CHANDIGARH, 24.07.26-Forty-seven senior healthcare professionals representing 19 countries visited the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to gain first-hand exposure to India's innovative healthcare practices, nursing leadership, and patient-centred service delivery models. The field visit was conducted as part of the 34th International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP), organized by the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.

The study visit highlighted how flagship Government of India initiatives, including the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat, the National Organ Transplant Programme, and the country's digital health and sustainability initiatives, are translated into practice at one of India's premier tertiary healthcare institutions. The delegates explored innovative approaches that strengthen health systems while advancing universal health coverage through quality, accessible, and patient-centred care.

The visit commenced with an overview of PGIMER's contributions to patient care, medical education, research, and public health. Delegates toured the Outpatient Department (OPD), where they observed best practices in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme. They also visited the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) Centre, and the Day Care Centre, each demonstrating integrated, multidisciplinary models of healthcare delivery. The delegation was further introduced to PGIMER's award-winning Green Hospital Initiative, showcasing sustainable healthcare practices aligned with national priorities for climate-resilient health systems.The delegates also visited the newly inaugurated Advanced Neurosciences Centre, where they toured the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and were subsequently briefed on PGIMER's pioneering work in deceased organ donation and its nationally recognized achievements in organ transplantation through the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO).

Addressing the participants, Dr. Sonu Goel, Program Director, IPHMDP, and Professor, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, emphasized the importance of investing in nursing leadership and global knowledge exchange. Echoing the Government of India's vision, he remarked, “Healthcare professionals, especially our nurses, are at the forefront of delivering compassionate and quality healthcare".