CHANDIGARH, June 10: A student-led initiative launched at PGIMER to guide patients through hospital systems and ease outpatient department (OPD) pressures is now going national. ‘Project Sarathi’, introduced in May 2024 at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is being scaled up across 34 states and Union Territories under the Centre’s “Seva Se Seekhen” experiential learning programme (ELP).
PGIMER Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai confirmed the expansion, stating that the project has now been approved for rollout in 1,467 hospitals across India. “This is a joint initiative backed by the Union ministries of health and family welfare, and youth affairs and sports. It’s modelled on PGIMER’s success with Project Sarathi,” he said.
The project, listed on the MyBharat portal, aims to involve student volunteers in improving hospital experiences by helping manage daily patient flow, assisting in navigation, and reducing wait times. So far, implementation has been completed in 551 hospitals between September 17, 2024, and May 31, 2025. An additional 95 hospitals are currently running the programme, with 81 hosting it as a permanent service.
Participating regions include all major states and UTs such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and northeastern states like Assam and Manipur.
Since its inception, Project Sarathi has mobilised 6,444 volunteers nationwide. At PGIMER alone, 816 students from 18 educational institutions — including 10 colleges and eight schools — have contributed over 50,340 volunteer hours. Their efforts have produced tangible impact: a study by PGIMER’s department of community medicine noted a drop in patient wait times from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours.
“Students are not only learning through real-time hospital exposure but also helping patients navigate an often overwhelming healthcare system,” said Rai, describing the initiative as a model of community service integrated with experiential learning.
Officials said the programme serves a dual purpose: relieving strain on hospital staff and giving students hands-on exposure to healthcare environments, laying the groundwork for future civic participation and professional paths.
