What began as a bold vision in the early years of independent India is today a towering symbol of medical excellence. As the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) celebrates its 62nd Foundation Day, it continues to reaffirm its commitment to compassionate healthcare, pioneering research, and high-end medical education — a legacy deeply etched into the history of Chandigarh and the nation.
Founded in 1961 with the approval of the Planning Commission, PGIMER opened its doors in 1962, and was formally inaugurated on July 7, 1963 by none other than Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Recognized as an ‘Institute of National Importance’ in 1967, PGI has since grown into one of India’s most trusted tertiary healthcare institutions.
From treating millions to shaping some of the country’s finest doctors and researchers, PGIMER is more than just a hospital — it’s a place where lives are transformed daily. Spread over 277 acres, the institution is home to over 11,800 dedicated staff, including 728 faculty members and nearly 1,300 resident doctors, covering 47 departments and 10 centres of excellence.
Every day, PGI handles around 10,000 outpatient cases, summing up to nearly 3 three million visits annually. With 2,233 hospital beds, including 207 ICU beds and 73 operation theatres, it conducts over 80,000 surgeries each year. Its paediatric emergency and intensive care units alone serve thousands of critically ill children annually, offering not just treatment, but hope.
What makes PGIMER stand apart is not just the scale, but the spirit. Whether it’s the 384-slice dual-source CT, cutting-edge PET-CT, or genetic and metabolic labs, the institute continuously evolves to match global standards. Its services span 160 specialties and super-specialties, supported by state-of-the-art diagnostics and labs that rival any international institution.
On this momentous day, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research and DG, ICMR, will grace the occasion as chief guest, honouring a legacy built over six decades of relentless service and innovation.
As PGIMER steps into its 63rd year, it carries forward not only a history of healing but a future of promise — one where science, service, and humanity continue to converge for the betterment of countless lives.