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PGI Chandigarh Forms Vigilance Team to Protect Patients from Exploitation

PGI Chandigarh has constituted a vigilance team to prevent exploitation of patients and attendants within the institute premises. The decision addresses the high daily footfall of approximately 35,000-40,000 people, particularly protecting vulnerable sections. The team, comprising one security officer and five personnel, will conduct plain-clothes and surprise inspections to curb touting and cheating. PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of exploitation in the campus.

Key Points: PGI Chandigarh Vigilance Team to Protect Patients

  • PGI Chandigarh forms vigilance team to curb patient exploitation
  • Team comprises one security officer and five personnel in plain clothes
  • Focus on preventing touting, cheating, and extortion among 35,000-40,000 daily visitors
  • Led by Senior Administrative Officer (Vigilance) with surprise inspections
2 min read

PGI Chandigarh constitutes vigilance team to check exploitation of patients

PGI Chandigarh constitutes a vigilance team to prevent patient exploitation, with plain-clothes officers checking touting and cheating amid 35,000-40,000 daily footfall.

"In an institution witnessing such a massive daily footfall, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that every patient and attendant feels safe, respected, and protected. - Prof Vivek Lal"

Chandigarh, April 23

In a significant step towards strengthening patient safety and ensuring a transparent, patient-centric environment, PGIMER in Chandigarh has constituted a vigilance team to prevent exploitation of patients and their attendants within the institute premises.

The decision has been taken in view of the exceptionally high daily footfall of approximately 35,000-40,000 patients and attendants.

Recognising the vulnerabilities associated with such large volumes, particularly among economically weaker and less literate sections, the PGI has intensified on-ground vigilance to curb instances of duping, cheating, touting, and extortion.

Reiterating the firm zero-tolerance policy against any form of exploitation within the campus, PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal said on Thursday, "In an institution witnessing such a massive daily footfall, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that every patient and attendant feels safe, respected, and protected. The constitution of this vigilance team reflects our zero-tolerance approach towards exploitation in any form.

"We are particularly committed to safeguarding vulnerable sections so that no one is misled or taken advantage of while seeking care at the PGIMER."

The vigilance team comprises one security officer from the PGI's security as team head, along with five security personnel drawn from the Security and Ex-Servicemen Security. The team will function under the supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer (Vigilance).

Elaborating on the structure and operational framework, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), added, "This vigilance mechanism has been carefully designed to function with discretion, efficiency, and accountability. Through plain-clothes deployment and surprise as well as intelligence-based inspections, the team will ensure prompt identification and action against malpractices. It reinforces our commitment to maintaining institutional integrity and delivering patient-centric services at all levels."

The vigilance is mandated to detect, prevent, and take immediate action against any form of malpractice, including unauthorised facilitation, overcharging, and misleading practices targeting patients and attendants. It is empowered to identify and apprehend suspicious individuals and hand them over to security or police authorities as per due procedure, while ensuring that genuine patients are not inconvenienced.

This order has been issued in the larger public interest to uphold the integrity of institutional services and to protect patients and attendants from any form of exploitation within the PGIMER campus.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I work in Chandigarh and my parents came to PGI last year. Some guys outside were offering "fast track" appointments for a fee. We almost fell for it. This is a much needed reform. But it won't be effective unless the hospital also educates patients about these scams through posters and announcements.
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Priya S
I appreciate the intent, but I hope this team doesn't become another harassment tool for poor patients. Many times security personnel themselves are rude to villagers who come for treatment. The team needs proper training to distinguish between a confused patient and a tout. Transparency is key.
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Ravi K
Finally! My uncle was cheated of Rs 2000 by someone posing as a doctor's assistant near the emergency gate. This should have been done long ago. PGI chalao, na chalo, yahan sab chalta hai. But happy to see Prof Vivek Lal taking action. Just ensure this vigilance is actually visible and not just on paper.
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Michael C
I've visited PGI several times for my mother's treatment. The crowd is overwhelming. Five security personnel for 40,000 daily visitors sounds inadequate though. They need more manpower and probably CCTV integration. But it's a start. Hopefully they'll expand the team based on results.
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Nisha Z
Yeh toh bahut accha kiya hai. But dono taraf se dekhna padega - patients ko bhi jagruk karna hoga aur staff ko bhi strict rakhna hoga. PGI ka naam bachana hai toh ground level pe kaam karna hoga. Vishesh kar ke OPD counters ke bahar jo "agents" baithe rehte hain

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