CHANDIGARH, 15.10.24-PGIMER Chandigarh is currently facing significant disruption due to the ongoing strike by outsourced Hospital Attendants, Sanitary Attendants, and Bearers, which entered fifth day today.

However, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) had also given a call for strike today in solidarity with their counterparts in West Bengal, 80% of the resident doctors reported for duty demonstrating exemplary dedication to Patient Care.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER , expressed his significant concern, “We call upon the striking workers to reflect on the impact of their actions and to resume work, not just out of duty, but out of compassion for the patients whose care is at stake.”

Prof. Lal reiterated, “Our administration has been working tirelessly to address their concerns and has kept the doors open for discussions. However, the welfare of thousands of patients who depend on us daily must not be jeopardized. It is deeply troubling that while we continue to seek resolutions, the outsourced workers have chosen to take actions that place vulnerable patients at risk.”

Further, Director PGIMER, expressed satisfaction as he stated, “Despite the ARD's strike call for solidarity with their counterparts in West Bengal, 80% of the resident doctors reported for duty, prioritizing patient care. This commitment to patient well-being is a heartening development.”

Prof. Lal extended heartfelt thanks to the PGIMER staff and volunteers who are working relentlessly to ensure that patient care continues as he said, “Volunteers from NGOs like Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, SUKH Foundation, and ROTARACT, have played a vital role in ensuring that patient care does not suffer during this difficult time. They stepped up during this challenging time, exemplifying the core values of service and compassion. "

The Director commended the student volunteers as well as he said, “Alongside the NGO support, over 100 NSS student volunteers from Project Sarathi, have been instrumental in sustaining essential services during this time. Their dedication ensured that critical services in the OPD, ACC, and AEC continued smoothly. Their tireless efforts helped bridge the gap, ensuring that patient care remained uninterrupted.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent , highlighted the ongoing commitment to patient care despite challenges posed by the current strikes as he stated, “With the commendable support from our regular employees and Volunteers, we continue to do everything in our power to ensure minimal disruption to patient care.”

In terms of patient services, Prof. Koushal provided the following data: the Outpatient Department (OPD) managed a total of 4,852 patients, the Emergency OPD admitted 148 new cases, and the Trauma OPD saw 22 new patients. Additionally, 12 procedures were performed in the Cath Lab, there were 5 deliveries, and 152 patients received day care chemotherapy. The Emergency Department treated 314 patients, while the Advanced Trauma Center (ATC) catered to 227 patients.

Prof. Koushal expressed a desire for the striking resident doctors and outsourced workers to return to work for the sake of patient well-being. However, he noted that contingency plan is in place to ensure that Emergency, Trauma, and ICU services remain operational. OPD services will be limited to follow-up patient registrations from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with new patient registrations and online appointments suspended. Elective admissions and surgeries have also been postponed, with patients being informed accordingly.