’s advocacy could pave the way for new healthcare infrastructure benefiting Talwara and neighbouring districts.