Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh—an epitome of Excellence, Empathy & Equity—is set to host its XXXIX (39th) Convocation tomorrow, on April 30, 2026, at the Bhargava Auditorium, continuing its distinguished legacy since the first convocation held on March 27, 1970.
Sharing details of the upcoming convocation, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated that the landmark academic ceremony will witness the conferment of degrees to 682 graduates and 95 medals to meritorious students, marking a defining milestone in their journey of medical excellence and service. “This convocation is not merely an academic ceremony, but a celebration of knowledge, perseverance, and the spirit of national service,” he said.
The Director informed that the momentous occasion will be graced by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, as the esteemed Chief Guest. “A visionary leader who has played a pivotal role in strengthening accessible and affordable healthcare in India, his presence will greatly inspire our graduating students,” Prof. Lal noted.
Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, will grace the 39th Convocation of PGIMER as the Esteemed Guest. Known for his distinguished public service and commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare, his presence adds dignity and significance to the occasion.
Prof. Lal further added that Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Former Member, NITI Aayog, will be present as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the importance of the occasion and his immense contributions to India’s public health ecosystem.
Detailing the academic achievements, Prof. Lal shared that a total of 682 candidates will be awarded degrees across disciplines, including 61 PhD, 114 DM, 67 MCh, 323 MD, 103 MS, and 14 MDS. In recognition of excellence, 95 medals will be conferred, comprising 18 Gold Medals, 37 Silver Medals, and 40 Bronze Medals, honouring outstanding performance across courses.
Reflecting on the institute’s journey, Prof. Lal remarked that since its establishment in 1962, PGIMER has evolved into an Institute of National Importance and a towering symbol of India’s public healthcare ethos. “PGIMER is a dham—where scale meets sensitivity, innovation meets inclusion, and every patient experience reflects a promise of healing, dignity, and hope.”
Highlighting the institute’s scale and service, Director PGIMER noted that PGIMER today caters to over 30 lakh OPD patients and more than one lakh admissions annually, supported by 160+ specialized and super-specialty clinics. “With advanced technologies such as robotic surgery, PET-CT, and AI-driven diagnostics, we continue to enhance precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes, while ensuring access to quality care for patients from remote and underserved regions,” he added.
Speaking on academic strength, Prof. Lal shared that PGIMER is offering a wide spectrum of postgraduate, super-specialty, and research programmes, including several exclusive DM/MCh courses, emphasizing the institute’s research leadership, noting ₹149 crore in extramural funding and nearly 1,000 ongoing research projects, translating innovation into impactful clinical outcomes across domains such as neurosurgery, diabetes care, neonatal medicine, and AI-enabled healthcare.
Reaffirming PGIMER’s commitment to equity, Prof. Lal stated that the institute has treated over 2 lakh beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, supported by initiatives such as AMRIT pharmacies, Jan Aushadhi centres, other government schemes and the Poor Patient Welfare Fund. “Our focus remains on ensuring that no patient is denied care due to financial constraints,” he emphasized.
On digital health advancements, Prof. Lal highlighted that PGIMER’s telemedicine services have delivered over 40 lakh consultations, achieving nearly 98% patient satisfaction, and significantly expanding access to specialist care in remote regions.
Underscoring the human dimension of healthcare, the Director highlighted the SARATHI initiative, where over 2,000 volunteers have contributed 1.24 lakh hours, emerging as a powerful model of how compassion and structured volunteerism can enhance patient experience and hospital efficiency.
Director PGIMER also emphasized PGIMER’s readiness in times of national need, noting its contributions during Operation Sindoor and disaster responses such as the Kishtwar cloudburst. “Our teams have consistently demonstrated exceptional preparedness and humanitarian commitment,” he added.
On infrastructure expansion, Prof. Lal informed that PGIMER is undertaking transformative projects including the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, Advanced Mother & Child Centre, Clinical Care Block, Second phase of Advanced Eye Centre and satellite centres at Sangrur, Una and Ferozepur and other regions, aimed at bringing high-quality healthcare closer to communities.
Sharing a cultural aspect of the ceremony, Director PGIMER noted that ethnic wear will continue as the official dress code for the convocation, complemented by a specially designed PGIMER stole, symbolising a unique blend of heritage and academic achievement.
Concluding, Prof. Lal stated, “As we approach the 39th Convocation, PGIMER stands proud to celebrate not only our 95 medallists but also the 682 graduating healthcare professionals who will carry forward the values of excellence, compassion, and service. They are the torchbearers of a healthier, stronger nation.”
The convocation will bring together distinguished dignitaries, faculty, students, and families, marking a proud and defining moment in PGIMER’s continued journey of excellence, innovation, and nation-building through healthcare.
