PGIMER’s Project Sarathi to Roll Out in 1,467 Hospitals Nationwide by June 2025

Project Sarathi, a hospital navigation and patient support initiative launched by PGIMER Chandigarh on May 5, 2024, has secured approval for implementation in 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and union territories under the “Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals” listed on MyBharat portal. This marks a significant scale-up from its pilot phase in Chandigarh

As of May 31, 2025, the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) component has been completed in 551 hospitals, with 95 currently active and 81 operating as Permanent Health ELPs. PGIMER deputy director (administration) Pankaj Rai confirmed that pilot implementation included 6,444 student volunteers, offering over 50,340 hours of non-clinical support from 816 students across 18 institutions

An impact evaluation involving 237 OPD patients at PGIMER showed:

• Wait times reduced from an average of 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours

• 60% of surveyed patients were aware of Sarathi, and 54% utilized its services.

• 76% satisfaction rating—average score: 4.8 out of 5, with help in navigation, registration, and lab processes cited as major benefits.

Rooted in NSS student participation from institutions like Panjab University, Sarathi began with a 22-student pilot in April 2024, later engaging over 350 volunteers in the first seven months. The model promotes empathy and civic responsibility among youth while easing hospital staff workloads.

Due to promising results, the Sarathi model has been adopted in:

• 750+ hospitals by early 2025

• 442 hospitals nationwide, according to a Chandigarh Administration press release.

• Further expansion is underway, with endorsements from Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports aiming to scale to 1,467 hospitals.

The 130th Standing Finance Committee of PGIMER, chaired by the Health Secretary, endorsed Sarathi as part of its health infrastructure agenda. Agencies like the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and University stakeholders support the programme under the Seva Se Seekhen initiative

PGIMER is developing a smartphone navigation app to help volunteers guide patients more efficiently. The app will provide maps, navigation tools, and real-time feedback options for users. However, volunteer training gaps persist; some volunteers reportedly lacked basic department-level knowledge in early phases. By deploying youth volunteers to streamline patient care, the programme has demonstrated clear operational benefits, particularly in reducing wait times and increasing satisfaction. Ongoing innovation such as the introduction of a navigation app and expanded training will be pivotal as Sarathi continues its national rollout, reshaping hospital efficiency and fostering community engagement.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)