Mega health camp at PGI draws huge response

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Tuesday organised a mega health camp under the Union Government’s flagship ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’, drawing an overwhelming response from the community.

The initiative, focused on strengthening women health and preventive care, saw thousands availing services ranging from screenings to surgeries.

Adding a global dimension, a group of final-year medical students from Lund University, Sweden, currently on elective training at PGI’s Advanced Paediatric Centre, joined the camp. The visiting delegation praised the scale, efficiency and people-centric approach of the outreach.

PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal said, “The participation of international students underlines the global relevance of India’s health initiatives. Such exchanges enrich both sides and strengthen our collective vision for healthier societies.”

The students echoed the sentiment. “The organisation and outreach of the camp are truly inspiring,” said Tilda Gunnarsson, while Pavel Larsson highlighted how seamlessly “awareness, screening and treatment are integrated under one roof”. Their peers, Maria Kökeritz and Mai Stensson, described the energy and compassion at the camp as “extraordinary”.

The delegation, led by faculty from Skåne University Hospital, is in Chandigarh from September 15 to 19 for an elective on paediatrics in low and middle-income settings.

Meanwhile, the camp itself recorded a strong service footprint, underscoring its women-centric focus. In addition to extensive screenings, 94 major surgeries were conducted and 450 blood donations mobilised. Ayushman Bharat cards and ABHA IDs were also generated, extending comprehensive health coverage to participants.