Ludhiana, June 18 -- Inaugurated in December 2024 to strengthen secondary healthcare services and reduce the burden on major government hospitals, the Urban Community Health Centre (UCHC) at the civil surgeon's office complex continues to struggle with a shortage of specialist doctors.

Nearly 18 months later, equipped with a 10-bed ward, the facility attends to 80-100 patients daily but still lacks a medicine specialist and paediatrician, compelling many patients to be referred to the Civil hospital for specialised treatment.

The UCHC was envisioned as a secondary healthcare facility that would reduce the burden on major government hospitals by providing specialist consultations, diagnostic services and short-term admission facilities c...