CHANDIGARH: “Project SARTHI has been a game changer, transforming into a national movement. On the basis of the remarkable work here, we have initiated similar projects in 250 hospitals across 25 states on the lines of Project Sarathi, and we are preparing to expand to over 700 hospitals shortly,” stated Ms. Meeta Rajivlochan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India while addressing at an impressive event organised to felicitate the NSS volunteers of Project Sarathi here at PGIMER today.
The felicitation ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent & Head, Deptt. of Hospital Administration, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Addl. Medical Superintendent, Dr. Arun Bansal, Prof., Deptt. of Paediatrics, Dr Pankaj Arora, Addl. Prof., and Dr. R.S.Bhogal, Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hospital Administration, Mr Ghanshyam Dass, Sr. AO (Vigilence), Mr. Nemi Chand, State Liason Officer- NSS to mention a few.
Expressing her deep appreciation of the Project Sarathi, the Secretary further said, “The true strength of Project SARTHI lies in its ability to foster positivity, build self-esteem, and empower through communication. In a space as dynamic and demanding as PGIMER, where 20,000 patients pass through each day, by streamlining care by NSS volunteers, we are setting the foundation for a more compassionate and efficient healthcare system.”
Deliberating on the way forward for up scaling the Project, Ms Meeta Rajivlochan emphasised, “The road to scaling Project SARTHI lies in structured systems and shared learning. By circulating the SOPs and conducting thorough before-and-after studies, we not only solidify the project’s impact but also pave the way for sustainable expansion.”
“For us the way forward would be how to institute My Bharat Help Desk in medical institutions which would allow different educational institutions to connect with them regularly, enabling young people to fulfil their innate desire to serve through an organized, adaptable framework,” the Secretary further added.
Conveying her full support to the project, the Secretary said, "Project Sarathi has provided the NSS volunteers with a platform to apply their skills and compassion in a real-world setting. We will ensure that the movement picks up from strength to strength.”
The Secretary encouraged the volunteers to document their experiences and update their profiles on the "Mera Yuva Bharat" platform as she concluded, “Volunteers who complete 120 hours of service will receive experiential learning certificates, further adding value to their contributions.”
Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER , while welcoming the Secretary, called her visit as ‘home coming’ as she had previously served as Deputy Director Administration (DDA) at PGIMER. The Director stated that her presence was an acknowledgment of the project Sarathi’s impact.
Prof. Lal further remarked, "PGI is a hospital for the masses, not the classes. Volunteers who engage with patients and their families, many from underprivileged backgrounds, provide them invaluable support.”
Commending the student volunteers, Prof. Lal said,” Its amazing how a simple idea is conceived by DDA PGIMER, Mr. Pankaj Rai, is snowballing into a movement and how its impacting the society, all because of student volunteers. Their work not only eases the burden on the hospital’s overwhelmed staff but also brings immense personal fulfilment as they receive gratitude from patients.
Sharing the sentiments of all the student volunteers, Mansi Sharma, from Post Graduate Girls College, Sector 11, said "Every day at PGI is a learning experience for me. Helping people navigate through their struggles, whether it's guiding them or simply offering support, gives me immense peace and satisfaction. It's not just service; it's a way to make a real difference in someone's life."
Earlier, the Secretary accompanied by Director, Deputy Director (Administration), Medical Superintendent, PGIMER visited new OPD block to interact with the student volunteers on duty and lauded their efforts and spirit.