Nearly 800 school students from Himachal Pradesh visited the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh from February 7 to February 13. The visits aimed to educate students about public healthcare. PGIMER organized the program in four batches. This ensured routine patient care continued without disruption.
PGIMER Initiative Exposes Students to Healthcare
The program introduced students to PGIMER’s voluntary service initiative, SARATHI. They learned about the importance of organ, blood, and eye donation. The goal was to show how informed citizens can support the healthcare system.
PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal spoke to the students. He stressed prevention and awareness. “Healthcare begins before a patient enters a hospital,” Lal stated. He added, “Awareness about balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being at a young age prevents chronic diseases.” He believes this exposure invests in a more informed generation.
Prof. Lal explained SARATHI. This initiative uses young volunteers to help patients. Volunteers receive clear roles and supervision. “SARATHI shows how youth can partner in patient-centric care,” Lal said. It also cultivates empathy and civic commitment.
Student Experience and Takeaways
PGIMER Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai coordinated the visits. He emphasized balancing education with hospital discipline. “Organizing students in batches allowed meaningful engagement. It also maintained patient convenience,” Rai said.
Rai noted these initiatives help students understand public healthcare’s scale. They also appreciate structured volunteer service. Students toured selected outpatient departments (OPDs). They saw how thousands of patients are managed daily. This showed the teamwork of doctors, nurses, administrators, and volunteers.
A Class 12 student from Shimla called the visit transformative. “This visit changed how I look at hospitals,” she said. “We understood how many people help patients.” She also noted the importance of health and organ donation awareness. “It made us feel we can contribute to society,” she added.
The initiative reinforces PGIMER’s commitment to preventive health. It also supports youth engagement and community partnership. PGIMER aims to show healthcare begins with awareness and action.