Annually, PGI caters to approximately 10,000 outpatient visits daily, totalling around three million visits, with 200,000 admissions for both long-term and day-care treatments, alongside 80,000 surgeries encompassing major and minor procedures. (File Photo)The PGIMER, Chandigarh, is set to celebrate its 62nd Institute Foundation Day on July 7, 2025, marking over six decades of dedicated service in medical education, research, and patient care.The institute will host Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, as the chief guest, and he will deliver the keynote address, “Creating more physicians, scientists and innovators in leading medical institutes”.A distinguished physician-scientist specialising in paediatrics and public health, Dr Bahl has been a leading figure in maternal and child health research for over 30 years. His work has supported multi-country research in Asia and Africa, and has strengthened research capacity across more than 50 institutions worldwide.Joining him as the guest of honour is Dr D Behera, Professor Emeritus at PGIM and president of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. With over 40 years of experience, Dr Behera is a renowned respiratory specialist, former dean at PGIMER, and a leader in lung cancer research. Founded in 1961 with the concurrence of the Planning Commission, PGIMER commenced operations in 1962 and was formally inaugurated on July 7, 1963, by the then prime minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. Recognised as an institute of national importance in 1967, PGIMER Chandigarh has been at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care, contributing to national health initiatives under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.Spanning an expansive area of 277 acres, the institute is a hub of medical excellence with a dedicated workforce of 11,847 employees, including 728 esteemed faculty members and around 1,300 academic resident doctors across 47 specialised departments and 10 centres of excellence.The institute has a capacity of 2,233 beds, including 207 ICU beds and 73 operating theatres, facilitating comprehensive healthcare services. Annually, PGI caters to approximately 10,000 outpatient visits daily, totalling around three million visits, with 200,000 admissions for both long-term and day-care treatments, alongside 80,000 surgeries encompassing major and minor procedures. The paediatric emergency services handle about 10,000 cases annually, supported by a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admitting 800 patients per year.Also Read | PGIMER short of 3,000 nurses, staff overburdened amid rising patient loadThe institute offers services across 160 specialities and super-specialities, supported by numerous laboratories and advanced diagnostic facilities. Its commitment to continuously upgrading technology is reflected in the availability of cutting-edge equipment such as a 384-slice dual-source CT scan, advanced PET and CT facilities, metabolic and genetic laboratories, vascular intervention labs, and MRI machines.Story continues below this adPatient care remains the institute’s top priority, guided by the motto, ‘Service with Sacrifice.’ Its commitment to accessible healthcare is reflected in its extensive outreach through government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, benefiting over 1.55 lakh beneficiaries.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:PGI ChandigarhPGIMER