CHANDIGARH,26.01.2026-PGIMER celebrated the 77th Republic Day with solemn pride and renewed institutional resolve, bringing together the entire PGI fraternity to honour the nation and its constitutional values. The celebrations, presided over by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, included ceremonial flag hoisting, a vibrant cultural programme and an address that reflected PGIMER’s expanding national role, major clinical milestones and key administrative reforms, describing 2025 as a defining year of unprecedented milestones for the institute.

In his address, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER highlighted PGIMER’s key contribution to Op. Sindoor, underscoring the institute’s readiness to serve the nation beyond routine healthcare delivery as he stated, “Op. Sindoor demonstrated how PGIMER stands ready whenever the nation calls—combining speed, compassion and clinical excellence. This is public healthcare at its most meaningful.” Prof. Lal also saluted the drivers, nursing officers, resident doctors and other healthcare personnel deputed at ground zero during Op. Sindoor for their commitment, courage and professionalism.

Calling Republic Day a reminder of constitutional responsibility, Prof. Lal said, PGIMER continued to lead from the front despite rising patient load and systemic challenges, adding, “Patient load is not a burden, but a responsibility, and it is a matter of immense pride that we strengthen our constitutional duty by ensuring equitable, ethical and world-class care for every patient.”

Highlighting major clinical reforms, the Director said the extension of regular operation theatre timings from 8 am to 8 pm, an unprecedented move in public healthcare, had resulted in a 30–40 per cent reduction in surgical waiting periods. Emphasising the scale of the reform, Prof. Lal stated, “Nowhere in the world are regular OTs run continuously at this scale. It was a difficult decision, but the results are clearly visible,” while commending the Departments of Anaesthesia, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Pathology, Haematology, Neonatology and Transfusion Medicine for their sustained efforts.

Citing a recent organ retrieval and transplantation case successfully completed despite extreme weather and time constraints, Prof. Lal underlined PGIMER’s leadership in renal and complex organ transplantation, supported by robust green corridor coordination, seamless logistics and strong inter-departmental teamwork, stating that “PGIMER has emerged as a national leader in renal transplantation and advanced organ transplants, delivering outcomes comparable with the best centres globally.”

Addressing institutional governance, the Director announced the resolution of long-pending promotion and service matters of technical and non-faculty staff, calling it a long-overdue corrective step and said, “Our staff served the institute with dedication despite years of stagnation. That phase is now behind us,” drawing warm applause from the gathering.

Acknowledging resident doctors as the ‘karta-dharta’ of PGIMER, Prof. Lal assured that their genuine concerns and demands would be addressed through institutional mechanisms, stating, “Residents are the backbone of this institute. Their issues will be resolved with empathy and responsibility.”

The Director also noted that the induction of experienced ex-servicemen into campus security services had significantly strengthened discipline, safety and response preparedness. On infrastructure expansion, Prof. Lal said satellite centre of Sangrur and new facilities are progressing steadily, which would substantially decongest the main campus in the near future.

The celebrations concluded with the distribution of sweets, symbolising unity and camaraderie, and a collective pledge to uphold the constitutional values of compassion, commitment and devotion.