PGIMER's Enhanced Surgery Schedule Boosts Surgical Workload

PGIMER in Chandigarh reports a significant increase in surgical workload after extending elective operation theatre hours to 12 hours, resulting in 3,695 additional major surgeries within a year.

PGIMER in Chandigarh has seen a substantial rise in surgical operations after implementing a 12-hour elective operation theatre schedule. The extension, effective from May 1, 2025, was aimed at addressing growing tertiary-care demands, long waiting lists, and enhancing patient access to surgical interventions.

This initiative positions PGIMER as the sole institution in India with a structured 12-hour elective OT model. According to Director Vivek Lal, the new schedule has increased major surgeries by 10.46%, adding 3,695 procedures, and has optimized bed usage. Lal emphasized the expansion's significance in maintaining quality care while enhancing efficiency.

A comparative analysis showed consistent operative growth, with significant increases in surgeries, especially in complex specialties like orthopaedics and neurosurgery. August and October saw the most notable increases, while the orthopaedics department recorded nearly an 80% rise in workload.

The extended hours have reinforced PGIMER's role as a national referral center, highlighting a major advancement in patient-focused healthcare and perioperative systems management.