CHANDIGARH,02.11.2023-It was a momentous occasion at PGIMER as 218 proud doctors were presented medals for their distinct academic excellence and 1775 proud doctors were presented degrees for the successful culmination of the courses in various medical streams at the impressive 36^th Convocation of PGIMER at Bhargava auditorium here at PGIMER today .

Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Prof. K.K.Talwar, Padma Bhushan Awardee, Former Director; PGIMER was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, Prof. N K Panda, Dean Academics and Mr. Unmed Mathur, Registrar were also the other dignitaries present on the dias.

“PGIMER has been a brand in itself in the field healthcare since decades because of its rigorous academic curriculum, high standards of patient care and enabling environment for research and innovation,” stated Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Hon'ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare while presenting Convocation Address on the occasion.

Complimenting PGIMER for its commendable initiatives, the Hon’ble Minister said that catering to a patient load of over 25 lakhs during last year alone, PGIMER is an institute that is synonymous with high quality, unwavering commitment and rich experience. Therefore it can play a vital role in changing the healthcare landscape of the country by contributing towards the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Heal in India, Heal by India.”

“The way our country rose to the occasion through the challenging times of COVID 19, fought relentlessly without any trace of fatigue, thereby significantly and successfully managing the pandemic with 220 crores of vaccination and even managing to send vaccines to 100 other countries under ‘vaccine maitri programme.’ This is a testimony to the fact that we have the sincerity, commitment and passion to accomplish the vision of good quality health for everyone in the country, stated the Minister.

The Minister further elaborated on the Government’s impetus on ‘Medical Tourism’ as she asserted, “ Gone are the days, when India was in position of a ‘receiver’, now with India’s growth trajectory being on upswing, our country is in a position of ‘giver’ and with quality care, low costs and best outcomes, medical tourism presents a huge opportunity in the country.

“Since 2014, Govt. has been prioritising on strengthening medical infrastructure as can be gauged from the fact that from 1 AIIMs in 2014 to 23 AIIMS and 10 being functional, over 1 lakh MBBS seats, over 70,000 PG seats, the aim is very clear that we provide quality education here in India so that people across other countries look towards India as the destination for their medical needs,” underpinned the Hon’ble Minister.

Along with quality education, Government’s flagship programme of Ayushman Bharat for cash-less treatment of poor and needy, Jan Aushadhi Kendra’s, Health & Wellness Centres that not only ensure health for all, but help in shifting the focus from illness to wellness, are some of other key initiatives in the healthcare sector, stated the Minister.

Speaking to the medical fraternity in an extremely impassioned tone, the Hon’ble Minister delved deep into the essentials of being a successful clinician by deciphering the term ‘doctor’ as the combination of qualities of Deep feelings, Observing eyes, Caring heart, Trained hands, Open mind and Real Human.

The Minister further asserted that doctors not only contribute towards patient well being, but in fact, in a big way in nation building, as she concluded.

Earlier highlighting the accomplishments of PGIMER, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER stated, “PGIMER has set such high ideals of medical professionalism in mitigating the sufferings of the ailing humanity that it has become the first port of call for patients with many serious and chronic illnesses and not without a reason, as PGIMER has been a hospital of masses, but now, with the kind of footfall, we have here, it has become a hospital for masses & classes.”

Enumerating the achievements of the institute, the Director said, “Under Ayushman Bharat, PGIMER has already catered to over 90,000 patients, which is highest by any public sector hospital in the country.”

“The organ transplant programme in PGIMER is one of the most prolific one in the public sector hospitals. What is heartening is that with 278 renal transplant surgeries done till date in 2023, we have already surpassed the numbers accomplished during the last entire year. We are also doing a successful pancreatic transplant here in PGIMER. Now the waiting period for live renal transplant has substantially reduced from earlier 12-14 months to 2 months, hugely helping in the mitigation of the suffering of the patients. Another milestone accomplished in the transplant programme is the initiation of successful living donor liver transplant (LDLT).” shared the Director.

PGIMER excels on other fronts as well as it already has two Kayakalp awards to its credit in addition to innumerable other accomplishments, stated the Director.

The event that was well attended by invited dignitaries, professor emeritus, ex directors, resident doctors and their families, key functionaries, heads of the departments and senior faculty was well wrapped up by Prof. N.K. Panda, Dean (Academics) by proposing a vote of thanks.