PGIMER all set to host 38th Convocation, an academic extravaganza to award medals to 107 & degrees to 1547 graduates, on October 6th 2024
04.10.2024
With Over 1.25 Lakh Patients treated and 100+ Free Kidney Transplants, PGIMER leads Union Territories in Ayushman Bharat Healthcare: Director PGIMER
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is all geared up to host its 38th Annual Convocation—an extraordinary celebration of academic brilliance and the future of healthcare. On October 6th, 107 outstanding graduates will be honoured with medals for their exceptional achievements, while 1547 students from various medical fields will proudly receive their degrees, marking the culmination of their rigorous academic journey. “This convocation stands as a testament to PGIMER’s commitment to fostering excellence in medical education and shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, as he discussed the upcoming landmark event. Director PGIMER detailed, “Prof. Vinod K. Paul, a distinguished member of NITI Aayog, will grace the occasion as the esteemed Chief Guest. Known for his visionary leadership and commitment to public health, his presence will inspire us to strive for greater excellence and innovation in healthcare services.” Prof. Jagat Ram, a Padma Shree Awardee and former Director of PGIMER Chandigarh, will be the Guest of Honour on the occasion, underscoring the significance of the event and his enduring contribution to the medical field. Reflecting on PGIMER’s far-reaching contributions, Prof. Lal remarked, “The convocation is not merely a ceremonial occasion; it is an opportunity to highlight PGIMER’s extraordinary impact on healthcare in India. With over 3 million outpatients and 100,000 inpatients annually, PGIMER stands at the forefront of patient care. Patients from remote regions across the country travel here, drawn by our institute’s reputation for world-class medical services. Our 160 specialized and super-specialty OPDs offer an extensive range of treatments, catering to complex and critical health needs.”
A key achievement highlighted by Prof. Lal is PGIMER’s role in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. The institute has treated over 1.25 lakh patients, offering complex treatments such as cancer therapy, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and kidney transplants—all free of charge under this program. Over 100 kidney transplants have been performed at no cost to the patients, alleviating the financial burdens of families across the country. In the financial year 2023-24 alone, PGIMER treated more than 32,000 Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries, amounting to over ₹130 crore in medical services. Prof. Lal proudly noted, “PGIMER leads all Union Territories in healthcare services under Ayushman Bharat.” Beyond Ayushman Bharat, PGIMER offers support through multiple government initiatives, such as the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund and the National Policy for Rare Diseases. Over ₹21.2 crore was distributed to needy patients in 2023-24. Additionally, medicines worth ₹18.59 crore were procured under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), ensuring a broad reach of benefits to patients. The introduction of a cashless treatment program for CGHS beneficiaries, as well as the successful HIMCARE initiative, which has served over 3,688 patients, further highlights PGIMER’s commitment to accessible healthcare. “With its Poor Patient Welfare Fund offering an additional ₹3.24 crore, PGIMER continues to extend a lifeline to the underprivileged.”
One of PGIMER’s crowning achievements lies in organ transplantation. With over 5,000 kidney transplants to its name, it is India’s second-highest transplant center, trailing only behind IKDRC, Ahmedabad. What makes this more remarkable is that PGIMER achieves this with just 50 beds dedicated to renal transplants compared to IKDRC’s 400. The institute also leads in Simultaneous Pancreas Kidney (SPK) transplants, a life-changing procedure for patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The Director PGIMER further highlighted, “PGIMER’s research prowess continues to shine, with the institute securing an unprecedented ₹108 crore in extramural grants during the 2023-24 financial year. This funding drives cutting-edge medical research, ensuring PGIMER remains at the forefront of medical innovation both in India and globally.”
The institute’s Department of Telemedicine is another beacon of innovation, providing over 31 lakh tele-consultations, saving patients significant travel costs and time. Each patient avoids an average travel distance of 444 kilometers and saves approximately ₹972 per consultation—underscoring the department’s significant impact on patient accessibility.
PGIMER’s forward-thinking approach extends into the courtroom as well, with the Tele Evidence facility providing over 9,000 court evidences in medico-legal cases. This innovative partnership with e-Courts saves faculty time and institutional resources while ensuring legal processes are streamlined. Another highlight of PGIMER is Project Sarathi, launched in May this year, engaging NSS volunteers to support patient services and streamline operations. Over 200 students from local colleges have participated, gaining valuable experience while contributing to improved healthcare delivery.
Based on the comprehensive project report ideated and curated by Deputy Director (Administration) under the leadership of Director, PGIMER, the model is now being adopted by over 250 hospitals in at least 25 states. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to more than 700 hospitals in the coming weeks. This project was the focal point of a recent presentation made to the Prime Minister’s Office, where it received an overwhelmingly positive response. In an exciting first for the institute, ethnic wear will debut as the official dress code for this year’s convocation. Approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this cultural touch will see faculty and students don traditional attire with a special PGIMER stole, marking a proud fusion of heritage and academic achievement.
As the 38th Convocation draws near, PGIMER stands ready to honor not just its 107 medal-winning scholars but also the 1547 graduates who are about to embark on a journey of healing and service.
