The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh is set to launch a pioneering medical museum, the first of its kind in a government hospital and an institution of national importance. The museum, which will open on April 30 during PGI's annual convocation, aims to preserve the rich legacy of academic brilliance and surgical grit that has defined the institute.
Historical Surgical Instruments on Display
Among the exhibits is the Mackenzie-type tonsil guillotine, a chilling yet precise surgical tool from the late 19th century. This brutal-looking device, reminiscent of a guillotine, was once used for tonsil removal. Today, the procedure is much gentler, but the instrument serves as a stark reminder of medical history. Other artifacts include heavy metal cylinders once used to haul radioactive materials, vintage dental cameras, and slide projectors that illuminated lectures by some of India's brightest medical minds.
Preserving PGI's Legacy
PGI director Prof Vivek Lal conceptualized the project during a stint at Cairo University, where he saw medical artifacts preserved since 1776. He realized that PGI's own founding fathers deserved a similar tribute to inspire younger generations. "It will be a nostalgic innovation. We want to showcase the brilliance of our academicians to inspire those to come," Prof Vivek said.
The museum is housed in the Nehru Hospital extension building. Once the Sarangpur campus is complete, the exhibit will transition into a state-of-the-art facility, integrated with the existing anatomy museum and featuring immersive 3D audio-visual experiences designed with the help of experts from the National Museum in Delhi.
Hall of Fame and Future Plans
Visitors can expect a "Hall of Fame" dedicated to the institute's Padma awardees, with archival photographs and glass-labelled cases showcasing the evolution of medical technology. "As a pilot project, this museum marks the beginning of a broader institutional effort to preserve the historical identity of the hospital, ensuring that its legacy remains accessible to future generations and continues to inspire others," said Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI.
The museum is not just a collection of artifacts; it is a timeline of an institution that grew alongside the city of Chandigarh itself, rooted in the foundational vision of Sardar Partap Singh Kairon. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda, will be the chief guest at the launch.
