CHANDIGARH,13.04.24-The Department of Telemedicine at PGIMER Chandigarh celebrated its 19th Foundation Day on 13th April 2024 at the Kairon Administrative Block, PGIMER. The program was hosted by the Head of the Department of Telemedicine, Prof. Biman Saikia, along with his team of project leaders. The occasion was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Prof. G D Puri, Executive Director of AIIMS, Jodhpur, and Prof. Meenu Singh, the pioneer behind the establishment of the Telemedicine

Department at PGIMER and currently the Executive Director of AIIMS Rishikesh. Also present were the esteemed Director of PGIMER, Prof. Vivek Lal, Institute, Shri Varun Ahluwalia, Financial Advisor, Registrar Mr. Umed Mathur, and other distinguished dignitaries from the institute.

The keynote speaker for the event was Prof. G D Puri, who spoke about the latest advancements in telemedicine. Dr. Amit Agarwal, Project Lead of the Department of Telemedicine, warmly welcomed all guests while Dr. Saikia discussed the department’s progress since its inception in 2005. He highlighted academic activities such as ‘Tele-CME’ and ‘Tele-CPC’ held at PGIMER, technological innovations like ‘Tele-ECG’ and ‘Tele-spirometer,’ and the department's success as a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and Tele-pathology.

Ongoing projects include advancements like ‘Tele-FROZEN’ services and expanding ‘Tele-PICU.’ Prof. Meenu Singh shared updates from AIIMS Rishikesh, including the initiation of 24/7 ‘Heli-ambulance services’ and ‘Tele-drone.’

Prof. Vivek Lal praised the department's work, especially the ‘Tele-consultation’ services through the e-sanjeevani platform, emphasizing the benefits of ‘Tele-evidence’ to healthcare providers nationwide.

Prof. Lal interacted with Tele-consultants, reinforcing support for the Telemedicine Department at PGIMER Chandigarh. Prof. Nusrat Shafiq concluded the event with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the support from Prof. Vivek Lal, Prof. G D Puri, and Prof. Meenu Singh in the department's progression.

During the celebration, Prof. Vivek Lal inaugurated the new acoustic facility in the Department of Telemedicine, designed primarily for recording and developing LMIS modules, with Dr. G D Puri. Prof. Sanjay Bhadada from the Department of Endocrinology, Dr. Raja Ramchandran from the Department of Nephrology, and Dr.Navin Pandey from the Department of Hospital Administration also graced the occasion with their presence.