Chandigarh: Projects including an advanced neurosciences centre, a maternal and child health centre and a state-of-the-art critical care block will be launched at the 39th convocation of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, its director said on Friday.

The initiatives, which also feature a medical museum — the first of its kind at the institute — and Phase II expansion of key departments, are aimed at strengthening infrastructure and service delivery, PGIMER Director Vivek Lal said.

A dedicated cardiac emergency facility has also been made operational, ensuring immediate specialised care for heart attack patients without delays linked to general emergency routing, he added.

Ahead of the convocation scheduled for April 30, Lal outlined the institute's journey, milestones and future roadmap, saying the event would reaffirm PGIMER's commitment to excellence in healthcare, education and research.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda will attend the convocation as chief guest, while Vinod K Paul will be the guest of honour. Around 550 students are expected to be conferred degrees.

Lal said each graduate represents not only academic excellence but also a commitment to compassionate patient care. He noted that PGIMER alumni hold influential positions globally.

Highlighting the institute's scale, Lal said PGIMER caters to nearly 40 lakh patients annually while continuing to provide equitable and affordable healthcare. He pointed to cost-effective treatments under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, noting that procedures like renal transplants are offered either free or at a fraction of private sector costs.

He also cited the expansion of AMRIT pharmacies on campus from four to 14, improving access to affordable medicines, and the transition to fully digital systems, including round-the-clock online registration and services.

Lal further highlighted the SARATHI initiative, a volunteer-driven programme in which students assist patients and attendants, adding that it has now expanded to nearly 500 institutions across the country.