As the strike by outsourced workers comprising Hospital Attendants, Sanitation Attendants and Bearers at PGIMER entered its seventh day, the institute has witnessed an inspiring display of dedication and resilience from its healthcare staff and volunteers.
In a heart-warming gesture, NSS volunteers from National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) have taken the lead in maintaining cleanliness in key hospital areas, ensuring that patient well-being is not compromised. Their efforts have set an example for others, demonstrating the power of solidarity and community in the face of challenges.
"We are immensely proud of our young NSS Nursing Student Volunteers," said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director , PGIMER . "Their willingness to step up during this challenging time showcases their deep sense of responsibility and commitment to patient care which cannot be held hostage to any strike.”
“These volunteers are setting a powerful example of how service lies at the heart of every healthcare professional," stated the Director, PGIMER.
With the housekeeping, sanitation and dietetics services disrupted due to the ongoing strike, the NSS Nursing Student Volunteers went beyond their academic responsibilities. They rolled up their sleeves and cleaned wards, corridors, and common areas in Emergency, Advanced Trauma Centre (ATC), Advanced Cardiac Centre (ACC), Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC), working hand-in-hand with the faculty, residents from the Deptt. of Hospital Administration led by Medical Superintendent & Head, Deptt. Of Hospital Administration, Prof. Vipin Koushal, exemplifying how the healthcare community comes together in times of crisis.
Echoing the same sentiments, Prof. Vipin Koushal, expressed gratitude to the NSS volunteers from NINE, other volunteers from NGOs and Educational Institutes and regular staff of PGIMER as he stated, “The volunteers have been working around the clock to ensure that patient care did not suffer despite the strike. Their cooperation and hard work have allowed us to maintain hygiene and service to a large extent," he stated.
Prof Koushal further stated, “This effort is aimed at not only safeguarding patient health but also creating an enabling environment for nursing officers and other healthcare professionals, who continue to serve patients tirelessly.”
In addition to the NSS nursing student volunteers, other NSS volunteers from educational institutes, volunteers from various NGOs, including Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, ROTRACT, SUKH Foundation have also been instrumental in supporting essential services during this period. Their contribution is helping to alleviate the pressure on hospital staff and ensure functioning.
In terms of patient services, Prof. Koushal provided the following data;  the Outpatient Department (OPD) managed a total of 5,442 patients, the Emergency OPD admitted 160 new cases, and the Trauma OPD saw 14 new patients. Additionally, 16 procedures were performed in the Cath Lab, there were 4deliveries, and 140 patients received day care chemotherapy. In addition, 25 surgeries were also performed.The Emergency Department treated 309 patients, while the Advanced Trauma Center (ATC) catered to 227 patients."
“As the case was scheduled for hearing today, the decision of the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab & Haryana is still awaited. We will provide an update as soon as it is communicated to us," stated Prof. Koushal.
PGIMER continues to engage in talks with the striking workers in an effort to reach an amicable resolution, but until then, the institution remains focused on delivering care to its patients, thanks to the commendable efforts of volunteers.
However, if the strike persists, a contingency plan is in place to ensure the uninterrupted operation of Emergency, Trauma, and ICU services. OPD services will be restricted to follow-up patient registrations between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with new patient registrations and online appointments temporarily suspended. Elective admissions and surgeries have been postponed, and patients are being informed of these changes in advance.