Latest news with #PGIMER
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
‘We wanted to have tea… Army personnel told us to drive away due to heavy shelling'
It's a mission that will be etched in the mind and heart of Jagtar Singh forever. Jagtar, a driver in his early 40s, was an integral part of the PGIMER's dedicated transport team that rendered medical support on ground zero during Operation Sindoor. Amid the recent war-like situation between India and Pakistan, a special humanitarian mission was carried out in the crisis-hit region of Jammu and Kashmir by the PGIMER, Chandigarh. Traversing tough and unknown terrains and keeping tight schedules to ensure timely evacuation of the injured, getting those in need to hospitals, while shelling… Jagtar recalled how he drove from Chandigarh to Rajouri on the night of May 8, along with some more team members, carrying essential medical equipment for logistical coordination and supply chain continuity. 'We were then required to go to Poonch, which is more than 7 hours' drive, and we didn't know the way. The roads were narrow, and there was a complete blackout; we could not even switch on the headlights, and there was a complete atmosphere of fear. We drove through shelling, with a local guiding us through. But there was no thought, just the call of duty, and we began the journey,' Jagtar said. With hardly any civilians and only hospital staff and Army personnel on the way, the driver remembered witnessing damaged buildings, cars, and a lot of tension. 'We would get calls from places where there were injured people, and we would drive to pick them up and take them to the hospitals. Many people had died too, and had to be shifted, with no time to waste, and the locals supporting us. Then the hospital got a frantic call from almost the zero point near the border, that a pregnant woman had started labour pains, and needed to be rushed to the local government hospital, and I remember that it was a very tense moment, and two lives had to be saved. We had the technician with us in the car, and all the needed medicines, bandages etc, and we finally managed to reach the woman, who, before we could get her to the hospital, delivered in the vehicle, with the medical staff making sure that the mother and the baby girl were both safe, and then got to the hospital for further care. We had to drive fast and safely, and it was almost 60 km.' The moment was both special and precious for Jagtar, as he had a seven-year-old daughter, who was very tense that he was going to be away in such a situation and just kept asking him when he would be back. The team was there for more than 15 days, and had to go to various places to help the injured with dressings and first aid. 'There was so much to learn from people, the selfless attitude of Army personnel, who would instruct us to be quiet, not switch on any lights. As there was no network, we had to depend on our instincts to guide us through this challenge,' said Jagtar. The driver also praised all the senior officials of the PGIMER, who were 'constantly connected' through video calls, assuring the team that they were not alone.' 'There were many tense moments, so many shells fell near our car. One evening, we wanted to have tea and stopped on the road, and suddenly, the Army personnel told us to drive away due to heavy shelling. We were there when the ceasefire was announced, and suddenly the tension melted, and people started coming back. 'I started driving in 2004, and this was my first such experience. It was a proud moment when our team was honoured, and I got a medal from PGIMER Director Vivek Lal with words of appreciation. My family and my daughter were also so happy that we could save so many people,' smiled Jagtar as he reflected on the 15-day humanitarian mission.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Need more time to go through report by CACLB committee, says PGI in review plea
After the Central Advisory Contract Labour Board (CACLB) passed a resolution abolishing 12 categories of contractual posts last year at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the institute has claimed that it never received a copy of committee's report on which basis the resolution was passed. In a review petition filed by it, PGIMER has now sought more time to go through the CACLB committee report. At present, more than 1,000 workers are working at the institute on contractual basis under these 12 categories, including data entry operators, receptionists, lab attendants, lift operators, etc. The CACLB committee, in its report on July 9, 2024, had recommended regular recruitment in place of these contractual posts. Based on this, CACLB had passed a resolution on July 30, 2024, to abolish these 12 categories of contractual posts as per the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Before the Union ministry of labour and employment could notify board's resolution in gazette, PGIMER filed a review petition against the CACLB resolution in October 2024. The second hearing of this review petition took place on Friday at the 106th meeting of CACLB held in Noida. At this hearing, PGIMER claimed that it had not received a copy of the report and needed more time to go through it. Board chairman Surendra Kumar Pandey, while granting more time, asked the PGIMER administration to furnish in writing that it did not receive the copy of the committee report. The next date of hearing is yet to be announced. On behalf of PGIMER, Ashok Kumar, Ranjit Singh Bhogal, Sanjeev Dhiman, Ameena Singh, Sanjeev Vimal and Pawan Kumar attended the hearing while from PGIMER Employees' Association (Non-Faculty) Ashwani Kumar Munjal remained present.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: A single hookah puff equal to 30-40 of cigarette, warns PGIMER
One puff of hookah is equivalent to taking 30-40 cigarettes puffs in one go, experts at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have warned. Though serving hookah in any commercial establishments is banned in the tricity, raids have revealed easy availability of hookah and other tobacco products in the market, with many bars and clubs serving them to customers. On the eve of 37th World No Tobacco Day, Dr Sonu Goel, director, Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC) and professor at department of community medicine and public health, PGIMER, spoke on this year's theme: 'Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products'. Goel explained that the effects of tobacco on the body can be seen within 20 minutes of its consumption, including hiked pulse rate. 'Tobacco is behind 70% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases, a lung condition causing respiratory issues. Of all oral cancer cases, 80% are caused by tobacco consumption, and it is responsible for around 50% of pulmonary cardiac consumers are four times more prone to getting severe tuberculosis than non-users,' he further cautioned. He highlighted that despite these dangers, companies often did not carry hazard warnings for tobacco products other than cigarettes. According to the Global Adult Tobacco survey, the prevalence of tobacco use in India is 28.6% and 11% in Chandigarh. Every year in India, 13 lakh preventable deaths are occurring due to tobacco, he shared. Heated tobacco products Goel said that as per the provisions of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), companies must carry hazard warning on the cover of tobacco products. He pointed out that companies, however, were not issuing this warning on heated tobacco products (HTP) as they claim that the COTPA covers only cigarettes not HTP. He explained that unlike cigarettes, HTPs were consumed by heating rather than burning, which also had detrimental effects on the body. 'Slim cigarettes, vapes, just as dangerous Dr Sonu Goel said despite the tobacco content in a slim cigarette being equivalent to any other cigarette, they were packaged and marketed in a more appealing way. He highlighted that with a slim look, choice of colours and flavours, these cigarettes were given the impression of being less harmful than regular cigarettes, which is not the case. Goel added that filtered cigarettes did not filter harmful substances, but only the amount of tar to some extent, and a user consumed equal content of harmful chemicals from filtered and non-filtered cigarettes. Similarly, e-cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, which also contain tobacco and nicotine, were marketed and sold by companies as a way to combat tobacco addiction. However, given the presence of high levels of nicotine in them, use of vapes can also lead to serious health issues, including cardiac and lung problems. 'E-cigarettes are also banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. However, due to poor enforcement, vapes are easily available in the market,' pointed out Dr Goel.
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
How robotic surgery is transforming women's health in India
As India observes Women's Health Month, India Today spoke with leading gynaecologists and surgeons behind a landmark multi-institutional study titled 'Trends in Gynecological Robotic Surgery in India: A Real-World Scenario', which is shedding light on how robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is transforming gynaecological care nationwide. Conducted across five premier tertiary hospitals—Apollo Health City (Hyderabad), PGIMER (Chandigarh), Manipal Hospital (Bangalore), Narayana Hrudayalaya (Bangalore), and Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai)—the study showcases how RAS is driving better outcomes for women undergoing surgery for both benign and malignant by data spanning over a decade, the study reflects how innovation in surgical technology is not just enhancing recovery but redefining access and quality in women's healthcare across to the study, more than 70% of all robotic gynaecological surgeries were performed in just the last five years, indicating rapid adoption and growing trust in the technology. This reflects a broader shift in surgical practice, where precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster recovery are becoming central priorities, especially for women who often juggle health with multiple PRECISION FOR COMPLEX GYNAECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS "Dr Rooma Sinha, Honorary Professor and Chief Gynaecologist at Apollo Health City and one of the lead authors of the study, underlines the key value of robotic-assisted surgery: precision. 'Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being used to manage benign gynaecological conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, offering enhanced outcomes across a wide range of cases,' she said. This precision is particularly important in surgeries involving fertility preservation, such as myomectomy—the removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus RECOVERY, LESS BLOOD LOSS, FEWER COMPLICATIONSadvertisementAcross hospitals, the data echoed similar global findings: robotic-assisted procedures resulted in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recoveries. These improvements are especially valuable in the Indian healthcare context, where many patients travel long distances for treatment. 'We were able to keep blood loss low and recovery times short—even for large fibroids or complex cases,' said Dr Sinha, who also serves as the Founder-President of the Association of Gynaecological Robotic RESULTS REGARDLESS OF BODY TYPEThe study also found that BMI (Body Mass Index) had no significant impact on surgical outcomes, meaning that RAS can be equally effective across a wide range of body types. Additionally, improved surgical workflows—like shorter docking times as teams gained experience—also contributed to more efficient and safe CONDITIONS TREATED USING ROBOTIC SURGERYAmong the most common conditions treated using RAS wereFibroids (Myomas)EndometriosisAdenomyosisVault prolapseOvarian cystsThese often require intricate dissection and suturing, making robotic assistance especially beneficial. 'Advanced robotic platforms like da Vinci give us better visualisation and control, which makes a real difference in such complex surgeries,' explained Dr Subhas C. Saha, Professor at TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE RASDespite the benefits, cost and insurance coverage remain major hurdles. However, surgeons are working on refining procedures to lower costs, such as using fewer robotic arms and adopting multifunctional tools. 'There is a strong case for insurers to expand coverage,' Dr Saha added. 'More streamlined reimbursement policies can help ensure that advanced care becomes accessible to a broader population.'advertisementAs robotic surgery continues to evolve and become more mainstream, it is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of women's healthcare in India. Its benefits—faster recovery, fewer complications, and precision—align with the needs of today's patients. With improved access and affordability, robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery could soon become the standard of care, delivering better outcomes for women across the country.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Robotic-assisted surgery steadily transforming gynaecological care: Study
Bengaluru: A study released to coincide with Women's Health Month, is shedding light on how robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is steadily transforming gynaecological care across the country. May month is observed as Women's Health Month worldwide, to focus on raising awareness about women's health issues and encouraging women to prioritise their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 'Women's Health Month is a time to reflect on how surgical technology innovations like the da Vinci robotic technology are enhancing healthcare outcomes for women,' said Dr Rooma Sinha, Honorary Professor and Chief Gynaecologist at Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, one of the surgeons who oversaw the study. The multi-institutional study, 'Trends in Gynaecological Robotic Surgery in India: A Real-World Scenario', was conducted across five tertiary care hospitals -- Apollo Health City (Hyderabad), PGIMER (Chandigarh), Manipal Hospital (Bengaluru), Narayana Health (Bengaluru), and Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai). It analysed the data of surgeries performed using the da Vinci technology over a decade. The study documents a significant rise in the use of robotic surgery for both benign and malignant conditions and is significant for its implications on access, recovery, and surgical outcomes for women. 'Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being used to manage benign gynaecological conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, offering enhanced precision and improved outcomes across a wide range of cases,' said Dr Sinha, who is also the Founder-President of Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons. According to her, over 70 per cent of robotic gynaecological procedures took place in the final five years, indicating a strong upward trajectory. 'We have seen that with robotic procedures, women often spend less time in the hospital and experience fewer complications related to blood loss,' said Dr Vanita Jain, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, who was also part of the study. She noted that it is not just about using new technology. 'It is about making recovery more manageable, especially for women who are balancing responsibilities at home and work,' added Dr Jain. The study found that fibroids were the most common benign indication for robotic surgery, followed by endometriosis, adenomyosis, vault prolapse, and ovarian cysts. These conditions, said the doctors, often require careful dissection and suturing, particularly when fertility preservation is important. 'Myomectomy, or the removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, especially calls for such precision,' explained Dr Subhas C Saha, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, another key facilitator of the study. 'Advanced robotic systems like the da Vinci platform offer us better visualisation and manoeuvrability, which can make a real difference in these challenging cases,' he added. While more public and private insurers are beginning to include robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in their coverage, the study highlights that there is still room to improve affordability and access. To optimise value and accessibility, surgeons are refining techniques -- using fewer robotic arms and incorporating multifunctional instruments -- to reduce costs while still delivering high-quality care and better patient outcomes. 'Given the clear benefits demonstrated in studies like this, there is a strong case for insurance payers to further expand coverage for robotic-assisted surgery. Broader, streamlined reimbursement support can help ensure more women across India have access to advanced surgical options,' Dr Saha added.
