PGIMER Celebrates 78th Independence Day with Enthusiasm

PGIMER Director commends Healthcare Workers for Their Commitment, Passion, and Relentless Dedication

PGIMER marked the 78th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration, led by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER. The festivities commenced with the unfurling of the national flag, followed by a Guard of Honour and a moving rendition of ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo’ by nursing officers.

In his address, *Prof. Vivek Lal, *Director PGIMER **commended PGIMER’s healthcare professionals for their commitment and passion,” attributing the institute’s outstanding achievements to their relentless dedication. “As we celebrate our 78th Independence Day, it is essential to recognize the invaluable contributions of our healthcare workers. Their unwavering commitment has propelled PGI to new heights,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including *Prof. R K Ratho, Dean Academics, Shri Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration); Prof. Vipin *Koushal, Medical Superintendent & Head of the Department of Hospital Administration; Sh. Varun Ahluwalia, Financial Adviser; along with numerous faculty heads, senior members, residents, nursing officers, and staff from various departments.

Reflecting on PGIMER’s storied history, Prof. Lal paid tribute to the founding figures of the institute, noting, “Late Sardar Pratap Singh Kairon’s vision materialized on July 7, 1963, with the inauguration of Nehru Hospital. With the dedication of pioneers like Dr. Tulsi Dass, and Dr. P.N. Chhuttani, PGI has grown into a major medical institution, recognized both nationally and internationally. Today, we continue to uphold its legacy of excellence and national importance.”

Prof. Lal took pride in announcing key achievements of PGI, highlighting its top position under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, having served over 120,000 patients, including 100 renal transplants. “PGI stands out in the healthcare sector for its exceptional service, commitment, and impact,” he noted.

The Director also emphasized PGI’s leadership in organ transplantation, having performed over 5,000 renal transplants, and its extensive educational reach, with programs transmitted across 365 locations worldwide. “Our global network reinforces PGI’s role as a leader in medical education and research,” he added. He also praised Project Sarathi, which leverages NSS volunteers to manage patient flow effectively.

Director PGIMER highlighted some more notable achievements, including

Prof Jitendra Kumar Sahu, a pediatric neurologist at PGIMER, selected for the award of “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar” for the year 2024 in Medicine, the highest national award in science, by the Govt. of India,

Additionally, PGIMER has secured the 2nd place in the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings 2024 for the 7th consecutive year. These accomplishments underscore the institute’s continued excellence in research, clinical care, and academic performance.

Addressing recent safety concerns following a gory incident in Kolkata, Prof. Lal expressed solidarity with resident doctors while reaffirming the institute’s commitment to patient care. “Our priority remains unwaveringly focused on patient care. PGI stands for the patients, by the patients, and with the patients. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care,” he concluded.

Following the flag hoisting ceremony, PGI celebrated tree plantation with full fervour organised by engineering deptt. of the institute.. Director PGIMER, Prof. Vivek Lal planted the tecoma sapling and kick started the tree plantation drive for planting 250 no. saplings in the campus this monsoon season. All the top officials of the institute participated in the drive. This year emphasis is given to plant ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers to beautify the Institute which will improve the aesthetics and micro-climate of the Institute The event was organised by the horticulture wing of the Institute.

The Independence Day celebrations ended with the distribution of sweets, symbolizing unity and community spirit among the PGIMER family.