CHANDIGARH, 14.10.24-As resident doctors are set to go on strike on 15 October, in solidarity with their counterparts in West Bengal, despite extended discussions with the Director, PGIMER, and senior officers urging them to reconsider in the interest of patient care, the situation at PGIMER is expected to become even more challenging.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER , emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Despite the immense challenges posed by simultaneous strikes, our priority remains safeguarding patient care and ensuring service continuity.”

Prof. Lal expressed deep gratitude to the volunteers assisting, including NSS students from Project Sarathi and NGOs such as Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, SUKH Foundation, and ROTARACT, saying, “Their dedication has been invaluable in sustaining patient care, and we urge the public for continued cooperation. PGI employees on duty are also going above and beyond to maintain patient services, and I commend their extraordinary efforts.”

Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), reaffirmed PGIMER's commitment to resolving the crisis through active discussions with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). “We are striving for a swift and fair resolution and appeal to all striking workers to return to their duties,” he said.

Outlining the contingency plan, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, shared the following updates:

Emergency, Trauma, and ICU services will remain operational.
OPD services will be limited to follow-up patient registrations from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on 15 October.
New patient registrations and online appointments are suspended.
Elective admissions and surgeries have been postponed, and patients are being informed.
PGIMER has also requested neighbouring state hospitals to refrain from referring patients until the situation stabilizes and continues to seek public cooperation.