CHANDIGARH, 19.03.26-In a significant step towards strengthening the capacity to address rare diseases, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, successfully organised a comprehensive one-day Workshop on Rare Diseases on March 18, 2026, under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.

PGIMER Chandigarh organised a Workshop in collaboration with the Government Medical College, Amritsar, under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The workshop drew an impressive participation of over 200 faculty members, postgraduate residents, medical officers, and frontline healthcare practitioners drawn from GMC Amritsar and neighbouring institutions. The programme focused on three core objectives: enhancing early recognition of rare diseases in clinical settings; strengthening diagnostic capacity through evidence-based algorithms; and familiarising participants with national policies, financial support mechanisms, and referral pathways available under NPRD 2021.

The entire programme was conceptualised and executed under the able guidance of Prof. Praveen Kumar, Chairperson of the Rare Diseases Committee, PGIMER Chandigarh.

Director’s Message

“Rare diseases may be individually uncommon, but collectively they affect millions of Indians and their families. At PGIMER, we remain perpetually enthusiastic about furthering the cause of rare diseases — through clinical excellence, policy engagement, and, above all, education. By organising workshops like this one at premier institutions like GMC Amritsar, we are building a formidable network of sensitised clinicians who can serve as the first line of recognition for conditions that too often go undiagnosed for years. I am especially heartened by the active participation of medical students in the poster competition — they represent our greatest investment in a future where every rare disease patient receives a timely diagnosis and compassionate care.”— Prof. (Dr.) Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh