How is PGI Chandigarh Revolutionizing Patient Experience and Hospital Functioning?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Innovative mobile app to enhance patient experience and hospital operations.
- Features include real-time mapping and QR code identification.
- Project Sarathi expands patient navigation efforts nationwide.
- PGIMER's digital transformation emphasizes transparency and efficiency.
- Infrastructure projects aim to improve hospital capacity and services.
Chandigarh, June 17 (NationPress) The PGI Hospital Chandigarh has announced plans to revolutionize patient experience and hospital operations with the introduction of an innovative mobile application, developed in partnership with C-DAC Noida.
The anticipated app, set to launch by the year’s end, will feature real-time indoor navigation, QR code-based patient identification, and crowd management capabilities, all aimed at optimizing hospital navigation and minimizing wait times.
“This application will fundamentally enhance our ability to serve patients and manage hospital processes. It is crafted to facilitate a more seamless, effective, and patient-centric hospital experience,” stated Prof Vivek Lal, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).
He also highlighted important advancements in the institute’s digital transformation journey, which includes the full digitization of the hospital information system, now managing processes such as indenting and medicine procurement online via initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, ensuring enhanced transparency and efficiency.
The Director mentioned the ongoing infrastructure developments, notably the Rs 987 crore Sarangpur Project, which will accommodate a new 100-seat medical college, modern outpatient departments catering to 16,000 patients, and a 200-bed emergency facility.
Other improvements involve a trolleyway designed to facilitate patient transfers between busy blocks, alongside a doctors' cafeteria that will open shortly.
Prof Lal stressed that PGIMER is also tackling increasing patient demands, particularly in emergency and trauma care, by gaining approval to hire 300 ex-servicemen through outsourcing in the next four to five months to bolster campus security.
Moreover, 82 new faculty members have been appointed, including those under EWS reservation, reflecting the institute's commitment to transparency and merit-based hiring.
The Director spotlighted Project Sarathi, the flagship NSS student-led patient navigation initiative, which has expanded across 34 states with over 6,400 active volunteers. The Sarathi model has received approval for extension to 1,467 hospitals nationwide under MyBharat.gov.in, reinforcing PGIMER's role in engaging youth in social responsibility through compassionate healthcare.