CHANDIGARH, 10.09.26-The key to success in public health lies in innovation and its effective implementation, said Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal, Additional Professor-cum-Joint Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, Chandigarh, while briefing the delegates on the concept of a green hospital during the field visit of 45 international delegates from 25 countries participating in the 8th Public Health Policy and Management Program, organized by PGIMER, Chandigarh, with the support of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

PGIMER has excelled in providing state-of-the-art digital healthcare services to citizens and has emerged as a torchbearer for the Digital Health Mission, said Dr. Sonu Goel, Program Director. He further added that, over the past decade, the successful delivery of the programme to more than 1,800 professionals has enabled participants to gain insights into PGIMER’s best practices and explore their replication in their respective countries.

During the field visit to PGIMER, Chandigarh, the delegates witnessed several state-of-the-art practices, including the Tele-Evidence facility, the first of its kind in the country, which enables doctors to provide testimony through video conferencing rather than requiring their physical presence in court. This facility has resulted in savings of ₹1.92 crore over a period of two years, besides saving approximately 30,000 hours of doctors’ time, shared the Consultant for Tele-Evidence. The innovative practice of telemedicine was also demonstrated. The service is connected with neighbouring states and SAARC countries, facilitating access to basic as well as highly specialized healthcare services.

The delegates also appreciated the visit to the Green Hospital, the first government hospital in the country to receive the prestigious Platinum Rating Award from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). They were also briefed about the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO), a national award-winning centre.