CHANDIGARH-10.07.2025-Hon’ble Health Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Visits PGIMER Chandigarh to Seek Support for Establishing Renal Transplant Program in the StatIn a landmark initiative to strengthen renal care services in the north-eastern region, Shri Biyuram Wahge, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Arunachal Pradesh , visited PGIMER Chandigarh today along with a senior delegation to further the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. The visit aimed to reinforce efforts toward establishing a robust renal transplant program in Arunachal Pradesh and to request continued academic and technical support from PGIMER.

The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by Dr. Mohesh Chai, Hon’ble Advisor to the Health Minister; Dr. Moji Jini, Director, TRIHMS Naharlagun; and Dr. Gomi Basar, OSD to the Hon’ble Health Minister. The delegation was received by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER in the presence of Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics) Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research); Prof. Arun Bansal, Acting Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, and other heads of the department and senior faculty involved in transplantation.

During discussions, it was highlighted that this visit marks the second batch of healthcare professionals from Arunachal Pradesh being trained at PGIMER. A previous team comprising doctors and transplant coordinators has already undergone extensive training under PGIMER’s mentorship. The current batch continues this partnership, ensuring capacity building and skill development for establishing a self-sustaining renal transplant ecosystem in the state.

Expressing his deep appreciation, Shri Biyuram Wahge stated, “I have come here to thank you all. You have helped me in doing such a big thing. Our patients struggle to access transplant facilities, and it is time we bring this critical service to our own state. PGIMER is a national institute of excellence, and we are here to seek your mentorship, your support, and your experience to help us build a transplant program in Arunachal Pradesh.”

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Vivek Lal lauded the Minister’s commitment, saying, “It is truly remarkable that the Hon’ble Minister traveled all the way from Arunachal Pradesh, bypassing formal protocols, just to spend maximum time understanding our systems. His dedication to improving health services in his state is exemplary. PGIMER stands committed to supporting Arunachal Pradesh with structured training programs, observer opportunities, and shared clinical protocols.”

Director PGIMER also elaborated on the pathways for in-service doctors from Arunachal Pradesh, including both sponsorship-based postgraduate training and short-term observer programs that offer immersive exposure without interrupting essential services back home. Such dual-mode training strategies have already proven successful in other partnerships, including with the Indian Army, and are now being extended to Arunachal Pradesh.

This visit reinforces the long-term collaboration between PGIMER and TRIHMS, paving the way for a sustainable transplant program in Arunachal Pradesh that will significantly benefit patients who currently rely on out-of-state travel for life-saving procedures.

The visit concluded with felicitation of the dignitaries and a shared commitment to advancing healthcare access and excellence through continued partnership and capacity building.