Chandigarh:
Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, the Security Wing of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, organised its 23rd Blood Donation Camp today on 21st January, 2026, on the eve of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, at Zakir Hall, PGI, Chandigarh. The initiative was organised as a tribute to the ideals of patriotism, sacrifice and selfless service embodied by the great freedom fighter.
The camp was inaugurated by Prof. Radha Kant Ratho, Dean (Academics) and Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, and was conducted by a dedicated team of doctors from the Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER. Senior officials of PGIMER, along with the Chief Engineer, U.T. Chandigarh, graced the occasion, interacted with volunteers and appreciated the efforts of the Security Wing for organising the camp as both a social responsibility and a patriotic gesture.
Prof. Radha Kant Ratho, Dean (Academics), PGIMER, while commending the initiative, stated:“Blood donation is the truest expression of service to the nation. Observing Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti through such a life-saving initiative reflects PGIMER’s deep commitment to humanitarian values, collective responsibility and nation-building beyond clinical care.”
Sharing the same sentiment, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, remarked:“Remembering Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose through voluntary blood donation is a meaningful tribute to his ideals of courage, discipline and selfless service. Such initiatives not only save lives but also inspire our youth and healthcare community to uphold the spirit of compassion and national duty.”
The initiative was organised under the overall administrative stewardship of Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, whose consistent emphasis on patient-centric care, safety and community engagement continues to strengthen institutional outreach. Dr. Rajeev Chauhan from Deptt. of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, PGIMER , through his strategic coordination and operational support, played a key role in facilitating seamless inter-departmental collaboration for the successful conduct of the camp.
The camp was conducted under the supervision of Sh. Gursharan Singh Korey, Chief Security Officer, PGI, with active support from officers and staff of the Security Wing. 510 volunteers from diverse fraternities—including doctors, nurses, technicians, students, security personnel, and officials from CRPF and CISF—participated enthusiastically and donated blood . Due to time constraints and medical reasons, 80–90 volunteers were deferred from donation.
Notably, 37 volunteers pledged for organ donation during the camp and were registered with the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO), PGIMER, Chandigarh, further reinforcing PGIMER’s sustained advocacy for organ donation.
To motivate participants, officers of the Security Wing, PGI, and senior personnel from Police, CISF and CRPF led by example by donating blood first. Donors were provided refreshments and lunch, and gifts and mementos, sponsored by Trident India Group, State Bank of India, Swaraj Engines Limited, Sahwney Mathi Wale, Khandari Beverages Ltd., among others, were presented as a token of appreciation for their noble contribution.
Senior officials of PGIMER reiterated their appreciation for the Security Wing’s unwavering commitment to promoting voluntary blood donation and commemorating national icons through meaningful, service-driven initiatives.
