Latest news with #VivekLal
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
PGI launches Sarathi feedback app to monitor patient experience of volunteer assistance
In a move to further enhance patient support services, the PGIMER's flagship volunteer initiative, 'Project Sarathi,' has now been expanded beyond the National Service Scheme (NSS) framework to welcome all interested student volunteers, encouraging broader community participation in patient care. In another key development, the institute has launched a dedicated mobile application for collecting patient feedback. The Sarathi feedback app will now be made available to each volunteer, who will gather real-time feedback from patients and attendants after offering them assistance. This data will enable the administration to make informed decisions and continually improve the quality of services. Sharing his thoughts on the application, Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated: 'Project Sarathi has been a heartening example of how structured community involvement can transform hospital services. The expansion of volunteer participation and the launch of the feedback app is another step in our commitment to patient-centred care and continuous improvement'. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, said that the decision to expand beyond the NSS was taken considering the consistently positive response received through daily interactions among Sarathi volunteers, hospital staff, and patients. 'Recognising the immense value that volunteers bring in simplifying the patient journey at PGIMER, the institute is now opening the doors for students from all academic backgrounds and institutions to be part of this compassionate initiative,' Rai added. 'Project Sarathi, since its inception, has played a vital role in assisting patients and their families in navigating the large and often complex PGI system. Volunteers serve as a vital link, particularly for those from rural or underserved backgrounds, by offering clear guidance, emotional reassurance, and human connection during stressful times,' he further said. Interested student volunteers eager to contribute to this cause can send their requests and details via email to ddapgi@ This new structure aims to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive team of young change makers dedicated to patient welfare. 'The updated feedback app will enhance communication, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. The PGIMER reaffirms its commitment to participatory healthcare and responsive governance, driven by student initiative and innovative technology,' Rai concluded.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
To make hospital visits smoother, PGI to launch smart app for crowd management and hospital navigation
Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to redefine patient experience and hospital functioning, with the highlight being the announcement of a smart mobile application developed in collaboration with C-DAC Noida. The upcoming app will integrate real-time indoor mapping, QR code-based patient identification, and crowd management features to streamline hospital navigation and reduce wait times. 'This app will transform how we serve our patients and manage hospital systems. It is designed to make hospital visits smoother, more efficient, and patient-friendly,' stated Lal. He also shared significant progress on the institute's digital transformation journey, including the complete digitisation of the Hospital Information System, which now handles processes such as indenting and medicine procurement under schemes like Ayushman Bharat entirely online, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency. To ease payment systems, the effort is to introduce scan and share bill payments and online payments. The PGI director elaborated on the institute's robust infrastructure pipeline, led by the Rs-987 crore Sarangpur project that will house a new 100-seat medical college, modern OPDs for 16,000 patients, and a 200-bed emergency block. Additional developments include an all-weather swimming pool for staff and students, a trolley way to streamline patient transfers between high-traffic blocks, and a doctors' cafeteria soon to open on the fourth floor of A Block. 'When opened in July 1987, it had 10 seats and till now that has not changed, we are now going to have a new cafeteria with many amenities,' he added. Lal emphasised that the PGIMER is also addressing rising patient loads, especially in emergency and trauma care, by securing approval to recruit 300 ex-servicemen through outsourcing over the next four to five months to strengthen campus security. Additionally, 82 new faculty members have been recruited strictly as per DoPT norms, including EWS reservation, reinforcing the institute's commitment to transparency and meritocracy. The director spotlighted Project Sarathi — PGIMER's flagship NSS student-led patient navigation initiative. Now scaled across 34 states with over 6,400 active volunteers, the Sarathi based model has been green lit for expansion to 1,467 hospitals nationwide under reaffirming PGIMER's role in mobilizing youth for social commitment through compassionate care. The institute's focus on affordable healthcare also continues, with nine AMRIT stores accounting for 85 per cent of all medicine sales on campus, and a new AMRIT Pharmacy facility set to open near the Emergency Block to ensure uninterrupted access to subsidised medicines under Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY. The director further informed that the institute is set to operationalise the OPD of the upcoming Advanced Neurosciences Centre within three months, with equipment procurement under review. There was a proposal to procure an AI-enabled MRI machine for the centre, but due to budget constraints, the institute was told by the SFC to revisit the cost. 'The machines for the upcoming Mother and Child Centre have already been procured, and only 8 per cent of the work is now remaining, and the centre should be operational by early next year,' Lal added. Meanwhile, the construction of the Sarangpur satellite centre is progressing steadily, with completion expected in about three years. He also spoke about the Sangrur Satellite Centre of PGIMER, which now offers dialysis, cancer, gynaecology and gall bladder surgeries, knee replacements, with a designated bus stop here to help patients access the hospital. The director also lauded the medical team from the institute that included, doctors, nurses, paramedics and transport staff, for their exemplary courage in responding to the Jammu & Kashmir humanitarian crisis during Operation Sindoor. 'Every initiative, whether digital, structural, or social, is driven by a singular goal: to ease suffering, deliver equitable, high-quality care, and prepare our institution for the future, all while keeping the patient at the centre of everything we do,' Lal said.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PGIMER 62nd Foundation Day: Director breaks silence on ‘ ₹1 cr scam', says all accused removed
On the occasion of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research's (PGIMER) 62nd Foundation Day, the institute's director, Dr Vivek Lal, publicly addressed the long-silent issue of the ₹1.14 crore scam in the Private Grant Cell, stating that all those found involved in misappropriation of funds have been removed from their posts. PGIMER director Dr Vivek Lal (HT File) 'Those involved in the scam will face strict punishment and CBI action,' Dr Lal said. This marks the first time that the administration has directly spoken on the matter since it came to light. Between 2017 and 2021, funds meant for the treatment of 103 poor patients were fraudulently siphoned off to third parties and pharma companies. These funds — totalling ₹1,14,72,026 — were allocated under central and state government health schemes including the Prime Minister's Office and Rashtriya Aarogya Nidhi. Shockingly, the money was disbursed even in the name of deceased patients, using forged documents and manipulated bills. The Private Grant Cell deals with verification, requisition and documentation of funds that are received for patients under various schemes, and has a total of eight workers. Five individuals were named in the internal committee report, submitted to the PGI last year, including one permanent employee (now retired), three contractual workers, and one deputed staff member. Speaking to the media, Dr Lal said, 'All workers found involved in misappropriation of funds have been removed. The corrupt activities took place between 2017 to 2021, and it was caught during our tenure in 2022. We immediately reported it to the CBI, which is now investigating the case.' 'Measures such as online indenting have been introduced to prevent such irregularities in the future.' According to Dr Lal, three contractual workers—Sunil Kumar, Pardeep Singh and Chetan Gupta—have been terminated, and the deputed employee, Gaganpreet, has been sent back to his parent cadre in Punjab. The permanent employee, Dharam Chand, who worked as junior administrative assistant, retired in 2020. The scam came into the public eye after an RTI filed by Ashwani Kumar Munjal, chairman of Joint Action Committee (JAC) of PGI Contractual Workers Union, made the internal probe report by prof Arun Kumar Aggarwal public. The Aggarwal committee, constituted in February 2023 looked into the misappropriation of funds at the Private Grant Cell and its report to PGIMER management in May 2024. Munjal has raised concerns about the committee's neutrality, especially over the appointment of Private Grant Cell head Ranjit Singh Bhogal as its convener. He also questioned why no senior official has been held accountable and why no FIRs have been registered over missing patient records.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Association of PGI resident docs mark day dedicated to them with wellness session
Chandigarh: The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), PGI, celebrated Doctors' Day with its first-ever grand event — Vitana 1.0, a celebration dedicated to the tireless commitment and compassion of resident doctors. Prof Vivek Lal, director, PGI, was the chief guest. Senior faculty members and consultants were also present in large numbers to support and join the celebrations. The evening began with a financial wellness session, addressing the often-overlooked but essential aspect of doctors' lives — financial planning and security. This was followed by a cultural evening where residents showcased their diverse talents through music, dance, and drama. A symbolic cake-cutting ceremony marked the spirit of unity, dedication, and resilience of doctors at PGI. Renowned comedian Pritish Narula had the audience in splits with his stand-up comedy performance, adding humour to the evening. The celebration concluded on a high note with a DJ night and dinner, where residents, faculty, and guests danced and dined together. "Vitana 1.0" truly embodied the spirit of gratitude, wellness, and togetherness — a perfect ode to the doctors who continue to serve humanity with unmatched dedication. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vishnu Jinja, president of the Association of Resident Doctors, said: "Vitana 1.0 was our heartfelt effort to express appreciation for the relentless dedication of resident doctors, who balance demanding professional commitments with personal sacrifices every single day. We aimed to create an event that nurtures not only professional growth but also personal well-being and camaraderie. We are grateful to the administration and faculty for their support and hope to make this an annual tradition that grows bigger and better each year." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
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Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
India's active Covid-19 cases fall under 6,000; three deaths in 24 hours
India's active Covid-19 caseload fell to 5,976 on Thursday, down from 6,483 the previous day, marking the third consecutive day of decline. Three deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of the three fatalities, two were from Delhi and one from Kerala. All the deceased were elderly individuals with chronic health conditions. Active Covid-19 cases have declined across most states, with 507 fewer new infections reported on Wednesday. Delhi recorded the highest number of fresh cases in the past day, adding 12 infections and taking its active case count to 632. Kerala continues to report the highest number of active cases at 1,309, followed by Gujarat with 1,046. Maharashtra remains among the most affected states, with 5,443 active cases. Karnataka saw the largest single-day drop, with 187 fewer cases, while Rajasthan reported a decline of 83 cases in the same period. State Active Cases New Cases (Last 24 Hours) Deaths (Last 24 Hours) Kerala 1,309 -75 1 Maharashtra 443 -46 0 Gujarat 1,046 -59 0 Delhi 632 +12 2 Rajasthan 219 -83 0 Karnataka 466 -187 0 Tamil Nadu 187 -37 0 PGIMER: Covid-19 under control in India Covid-19 is currently under control in India, with no new cases reported over the past week, according to Dr Vivek Lal, Director of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Speaking to ANI, Dr Lal attributed the decline in cases to the robust vaccination drive led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'We are fully prepared for Covid-19, but the situation is clearly improving. I don't think a single patient has tested positive in the last week,' he said. Dr Lal credited India's ongoing vaccination campaign for maintaining immunity and reducing case severity. Scientists monitor new subvariants behind latest surge The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has begun genome sequencing and isolation of four new Omicron subvariants believed to be behind the recent spike in cases. Genome sequencing helps determine the complete genetic makeup of viruses and track mutations that impact transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. Dr Naveen Kumar, director of the Pune-based NIV, said this effort would assess whether existing vaccines remain effective or require updates. 'So far, the new variants do not appear to cause severe disease,' he noted. He added that isolating the strains would aid in evaluating vaccine formulation, but any decision to update vaccines lies with policymakers following expert consultations. Experts recommend targeted boosters, not mass drives Public health experts have advised against a mass booster campaign, recommending targeted doses for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. They said India's hybrid immunity—developed from both past infections and vaccinations—provides sufficient protection for the general population. While the national outlook remains positive, officials cautioned that isolated clusters of infections are still emerging and should be monitored.
