Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has called on hospitals and healthcare institutions to rapidly adopt digital technologies, emphasizing that digital transformation is essential for delivering quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to every citizen.
Governor's Address at IMA Workshop
Speaking at a workshop titled “Digital Health – Now a Necessity, from Awareness to Accessible Affordable Implementation,” organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Chandigarh, Kataria stated that digitisation was the way forward for improving patient care, transparency, operational efficiency, and overall healthcare outcomes. The workshop was conducted online on July 5, 2026.
The Governor urged healthcare providers to implement hospital management information systems (HMIS), electronic medical records, NABH Digital Health Standards, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. He stressed that these tools would enable seamless data sharing, reduce errors, and enhance the patient experience.
IMA National President Joins Online
IMA National President Dr. Anil Kumar J Nayak, who also joined the workshop online, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting the community, the medical fraternity, and the government in providing quality healthcare. He encouraged hospitals, diagnostic centres, and clinics to align with national healthcare initiatives by embracing digital health solutions.
Chandigarh as a Model City
Dr. Suman Singh, Director of Health Services, UT Chandigarh, highlighted that Chandigarh has emerged as a model city in digital health implementation. Government hospitals in the city have already adopted digital systems successfully. She urged private healthcare institutions to expedite the adoption of digital healthcare technologies to ensure seamless patient care across the city.
Workshop Aim and Participants
Dr. Anil Kumar, President of IMA Chandigarh, welcomed the dignitaries and noted that the workshop was designed to equip healthcare institutions with the knowledge needed to adopt digital health systems and prepare for the future of healthcare. The event brought together hospital CEOs, medical superintendents, administrators, and healthcare professionals to deliberate on implementation strategies.
Community Health Initiatives
In addition to the workshop, IMA Chandigarh organized a free health check-up camp for senior citizens at IMA Bhawan, Sector 35. The association also conducted a voluntary blood donation camp, collecting 125 units of blood.
