Chandigarh, Nov 28 (IANS): The Centre has given its approval for the establishment of a new government medical college in Kapurthala after a request by the Punjab government, the state said on Thursday.

The existing local civil hospital in Kapurthala would also be upgraded.

The letter according approval has been received by the state from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an official spokesperson said.

As per the communiqué, the new medical college would be set up at a cost of Rs 325 crore, of which Rs 195 crore, i.e. 60 per cent share, would be incurred by the Centre.

The remaining 40 per cent to the tune of Rs 130 crore would be contributed by the state as its share for the college being set up under a centrally sponsored scheme for establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district or referral hospitals.

The Centre has also cleared a proposal for up-gradation of the Civil Hospital, thereby enhancing its bed strength from existing 220 to 500, the statement added.