PGIMER’s Outsourced Workers Resume Duty Following  High Court Orders; Services Restored After Seven-Day 

17.10.2024

Following the directions of  High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh, the outsourced workers on strike at PGIMER have resumed their duty today.

The institute’s outsourced workforce comprising Hospital Attendants, Sanitation Attendants and Bearers had been on strike from October 10 to October 16, 2024, resulting in partial disruption of services. However, thanks to the Hon’ble High Court’s timely orders and the steadfast support from various quarters, operations are now back on track.

A total number of 240 Sanitation Attendants , 156 Hospital Attendants and 53

Bearers reported on duty. in their scheduled shift today.

During the seven-day strike, the PGIMER management ensured that critical services continued to function with the assistance of regular staff and voluntary organisations like Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, Sukh Foundation, ROTARACT and the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, expressed his gratitude to all those who stepped in during this period of uncertainty. “We are immensely thankful to the voluntary organisations and NSS volunteers for their unwavering support and unconditional service during the strike. Their contribution has been invaluable in ensuring that our critical healthcare services remained functional. Their dedication to the cause of public health is truly commendable, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent,* detailed about the services provided during the strike period, “Despite the challenges posed by the strike, we managed to examine a total of 32,555 patients in the outpatient department (OPD) while the Emergency & Trauma OPD saw 2,023 cases. 1,485 patients were admitted for indoor care, with 1,892 successfully discharged during this time. Additionally, 409 surgeries and 157 cath procedures were conducted, reflecting the institute’s broad clinical services. Furthermore, 78 deliveries and 699 day care chemotherapy sessions were completed, underscoring PGIMER’s pivotal role in patient care and treatment across disciplines.

Prof. Koushal. also commended the staff who continued to work and helped keep vital services operational.

With the strike now called off, PGIMER is set to resume full services including OPD registration from 8 AM to 11 AM for both new and follow up cases, elective services and admissions from tomorrow, October 18, 2024. Emergency, Trauma and ICU services will function as usual The institute is committed to ensuring that the backlog created during the strike is cleared swiftly and that all patients receive the high-quality care they expect from PGIMER.