Mandaviya visits PGI, asks doctors to work holistically

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya visited PGIMER Chandigarh on Sunday after his visit to Bilaspur-based AIIMS. This was his first visit to PGIMER after becoming Health Minister. Mandaviya met a group of senior doctors along with acting director, Prof Surjit Singh. He asked PGIMER doctors to send him the list of the institute’s requirements and create a holistic approach on projects on which the institute can bring not only good health but also could work beyond just the treatment.

He was accompanied by Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs and Minister for Information and Broadcasting. The Institute gave a PowerPoint presentation to the minister detailing its history, tradition and academic growth. The Minister was apprised of the hospital structure, the advanced centres of patient care, training and research as well as upcoming new centres like the Advanced Neurosciences Centre and Advanced Mother and Child Care Centre. He was also shown the progress on the three PGI satellite centres at Sangrur, Ferozepur (Punjab) and Una (Himachal Pradesh).

While explaining the patient load at various areas in the hospital, it was emphasised that many referrals can be dealt with at the level of the district hospitals and medical colleges in the region. However, many patients still prefer to come to PGI for their treatment. The Minister listened to the difficulties being faced by the Institute and assured everyone of a quick redressal of the administrative bottlenecks. He also sought new ideas and viewpoints for improving patient care and infrastructure from all the stakeholders including staff working at the Institute, patients and their relatives.

The Minister also visited the Advanced Trauma Centre where he interacted with doctors, paramedics and patients and enquired about the facilities being provided to patients there.