Latest news with #PankajRai
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
PGI proposes to transfer management of hospital canteens to IRCTC
PGI is exploring innovative solutions to revamp its service systems. As part of this initiative, a proposal has been put forward to transfer the management of hospital canteens to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This move aims to enhance quality, hygiene standards, and customer satisfaction through professional management and proven operational excellence. 'There is a pressing need to overhaul our service delivery systems to better serve our patients and staff. Partnering with IRCTC, known for its robust catering and hospitality services, could be a significant step forward in this direction,' said Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGI. Rai added, 'In line with the institute's commitment to continuous improvement, PGI has already engaged student volunteers under Project Sarathi to help manage patient inflow, which has proven to be beneficial.' PGI has received approval to hire 300 ex-servicemen as security personnel, who will be deployed at all critical areas to supplement the existing security team. 'These security personnel will be hired within a month, and this initiative will further enhance our ability to manage patient and visitor well-being more effectively,' stated Rai. Recognising that PGIR's environment safety, hygiene, and service quality are paramount, the institute has adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward any lapses or misconduct by contractors engaged in providing essential services such as canteen and parking facilities. In recent weeks, PGI has identified some instances of non-compliance and negligence by contractors that jeopardise the safety and comfort of those on campus. In response, the institute has initiated stringent action against erring contractors, including issuing termination orders where necessary. These measures are part of PGI's broader drive to uphold the highest standards of service and to ensure that patient care is not compromised by ancillary service deficiencies. The institute's administration has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of patients, attendants, staff, and visitors. Prof Vivek Lal, Director PGI, stated, 'Patient safety and overall well-being are our top priorities. Any breach of contractual obligations that compromises the hospital environment will be dealt with firmly and decisively. We are dedicated to maintaining a secure, clean, and efficient environment for everyone at PGI, be it patients, researchers, or students. Any contractor found negligent or non-compliant will face appropriate action, including criminal proceedings if the situation warrants.' Additionally, the institute's administration has assured that all contractual arrangements will be regularly monitored, any irregularities will be dealt with firmly, and that these measures strive to maintain the highest standards of service delivery.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGI developing app for patient identification, crowd management
1 2 Chandigarh: The PGI is working with CDAC Noida to develop a QR code-based patient identification and sophisticated crowd and queue management features app. "With this app, the patients can scan and pay the fee and register online. Those who are outstation can go to their e-sampark centres, and get registered with a specific token number," Pankaj Rai, deputy director of administration, PGI. "Once they visit the PGI, the token can be shown and all demographic details that were captured will be printed as the OPD card. This will not waste time," he said, adding that "a map of the PGI will be integrated into this app, which can be used for navigation by the student volunteers of the project Sarathi." The app's development is expected to progress rapidly, with the Advanced Paediatric Centre to start it as a pilot project in the next three to four months. This digital push is part of a broader strategy, which also includes the ongoing upgrade of the Hospital Information System (HIS) to version 2. The complete digitisation of the HIS already streamlined processes such as indenting and medicine procurement under schemes like Ayushman Bharat, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency across the institute. Addressing the increasing patient load and the critical need for enhanced security and crowd management, Prof Vivek Lal, director PGI, announced the approval to recruit 300 ex-servicemen through outsourcing. These personnel are expected to join the campus security team within the next four to five months. Additionally, PGI recruited 82 new faculty members, strictly adhering to department of personnel & training (DoPT) norms, including EWS reservation, reinforcing the institute's commitment to meritocracy. "The implementation of 12-hour operating theatre (OT) schedules led to a remarkable 30-40% increase in the number of surgeries performed, effectively improving patient throughput. To support this increased surgical capacity, 32 new OT technicians are slated to join the institute within the next four months," he said.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
BIT Sindri terminates two techies, fines 18 over campus clash
Dhanbad: The Birsa Institute of Technology (BIT), Sindri has terminated two students and imposed fines on 18 others in connection with the violent clash and vandalism that took place on campus on the night of May 12. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The action comes following the submission of a probe report by a six-member disciplinary committee headed by General Warden Prof. R.K. Verma. The report found the students guilty of involvement in the clash that left three first-semester students injured and caused property damage worth around Rs 10 lakh. "The students were identified through the probe and evidence, including video footage. Those found guilty have been punished. Two techies have been rusticated for a year, and fines have been imposed on 18 others for the damages caused," said BIT Sindri Director Dr. Pankaj Rai. He added that acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated on campus under any circumstances. The violent episode unfolded inside the institute's mess, where a verbal spat between a senior and junior escalated into a full-blown brawl. The clash quickly drew in students from both groups, leading to scenes of chaos. Videos that went viral on social media showed students wielding sticks and hockey bats, vandalizing mess property, hurling chairs, and damaging vehicles parked nearby. Following the incident, campus security was tightened and an internal inquiry was launched. The probe committee, after nearly a month-long investigation, submitted its report recommending disciplinary action against the involved students. The institute has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and discipline on campus and warned students against any such misconduct in the future.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: After PGI, Project Sarathi to be implemented in 1,467 hospitals
Project Sarathi, a student volunteer initiative to help patients in hospital navigation, which was launched at PGIMER, Chandigarh, last year, will now be expanded to 34 states and Union Territories. PGIMER deputy director (administration) Pankaj Rai detailed that with the joint backing of the Union ministries of health and family welfare, and youth affairs and sports, a total of 1,467 hospitals had been approved for the project under 'Seva Se Seekhen', an experiential learning programme (ELP) in health, modelled on the concept of PGIMER's Project Sarathi, as listed on the MyBharat portal. As per the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports, the following states and UTs have either completed or have programmes ongoing based on the project's concept: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Of the 1,467 hospitals, implementation of ELP has been completed at 551 hospitals between September 17, 2024, and May 31, 2025. ELP is currently ongoing at 95 hospitals of which 81 are permanent health ELPs. Launched on May 5, 2024, Project Sarathi is a community service initiative aimed at improving patient experience by deploying student volunteers to assist in managing daily crowds, guiding patients within the hospital and easing OPD operations. The initiative involves 6,444 volunteers nationwide. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, including 10 colleges and eight schools, have contributed over 50,340 hours in providing hospital navigation and support services at PGIMER. These efforts have led to the reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, according to a post-implementation impact study by PGIMER's department of community medicine.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Project Sarathi expands footprint in hospital navigation, patient support nationally
Chandigarh: Project Sarathi, the groundbreaking hospital navigation and patient support initiative pioneered by PGIMER, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its innovative model across 34 states and Union territories of India. This nationwide rollout underscores a major leap in healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, with the backing of the ministries of health and family welfare and youth affairs & sports. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI, said, "A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative under the 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' listed on the MyBharat portal." He added, "The 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs are now onboarded for the experiential learning programme in health, modelled on the successful framework of PGI's Project Sarathi." The implementation of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) showed remarkable progress. From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, ELP was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals. Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services. These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth. From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale. The ministry of youth affairs and sports has confirmed that various states and UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have either completed or have ongoing programmes based on the Project Sarathi concept. BOX KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024 A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative Chandigarh: Project Sarathi, the groundbreaking hospital navigation and patient support initiative pioneered by PGIMER, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its innovative model across 34 states and Union territories of India. This nationwide rollout underscores a major leap in healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, with the backing of the ministries of health and family welfare and youth affairs & sports. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI, said, "A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative under the 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' listed on the MyBharat portal." He added, "The 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs are now onboarded for the experiential learning programme in health, modelled on the successful framework of PGI's Project Sarathi." The implementation of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) showed remarkable progress. From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, ELP was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals. Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services. These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth. From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale. The ministry of youth affairs and sports has confirmed that various states and UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have either completed or have ongoing programmes based on the Project Sarathi concept. BOX KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024 A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative
