Chandigarh: Building on the success of its first student exposure initiative, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh government, organized the second edition of Project SARATHI. This initiative brought over 800 school students to the institute this month.
Program Details
A total of 837 students and 71 teachers from districts including Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, Sirmaur, Shimla, Solan, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti visited PGIMER in four batches between May 12 and 18. The programme aimed to familiarize students with the functioning of a premier public healthcare institution while promoting values of empathy, discipline, and social responsibility.
Director's Perspective
PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal stated that such initiatives help young minds understand compassion, teamwork, and preventive healthcare. He added that early exposure to public healthcare systems helps shape informed and responsible citizens.
Administrative Insights
Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai explained that the visits were planned in batches to ensure meaningful interaction without disrupting hospital operations. Many students, he noted, were visiting a tertiary healthcare facility for the first time.
Activities and Impact
During the programme, students attended awareness sessions on organ, eye, and blood donation. They also toured patient care areas to understand how various stakeholders work together in a hospital setting.
Teachers described the initiative as valuable for personality development and awareness, while students termed the experience inspiring. The programme is expected to have a lasting impact on the young participants, encouraging them to consider careers in healthcare and public service.
