Chandigarh:
In a progressive move towards further enhancing patient support services, PGIMER’s flagship volunteer initiative ‘Project Sarathi’ has now been expanded beyond the NSS framework to welcome all interested student volunteers, encouraging broader community participation in patient care.
In another key development, PGIMER has launched a dedicated mobile application for collecting patient feedback. The Sarathi Feedback App will now be made available with each Sarathi volunteer, who will gather real-time feedback from patients and attendants after offering their assistance. This data will help the administration make informed decisions and continuously improve the quality of services.
Sharing his thoughts, Prof.VivekLal, Director PGIMER, stated: “Project Sarathi has been a heartening example of how structured community involvement can transform hospital services. The expansion of volunteer participation and the launch of the feedback app is another step in our commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Mr.PankajRai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER , added “The decision to expand beyond NSS was taken in light of the consistently positive response received through daily interactions between Sarathi volunteers, hospital staff, and patients. Recognizing the immense value that volunteers bring in simplifying the patient journey at PGIMER, the institute is now opening the doors for students from all academic backgrounds and institutions to be part of this compassionate initiative.”
Deputy Director (Administration) further detailed, “Project Sarathi, since its inception, has played a vital role in assisting patients and their families in navigating the large and often complex PGIMER system. Volunteers serve as a vital link, particularly for those from rural or underserved backgrounds, by offering clear guidance, emotional reassurance, and human connection during stressful times.
Interested student volunteers eager to contribute to this noble cause can send their requests and details via email to ddapgi@gmail.com. This new structure aims to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive team of young change makers dedicated to patient welfare.
“The updated feedback app will enhance communication, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. PGIMER reaffirms its commitment to participatory healthcare and responsive governance, driven by student initiative and innovative technology”, concluded Mr Pankaj Rai.
