Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 5

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya visited PGIMER, Chandigarh, on Sunday evening. He was accompanied by Anurag Thakur, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

The institute gave a power-point presentation on its history and academic growth. The ministers were apprised of the hospital structure, advanced centres of patient care, training and research as well as upcoming new centres such as the Advanced Neurosciences Centre and the Advanced Mother and Child Care Centre. They were also told about the progress of the three PGI satellite centres at Sangrur, Ferozepur (Punjab) and Una (HP).

The ministers were also apprised of the difficulties being faced by the institute. Dr Surjit Singh, PGIMER Director, said, “We also told the Health Minister about the vacant sanctioned posts at PGIMER, and he assured us of addressing the issue soon.”

The minister sought ideas and viewpoints on improving patient care and infrastructure from all stakeholders, including the staff, patients and their relatives. Later, Mandaviya visited the Advanced Trauma Centre, where he interacted with doctors, paramedics and patients to enquire about the facilities being provided there.

The Faculty Association of PGIMER pointed out that the institute has not proportionately expanded in terms of infrastructure and support staff. This is resulting in suboptimal functioning of the staff due to lack of office space, accommodation, sufficient OT tables, etc. The association, through a charter of demand, requested the minister to support a robust plan for the expansion of the institute.