On World Alzheimer’s Day, the Department of Neurology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, called for greater public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stressing that early diagnosis has become increasingly important with the availability of newer disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in India.

At a press conference held today, senior faculty members Prof.Dheeraj Khurana, Dr. Sucharita Ray, Additional Professor and Dr. Karthik V.M, Associate Professor from Deptt. of Neurology and Prof. Indu Verma from Deptt. of Biochemistry highlighted the need for timely diagnosis, accurate identification of different causes of dementia, advanced diagnostic tools and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers.

Prof. Dheeraj Khurana highlighted that the treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s disease has changed significantly, making early recognition of symptoms more important than ever.

“With disease-modifying medicines now available for Alzheimer’s disease in India, early diagnosis has assumed greater importance. These treatments are most effective in the early, mild stages of the disease. Timely diagnosis allows us to assess treatment eligibility and also helps families plan care better and maintain the patient’s quality of life,” he said.

Prof. Khurana urged families not to dismiss persistent memory problems and changes in daily functioning as merely a normal consequence of ageing.

Dr. Sucharita Ray stressed that dementia is not a single disease and that identifying its underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment.

“Dementia is a syndrome caused by several different diseases, and each patient needs to be evaluated carefully to identify the underlying cause. Early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference to treatment and care. At the same time, dementia is a family issue, not just a patient issue, and caregivers need our attention and support,” she said.

Highlighting the often-overlooked impact on caregivers, Dr. Ray said families caring for people with dementia frequently face substantial physical, emotional and financial stress.

“Caregivers carry a significant part of the dementia burden. Supporting the caregiver is therefore an essential part of supporting the patient,” she added.

A major development announced at the press conference was the Department’s plan to introduce a panel of body-fluid tests for Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof. Indu Verma said the advanced diagnostic facility would strengthen the Institute’s ability to identify Alzheimer’s disease more accurately and at an earlier stage. “The Department will shortly commence a panel of body-fluid tests for Alzheimer’s disease. These advanced investigations can facilitate more accurate and earlier identification of cases and may also help in monitoring treatment effects and assessing potential therapeutic interventions,” Prof. Verma said.

The move is expected to further strengthen the Department’s diagnostic capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases and support more precise evaluation of patients.

Drawing attention to the broader health challenges associated with dementia, Dr. Karthik emphasised that patients often have comorbid conditions, including depression, which need to be identified and addressed as part of comprehensive care.

“Dementia rarely affects the patient in isolation. Conditions such as depression can coexist with dementia and influence the overall course of care. At the same time, the impact is felt across the family, with caregivers often carrying a considerable burden,” he said.

The Department also announced that it is working on organisational changes to streamline dementia management pathways at PGIMER. A patient support programme is also being planned to provide patients and families with additional guidance and support.

Prof. Dheeraj Khurana said the initiatives are aimed at making dementia care more structured and patient-centred.

“Our focus is to streamline the dementia care pathway so that patients can move more efficiently from diagnosis to appropriate treatment and follow-up. We are also working towards a patient support programme that can provide families with greater guidance throughout this journey,” he said.

The Department of Neurology reiterated its commitment to improving dementia care through early diagnosis, newer treatment options, advanced investigations, multidisciplinary management and caregiver support.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, the Department appealed to the public to recognise persistent memory and cognitive changes early and seek medical advice rather than attributing them automatically to ageing.

Chandigarh: Forest Hill Resort (FHR) has been conferred the “CHEFEX India Recognition for Best Golf Resort” at the CHEFEX India Recognitions 2026, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

Birender Gill, President, Forest Hill Golf Resort, and Ms. Aman Ghumman, HR Head, WWICS Group, received the honour on behalf of Forest Hill Resort.

Reacting to the honour, Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said, “We are delighted to receive this honour. Forest Hill has always been envisioned as much more than a golf resort. We are positioning it as an eco-sanctuary where golf, nature, leisure and adventure tourism come together. Our endeavour is to create meaningful experiences for visitors while preserving and enhancing the natural environment of the Shivalik foothills.”

The award acknowledges Forest Hill Resort’s contribution to destination hospitality, leisure, golf tourism and experiential travel. Set in a picturesque natural setting near Chandigarh, FHR has developed a distinctive hospitality experience combining golf with a range of outdoor and nature-based activities.

The resort offers experiences including trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing, bird watching, camping and off-roading, while its focus on ecological conservation and rewilding further strengthens its identity as a nature and adventure destination.

The honour adds another distinction to Forest Hill Resort’s growing presence in the region’s hospitality and leisure landscape.

Chandigarh:

The Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised a one-day Comprehensive Burn Management Course on September 19, 2026, under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries (NPPMTBI) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The course was held at Lecture Theatre 1, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

A total of 55 medical officers from Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh were trained during the programme, making the course an important regional capacity-building initiative in comprehensive burn care. The programme focused on strengthening timely, standardised and coordinated management of burn patients from the initial assessment and resuscitation through definitive treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

Dr. Atul Parashar, Head, Department of Plastic Surgery was the Course Director, along with a multidisciplinary faculty from PGIMER. The scientific programme addressed the complete spectrum of burn management, including triage and transfer protocols, early intravenous access and airway management, burn shock and resuscitation, wound assessment, inhalational burns, electrical burns, surgical and rehabilitation strategies, paediatric burns, unconventional burn injuries, and skin donation and banking.

A key feature of the programme was the practical exposure to the functioning of the Burn Centre. Participants undertook integrated Burn ICU and Skin Bank rounds, providing an opportunity to understand the workflow of a specialised burn service and the role of skin banking in modern burn care.

Participants also received practical training in airway management in burns and recognition of inhalational injuries; dressing selection, escharotomy and splintage; and case-based discussion on fluid calculation and wound assessment.The emphasis throughout the course was on early recognition, appropriate resuscitation, sound wound management, multidisciplinary coordination and continuity of care.Dr. Atul Parashar, emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity for timely and evidence-based burn care at different levels of the healthcare system. He highlighted the need for a standardised approach to the initial management of burn patients, early identification of airway and inhalational injuries, appropriate fluid resuscitation, wound care and coordinated multidisciplinary management.

The Comprehensive Burn Management Course reflects PGIMER’s continued commitment, through the Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), to building regional capacity and supporting the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries.

For the family of 27-year-old Kuldeep Singh, the days following his road accident brought a grief no family is ever prepared to face. A young son and brother who had left home would never return. Yet, while struggling to come to terms with the sudden and devastating loss of Kuldeep, his family found the courage to make a decision that would allow a part of him to live on in others.

Expressing his gratitude to the family, Prof.VivekLal, Director, PGIMER, stated, “There are moments when no words can ease a family’s pain. Kuldeep’s family was facing the unimaginable loss of a 27-year-old son and brother, yet in that moment of profound grief, they found the strength to think of others. Their decision has transformed a personal tragedy into hope for other families. This is the extraordinary compassion that makes organ donation a true Gift of Life.”

A resident of Jagadhri, Yamuna Nagar, Kuldeep was admitted to PGIMER on September 15, 2026, after sustaining a severe head injury in a road traffic accident. He was initially taken to Civil Hospital, Yamuna Nagar, and subsequently referred to PGIMER. He was reportedly riding his scooty when he fell after encountering a speed breaker.

For his mother, Bira Rani, the reality of losing her son was devastating. For his younger brother, Parminder, the loss of his elder brother came as a profound shock that changed the family forever. In the midst of this overwhelming grief, the family was counselled about organ donation.

Following two assessments by the Brain Stem Death Certification Committee on September 17, brain stem death was certified as per established protocols. Despite their immense pain, the family consented to the donation of all organs and corneas.

Their decision meant that Kuldeep’s final act became a beginning for others. Both kidneys and corneas were successfully retrieved and transplanted at PGIMER, giving two renal failure patients a second lease of life, while two patients received the gift of sight through corneal transplantation.

Bira Rani, the bereaved mother, spoke of the pain of losing Kuldeep and the solace the family draws from his donation. She said, “It is impossible for us to accept that Kuldeep is no longer coming home. The house, the family and everything around us feels different without him. But when we think that his organs have given someone another chance to live and his corneas may help someone see, we feel that a part of Kuldeep is still with us. We want his life to carry a message of hope for others.”

For Kuldeep’s younger brother Parminder, the loss has also become a deeply personal call to prevent other families from suffering a similar fate. He said, “What happened to my elder brother should not happen to anyone else. I will work towards creating awareness about road traffic accidents and promoting road safety so that others can be protected from such tragedies.”

Ms. Swati Thapa, Transplant Coordinator, PGIMER, who counselled the family and facilitated the consent for organ donation, said, “Speaking to a family that has just lost a young son and brother is one of the most emotionally difficult moments in the organ donation process. Kuldeep’s family was going through immense pain, yet they showed extraordinary courage and compassion by thinking beyond their own grief and choosing to give others the gift of life. Their decision was not easy, but it was deeply selfless.”

Kuldeep, who worked in a steel factory, was the son of Late Shri Balwant Singh. His family had to confront the painful reality that their young son and brother would never return home. Yet, through their decision to donate his organs, they ensured that his final legacy would not be defined only by the tragedy that took him away, but also by the lives and hopes that his donation has touched.

Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, PGIMER, said, “For a family to think of saving other lives while dealing with the loss of their own loved one requires immense courage. Kuldeep’s family has shown remarkable humanity. Their decision has enabled both kidneys and corneas to be used for transplantation and has brought hope to patients who were waiting for it.”

The tragedy also highlights the devastating consequences of road traffic accidents, particularly when they claim young lives. PGIMER appealed to citizens to exercise caution on the roads, follow traffic rules and adopt safe riding and driving practices.

For Kuldeep’s family, the grief will remain and the empty space he has left behind cannot be filled. But through their extraordinary decision, they have ensured that his final legacy is not only one of loss, but also of giving — giving two patients a chance to live, giving two others the gift of sight, and giving meaning to a life that ended far too soon.

Chandigarh: The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026, organised by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity, concluded successfully today at The Lalit, Chandigarh. The conference was held from 17th to 19th September 2026 with the theme “Mastering the Precision and Newer Techniques in Joint Replacement.”

Calling the Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 a “hugely successful academic endeavour”, Prof.Vijay G.Goni, Organising Chairperson, said the three-day conference provided a meaningful platform for experts and young surgeons to exchange knowledge, discuss complex clinical situations and gain practical exposure to evolving arthroplasty techniques.

“The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 has been a hugely successful academic endeavour, bringing together experts and young surgeons on a common platform for meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience. The combination of scientific deliberations, live surgical demonstrations, cadaveric training, hands-on learning and case-based discussions made the conference particularly enriching and relevant to contemporary arthroplasty practice,” said Prof.Goni.

The Organising Chairperson further elaborated, “The theme of mastering precision and newer techniques in joint replacement reflects the rapidly evolving nature of arthroplasty. Our objective was not only to discuss advances but also to provide participants with opportunities for practical learning and interaction with experts. I am pleased that the conference has successfully achieved this objective. Ultimately, the value of such academic initiatives lies in translating knowledge and skills into better and safer patient care.”

The event also featured the 3rd PGI Arthroplasty Course, offering participants comprehensive exposure to contemporary arthroplasty practices through live surgical demonstrations, a cadaveric workshop, hands-on learning, expert national and international faculty, and case-based discussions.

The three-day scientific programme covered a wide spectrum of topics in primary and revision arthroplasty, with emphasis on precision, newer surgical techniques, challenging clinical situations and decision-making in complex joint replacement procedures.

On the concluding day, academic sessions included challenging total knee and total hip replacement cases, anaesthesia for arthroplasty and the perioperative journey, variations in cocktail composition for total knee replacement in the Indian scenario, osteoporosis treatment and its relevance to arthroplasty, and joint preservation procedures.

A dedicated revision arthroplasty session focused on challenges in revision total knee arthroplasty following trauma, acetabular-side bone defect management and precision in implant removal. A case-based panel discussion on implant choices in revision total knee replacement, followed by a video demonstration of revision TKA, provided participants with practical insights into complex revision procedures.

The conference concluded with an Award Ceremony and Valedictory Session, marking the successful culmination of three days of academic deliberations, surgical learning and professional interaction.

Chandigarh, September 19, 2026: Ather Energy, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, today announced the launch of its new electric scooter, Konarc™️, in Chandigarh, to take EV scooters mainstream in the country. Built on Ather’s new EL platform, Konarc has been engineered to offer a refined everyday riding experience, combining comfort, range, durability and ease of ownership.

Konarc is available across the S and Z product lines, with six variants offering IDC range options of up to 200 km. The Konarc will have a service interval to 10,000 km, which translates to approximately once a year for most riders, whichever is earlier. All Konarc variants are equipped with Ather’s fifth-generation BedrockTM battery, backed by a new 10-year/1,00,000 km,whichever is earlier, warranty with a minimum 70% state of health guaranteed at the end of the coverage period. The scooter combines Ather’s technology-led approach with features designed around everyday riding, including the new Advanced Electronic Braking System (AeBSTM), MagicKey, AutoPop and AirWalkTM.

Punjab continues to be an important market for Ather, with the company improving its market share from 7.9% in Q1 FY26 to 10.8% in Q1 FY27 recording 82% year-on-year growth (as per Vahan) and selling 1011 units (as per Vahan) during Q1 FY27. Ather currently has 10 Experience Centres & 9 Service Centres across Punjab, including 1 in Chandigarh, strengthening its retail and customer support network across the State. The company also has 52 LECCS fast charging points across Punjab, supporting the growing adoption of electric two-wheelers in the region.

In Haryana too, Ather improved its market share from 3.4% in Q1 FY26 to 8.5% in Q1 FY27 registering 174% year-on-year growth (as per Vahan) and selling 383 units (as per Vahan) during Q1 FY27. Ather currently has 8 Experience Centres & 8 Service Centres across Haryana, including 1 in Chandigarh strengthening its retail and customer support network across the State. The company also has 66 LECCS fast charging points across Haryana, supporting the growing adoption of electric two-wheelers in the region.

Hrishikesh Thite, VP Business, Ather Energy, said, “Punjab and Haryana are important markets in our journey towards making electric mobility more accessible to a wider set of riders. With Konarc, we intend to make EV scooters mainstream in India and the scooter has been designed and engineered to meet the needs of those buyers who are waiting to go electric. Features like the metal body, up to 200 km range, plush and comfortable ride, fast home charging, service interval of 10,000 kms and extended battery warranty of 10 years or 1,00,000 km (whichever is earlier) at 70% health guarantee are some of the fundamentals that matter to the buyers in this region. We see Konarc playing an important role in strengthening our presence here and accelerating the shift towards electric mobility in Punjab and Haryana”

Konarc has been engineered around the realities of Indian roads, with a focus on stability, comfort and everyday usability. It features a 14-inch front alloy wheel, 12-inch rear alloy wheel, 1,352 mm wheelbase and long-travel suspension at both ends. It is also Ather’s first scooter to feature metal panels on the rear side and a steel unibody chassis, while its sequential gear-drive transmission is designed to offer smooth and near-silent power delivery.

The scooter introduces a new suite of technology-led features designed to simplify everyday riding. AeBSTM, Ather’s in-house Advanced Electronic Braking System, dynamically adjusts braking force between the front and rear wheels based on road conditions, while also using regenerative braking to enhance braking performance and stability. MagicKey enables a keyless experience with SmartWake™️, automatic locking and remote scooter location. AutoPop provides convenient, hands-free access to the under-seat storage, while AirWalkTM uses mild assistive motor torque to make manually moving the scooter easier in tight parking spaces. Konarc also simplifies charging and ownership. It comes with an integrated onboard charger and charging cable, while the optional 450W offboard charger can work with the built-in 450W charger to deliver 900W through Combined Charging, reducing home charging time by up to half.

With Konarc, Ather continues to expand its product portfolio in Punjab, alongside the sporty Ather 450TM Series and the popular family scooter RiztaTM. The launch in Chandigarh marks another step in the company’s efforts to strengthen its retail, service and charging ecosystem in the state and bring its latest electric mobility solutions to a broader set of riders.

Chandigarh:

“Technology can assist doctors but can never substitute human experience, compassion and the emotional touch,”: Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER

“Compassion, integrity, ethics and a patient-centric approach are the core values that will continue to define the medical profession in the era of rapidly advancing technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, while inaugurating the Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 as Chief Guest.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER Chandigarh, is organising the conference under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity from 17–19 September 2026 at The Lalit, Chandigarh. The theme is “Mastering the Precision and Newer Techniques in Joint Replacement.”

Addressing distinguished medical professionals, senior specialists, young doctors and students, Prof. Lal emphasised the importance of keeping the patient at the centre of healthcare and adopting a comprehensive approach to clinical care as he stated, “It is important that we keep the patient in the centre of whatever we do. They are our biggest assets.”

Stressing that medicine cannot be practised in silos when patients require expertise from multiple disciplines, Director PGIMER said, “That is where the role of a neurologist, the role of an internist and the role of other domains of medicine comes into being. Medicine cannot be practised in silos when the patient requires a comprehensive approach.”

Speaking about the growing influence of AI in healthcare, Prof. Lal said technology should remain an aid to doctors and not a replacement for human experience and judgement.

“AI may help me, and it may be very good and fantastic, but I don’t think it can substitute for the experience of your hands, ” as hedescribed AI as a transformative technology while emphasising the need for responsible engagement with its implications.

Prof. Lal said that preserving the human dimension of medicine would become increasingly important as technology advances.

“If you want to maintain sanity in medicine, it is ultimately our emotional touch, our compassion, our patient-centric approach, and our alignment of thought and action towards the well-being of humanity.”

Director PGIMER also urged young doctors to focus on professional excellence, clinical skills and integrity rather than commercial considerations. “A fast buck comes fast and goes fast. It is better you calibrate your skills and hone your clinical skills so that patients come after you, rather than you going after patients.”

Calling medicine a noble profession, Prof. Lal said healthcare professionals have a responsibility towards society and must preserve the trust placed in them by patients.

Concluding his address, Prof. Lal reiterated the importance of maintaining compassion, integrity and ethics alongside scientific and technological progress as he said, “I see no reason why we should falter on the front of compassion, on the front of integrity and ethics.”

Earlier, Prof. Vijay G. Goni, Head, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER Chandigarh, highlighted the evolution of contemporary arthroplasty and the growing role of personalised planning, precision surgery, navigation and robotics.

“Orthopaedic surgery now involves a much broader spectrum, including patient selection, personalised planning, precision surgery and enhanced recovery. We are witnessing the growing use of navigation, robotics and other advanced technologies for complex as well as primary procedures. But while technology and techniques continue to evolve, the central principle remains unchanged—the patient has to remain at the centre of everything we do.”

Prof. Goni said the conference provides a platform for experts and young professionals to exchange experience and discuss challenging cases.

“Over the next few days, we have brought together experts from different institutions and different areas of expertise to share their experience, discuss challenging cases, question established practices and, most importantly, learn from each other.”

Highlighting the practical component, Pro0f. Goni added, “Yesterday, we had a pre-conference cadaver workshop, where we conducted workshops on complex and primary surgery and also had exposure to robotics.”

The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 includes the 3rd PGI Arthroplasty Course, live surgical demonstrations, a cadaveric workshop, hands-on learning, expert national and international faculty and case-based discussions. The programme focuses on precision and newer techniques in joint replacement.

The scientific sessions cover contemporary approaches to total knee arthroplasty, personalised alignment, navigation, robotics, complex primary procedures, Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) for hip replacement and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA). Hands-on training includes cadaveric and saw-bone based learning, including manual and robotic techniques.

Dr. Deepak, Organising Secretary of the conference, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the meeting and expressed his gratitude to the faculty and delegates for their participation. The conference has brought together distinguished faculty from leading institutions across India, along with international faculty from Australia and Afghanistan, providing a truly diverse platform for academic exchange and sharing of surgical experience. He said that the participation of senior experts, young surgeons and trainees would make the meeting an important forum for discussion, learning and collaboration in the evolving field of joint replacement.

The conference brings together experts from leading institutions across the various countries to  facilitate knowledge-sharing and practical learning, with emphasis on appropriate patient selection, personalised planning, surgical precision, evidence-based decision-making, enhanced recovery and long-term patient outcomes.

Chandigarh:

“ Nothing can beat the watchful eyes of a healthcare professional when it comes to patient safety. Technology can assist us, but it cannot replace human observation, alertness and clinical judgement at the bedside,”
stated Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the Institute’s observance of World Patient Safety Day 2026 at PGIMER today.

The inaugural programme, held at the Auditorium of the Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, brought together faculty members, residents, students, nursing staff and healthcare professionals from different disciplines. The programme was attended by Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics) and Chairperson, Institute Patient Safety Committee; Prof. Vijay K. Goni, Acting Medical Superintendent; and Dr. Mahesh Devnani, Nodal Officer, Patient Safety, Department of Hospital Administration , among others.
Prof. Lal emphasised that the first principle of medicine—do no harm—lies at the heart of patient safety. Cautioning against excessive dependence on technology and gadgets, Director PGIMER said, “ If we believe that AI alone is going to promote patient safety, we may be overlooking the most important safeguard—the watchful healthcare professional.”

Recalling an incident from his internship in 1986–87, when a large number of trauma victims were expected at a civil hospital in Punjab, Prof. Lal said a senior surgeon had taught him that “ the first casualty during an acute event is logical thinking.” He was assigned to stand outside the emergency department and ensure that incoming victims were directed correctly. “ That day I learnt that in patient safety, small things are often the big things,” he said.
Prof. Lal also recalled a 27-year-old trauma patient whose vital parameters appeared relatively reassuring, but whose sweating caught the attention of the senior surgeon. Further exploration revealed a ruptured spleen and the patient recovered. “ A normal blood pressure or a reassuring monitor does not always tell the whole story. We must learn to notice those signs,” he said.
Calling for a stronger culture of prevention, Prof. Lal said, “What is truly unpredictable may not be in our hands, but what is preventable must be prevented.” He stressed that patient safety extends beyond major clinical interventions to everyday practices including correct prescriptions, patient identification, sterilised linen, safe food, documentation, communication and proper handovers.
“ A proper handover is a mandate. Take the resident to the bedside, explain the patient’s problems and ensure that the information is understood. Every member of the healthcare team is part of this ecosystem of care,” Prof. Lal underlined.
“ Keep your watchful eyes open in the wards. The strongest layer of patient safety is the alert, responsible and compassionate healthcare professional ,” Prof. Lal said in conclusion.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics) and Chairperson, Institute Patient Safety Committee said that every patient enters a hospital with the expectation of getting better and healthcare professionals must ensure that treatment does not inadvertently cause additional harm.
“ If we cannot always cure, the least we can do is ensure that we do not create another problem or disease. That is at the core of patient safety ,” he said.
Highlighting medication safety, Prof. Jain recalled an instance involving a look-alike, sound-alike medication, where a patient was receiving a different drug from the one intended.
“ We must never presume that whatever we are doing is right. We have to keep our eyes and ears open and verify what the patient is actually receiving,” he said.
Prof. Jain emphasised that patient safety is a collective responsibility involving doctors, nurses, technicians, radiologists, support staff and every other person contributing to patient care. “ Healthcare has become extremely complex. Patient safety cannot be managed by one group alone,” he said.
Prof. Jain added that the quality of healthcare is reflected not only through sophisticated infrastructure but also through simple indicators such as patient falls, medication errors, correct patient identification and safe blood transfusion practices.
“ The purpose of observing Patient Safety Day is to recognise these risks and reduce preventable harm . All of us must work together to provide patients with an environment that is healthier and safer, so that a patient who comes to us goes home with a smile,” Prof. Jain said.
Dr. Mahesh Devnani, Nodal Officer, Patient Safety, said that safe practices must become an integral part of everyday clinical systems. “ Standardised processes, effective communication, infection control, medication safety, safe surgery and continuous monitoring are essential for reducing preventable risks and building reliable healthcare systems,” he said.
The technical programme comprised a series of expert sessions addressing critical aspects of patient safety. The session on “Medication Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance” was delivered by Prof. Nusrat Shafiq, Department of Pharmacology highlighting the importance of safe medication practices and responsible antimicrobial use.
This was followed by a session on “Safe Transfusion Practices” by Dr. Hari Krishan Dhawan , Department of Transfusion Medicine focusing on measures to ensure safe and appropriate blood transfusion.
Dr. Mahesh Devnani, Department of Hospital Administration, addressed “ Infection Prevention and Control, and Safe Biomedical Waste Management Practices,” emphasising the role of systematic infection-control measures and responsible biomedical waste management in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
The programme resumed with a session on “ Surgical Safety” delivered by Prof. L. Kaman, Department of General Surgery, focusing on measures to minimise risks and ensure safety across the surgical-care pathway.
The programme concluded with a Panel Discussion on the theme of World Patient Safety Day 2026, “ Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases,”. The discussion focused on patient-safety challenges in the prevention, diagnosis and long-term management of noncommunicable diseases, which require continuous and coordinated care.
The panel was chaired by Prof. Arun Aggarwal, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, and included Prof. A. N. Aggarwal, Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Prof. Manisha Biswal, Department of Medical Microbiology, with Prof. Shankar Prinja, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, as Moderator.
The programme highlighted that patient safety is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts across clinical, diagnostic, nursing, technical, administrative and support services.

Chandigarh: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday said that the fees levied on UPI payments represent a new inflationary blow to the common man. “The BJP government is misleading the public by claiming that this will not burden the customer; however, the reality is that whenever merchant fees are imposed, the burden invariably falls on the customer,” he stated. Hooda cited the example of taxes and various fees levied on petrol and diesel; oil companies never pay these themselves, and ultimately, the customers have to foot the bill. That is why the general public ends up paying 40–50 percent in taxes on fuel. Similarly, petrol pump operators do not pay card payment charges themselves; instead, they recover the cost from the customer under the guise of a “fuel surcharge.”

He said jewelers add a “card surcharge” to the bill to offset the 1.5–2 percent MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) payable to banks. IRCTC, cinema halls, and travel apps collect payment gateway charges from passengers under the label of “convenience fees.” Many shopkeepers refuse card payments for small bills to avoid processing costs, effectively forcing customers to make larger purchases. Restaurants and large stores, despite it being illegal to directly add MDR to the bill, recover the amount from customers by imposing a 5 percent “service charge.”

“The same scenario will play out with UPI fees. Traders and large merchants will add this 0.4 percent charge (or the maximum cap of ₹300) to the bill. Expenses such as school and college fees, rations, medicines, clothing, and daily purchases will become costlier,” he said.

“The claim regarding an exemption for small traders on transactions up to ₹1 lakh is merely on paper; the goods they procure from suppliers will already have the UPI payment fee factored into the price, meaning customers will ultimately pay more for those items,” he added.

Hooda remarked that the government, which championed the “Digital India” slogan, is now imposing taxes on the very system that the common man had adopted precisely because it was free of cost.

“Imposing fees on that system now amounts to a direct betrayal of the public. The Congress demands the immediate withdrawal of these fees. Instead of devising new ways to burden the common man with the impact of inflation, the government should seek avenues to provide relief,” he demanded.

Chandigarh, September 16, 2026:

The Seva Sankalp Utsav will begin on September 17, the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and will continue for an entire month until October 17. As part of the celebrations, a grand rangoli event titled “Seva Ke Rang” will be organised at different locations across the city on October 7. This information was shared by senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon.

Sanjay Tandon, who is the convenor of the programme, said that on this occasion, BJP Chandigarh will create a huge rangoli spread over an area of 108×108 metres. In addition, rangoli will be created across all six districts of Chandigarh, covering an area of 17×17 metres in each district. Ramesh Sahod will be the co-convenor of the programme.

A key meeting in this regard was held at the BJP office ‘Kamalam’ in Sector 33 under the leadership of Sanjay Tandon. Mahila Morcha President Sonam Verma, and General Secretaries Ruby Gupta and Hema Sharma, along with convenors from all districts, were present at the meeting. District-wise convenors have been appointed to ensure the successful organisation of the programme, while the active participation of the Mahila Morcha has also been ensured. The Mahila Morcha will create rangolis across 35 mandals.

The meeting also discussed in detail the preparations for the programme, district-level events and measures to ensure the participation of the maximum number of party workers.