CHANDIGARH, 28.05.25-The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh today honoured the dedicated team of doctors, nursing officers, transport staff, hospital attendants, and volunteers who rendered exceptional medical support at ground zero during Operation Sindoor — a special humanitarian mission carried out in the crisis-hit region of Jammu & Kashmir.

The felicitation ceremony was held at the institute in the august presence of Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, who commended the team for their courage, swift response, and professional excellence in the face of adversity. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal & Dean. Govt. Medical College, Jammu, Dr. Shelly Mahajan GMC Jammu ,Prof. R K Ratho, Dean (Academics), Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Acting Medical Superintendent, Prof. B R Mittal Head Dept. of Nuclear Medicine and other senior faculty from PGIMER.

Lauding the team, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER said “This team represented the finest spirit of PGIMER. Their presence at ground zero amidst extremely challenging circumstances not only saved lives but also brought dignity, relief, and a sense of hope to many in distress. Their contribution goes beyond medical duty — it was a deeply humanitarian act,”

Prof. Lal further said,“PGIMER has always stood at the forefront of national service — be it during natural calamities, health emergencies, or humanitarian crises. Operation Sindoor has once again proven that the institute’s strength lies in the commitment of its people.”

A team of doctors who provided critical medical and surgical support in the field included Dr. Amit Sharma (Anaesthesia), Dr. Swapnesh Sahu (General & Vascular Surgery), Dr. Himanshu Kanwat (Orthopaedics), Dr. Mahesh Jangra (Plastic Surgery), Dr. Sachin Kumar (Anaesthesia), Dr. Gokulakrishnan Hari (General & Vascular Surgery), Dr. Udit Jayant (Orthopaedics), and Dr. Sachin C. Nair (Plastic Surgery). Their efforts ranged from trauma stabilization to emergency surgeries in the makeshift medical zones set up in the conflict-hit area.

Three dedicated nursing officers — Sh. Narinder Tyagi, Sh. Ramesh Kumar, and Sh. Krishan Kumar — were instrumental in providing round-the-clock patient care, monitoring post-surgical recovery, and supporting emergency interventions during the mission.

The operation would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of the Transport Department team, which managed difficult terrain and tight schedules to ensure timely evacuation, logistical coordination, and supply chain continuity. Those felicitated from the department include Sh. Shiv Nath, Sh. Pradeep Kumar (II), Sh. Lakhvir Singh, Sh. Jasvir Singh, Sh. Rajveer Singh, Sh. Sandeep Singh, Sh. Jagtar Singh, Sh. Jatinder Singh, Sh. Malkit, and Sh. Gaurav Kumar .

Supporting the clinical and logistical backbone of the team was Sh. Darshan Singh, Hospital Attendant , whose role in maintaining operational hygiene and patient assistance proved vital under field conditions.

Two selfless volunteers from Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra, Sh. Manmohan and Sh. Shyam Paswan, were also felicitated for their unwavering support in patient care coordination and movement assistance, and emotional support to those affected during the crisis.

The event concluded with heartfelt applause for the entire team, who were presented with appreciation certificates and mementoes. Their courage and dedication have paved the way for the formation of a Rapid Medical Response Team within PGIMER to further strengthen emergency outreach during national crises.