Project “Saarthi” will extend to General Hospital and GMCH
Poor patients and their attendants who visited Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16 and Government Medical College and Hospital ( GMCH) 32 can now look forward to “additional care services” besides the comprehensive health care services being provided by these hospitals as project “Saarthi” starts showing its relevance at PGI.
Impressed by the success of the project at PGI, authorities of these hospitals have also sought services of NSS volunteers in their hospitals too. Project ‘Saarthi’ is being extended to these hospitals and soon NSS volunteers will be at the services of patients at these hospitals.
Talking to Mr Bikram Rana, State Liaison Officer, NSS, Cell, Chandigarh, admitted that on persist demand from these hospitals, the Administration has decided to depute NSS volunteers at these hospitals to assist the patients and their attendants during their stay at hospitals.
He further revealed that his office had called for application from NSS volunteers those wished to provide services at these hospitals.
His office had sent letters to institutions those have NSS Units to send the names of volunteers.
His office had received more than 900 applications from the NSS volunteers of various educational institutions.
Mr Rana further said that a meeting with the hospitals authorities would be called next week to work out modalities.
Around 300 NSS volunteers have been providing their services at PGI since February last. Volunteers would be imparted training in association with the Chandigarh Red Cross Society.
The society will prepare a roaster of volunteers detailing schedule of work. Volunteers will be deputed in groups consisting five volunteers each in three shifts—7 a.m to 12 noon; 12 noon to 5 p.m and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, said Mr Rana.
They would be deputed on regular basis to help those in need of assistance. They will guide and take patients to proper departments and assisting them in completing the formalities.
Every care will be taken while chalking out the schedule so that study of volunteers would not be disturbed.
At first, they will assist the patients in need of emergency treatment and OPD. Later on the services would be extended to other departments.
Hospital authority will be asked to provide suitable space to run a “help desk.” Deputed volunteers will be issued identity cards.
Brain behind this noble cause was former deputy commissioner, Mr Ajit Balaji Joshi and Chandigarh NSS Cell and Red Cross Society joined hands for this first of its kind initiative.
“Such an initiative seems to be a win-win strategy for both the patients-hospitals and the NSS volunteers.
Project “Saarthi” will extend to General Hospital and GMCH
The patients and their attendants who lost in hospitals will get help and on the other it will bring greater relevance to NSS activities and will enlighten their pathways ,” hopes Mr Rana.
