Medical Superintendent leads cleanliness drive by doctors, nursing staff in PGI

Amid the ongoing strike by the contractual staff of the PGI, the Medical Superintendent, Prof Vipin Koushal, picked up a wiper and joined the volunteers in cleaning Nehru Hospital today.

Everyone was surprised to see the Head of Hospital Administration, usually seen in a white coat, wearing a shirt almost similar to the uniform of the sanitation staff and sanitising wards and washrooms on the second floor of the hospital.

Professor Koushal has been on his toes ever since the outsourced workers, including sanitation & hospital attendants and kitchen staff went on strike. For the PGI administration, sanitation posed a major challenge followed by dietetics services and housekeeping. He, alongside hospital staff and volunteers, tried his best to fill in for 3,500 outsourced workers.

Meanwhile, resident doctors themselves sanitised Advance Trauma Centre (ATC) and operation theatres so as to do emergency surgeries one after another without hassle. Students of BSc (Nursing) from the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGI, also rolled up their sleeves and cleaned wards, corridors and common areas in Emergency and other major buildings, working hand-in-hand with the faculty and residents of the Department of Hospital Administration, led by Professor Koushal.

Around 35 volunteers from Rotaract, over 100 NSS volunteers from the government colleges of the city and members of NGOs such as Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra and Sukh Foundation contributed to making the PGI buildings hygienic and operational for essential medical services.

“We are immensely proud of our young NSS Nursing Student Volunteers. 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 Vivek Lal, Director, PGI.

Director in Delhi

According to sources, the PGI Director, Vivek Lal, and Deputy Director, Administration, Pankaj Rai have gone to Delhi to address the ongoing concerns of workers with the Government of India. The Financial Adviser also accompanied them. The outsourced workers have been on strike since October 10.

160 new patients admitted to Emergency

The Outpatient Department (OPD) examined 5,442 patients, the Emergency OPD admitted 160 new cases and the Trauma OPD saw 14 new patients. Sixteen procedures were performed in the Cath Lab. A total of 140 patients received day care chemotherapy. Besides, 25 surgeries were performed.

OPD curbs continue

• Services will be restricted to follow-up patients only
• Registrations to be done between 8 am and 10 am
• New patient registrations and online appointments temporarily suspended