Chandigarh | PGIMER News:
The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has announced the recruitment of 300 ex-servicemen to enhance security and streamline services on campus. These former defence personnel will be stationed at key points, including the hospital’s main gate and other sensitive zones, to support the existing security staff and ensure a safer and more disciplined environment.
PGI Director Prof. Vivek Lal confirmed the move, stating that patient security and hospital discipline remain top priorities. He warned that contractors failing to comply with rules or displaying negligence would face strict actions—ranging from contract termination to legal proceedings.
🔐 Security to be Strengthened with Veterans’ Support
As part of PGI’s renewed focus on discipline and public accountability, the ex-army personnel will assist in crowd control, gate regulation, and internal security patrols. The recruitment aims to replace underperforming contractors and reduce security lapses reported in recent months.
The initiative is expected to bring in a more systematic and disciplined approach, considering the military background of the ex-servicemen, many of whom have been involved in sensitive operations and are trained in crisis handling.
🍽️ IRCTC in Talks to Manage Hospital Canteen Services
In another major administrative move, talks are underway with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to take over operations of the hospital canteen. This decision follows several complaints regarding poor food quality, hygiene lapses, and unsatisfactory service provided by existing private contractors.
PGI Deputy Director Pankaj Rai said that the primary objective is to provide clean, nutritious, and affordable meals to patients and their attendants, who often rely on canteen facilities during prolonged medical stays.
If IRCTC takes charge, visitors can expect a structured and government-monitored system, similar to railway food outlets, which follow strict hygiene and pricing norms.
🛑 Strict Monitoring of Contractors, Audits to Be Conducted
Recent inspections revealed gross negligence in both the hospital’s canteen and parking services. Show-cause notices have been served to several vendors, and some contracts have already been cancelled for failing to meet required standards.
Prof. Vivek Lal emphasized that regular audits will now be conducted for all outsourced services. Any further violation—whether in sanitation, safety, or service quality—will result in immediate corrective action. “No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to patient care and institutional integrity,” he added.
🧾 Objectives Behind the New Measures
These administrative actions come in the wake of increasing complaints from patients and attendants regarding delays, crowd mismanagement, overcharging, and unhygienic food practices. The administration is taking these matters seriously and has launched:
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Accountability audits for every outsourced contract
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Monitoring mechanisms for security staff and canteen workers
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Penal actions for defaulters and repeat offenders
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Reinforcement of hospital management protocols
PGIMER has clarified that the aim is not just to impose discipline but to create a more efficient, transparent, and patient-friendly ecosystem on campus.
📌 Conclusion
The appointment of ex-servicemen and potential involvement of IRCTC marks a significant shift in PGI Chandigarh’s operational strategy. The twin efforts are aimed at elevating patient experience, ensuring institutional discipline, and maintaining public trust.
As PGI continues to be one of India’s premier medical institutions, such decisions are expected to set a precedent for administrative reforms in public healthcare systems nationwide.
