PGI-Chandigarh gets national award for organ transplant for third year

Chandigarh, Aug 3 (AHN) The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here has scripted history by winning the National Award for Best Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) for the third consecutive year, besides securing its fourth overall national title since the inception of the award in 2019.

The honour was conferred at the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations in New Delhi, under the aegis of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), by Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel. She congratulated the award-winning institutions for their outstanding contribution towards strengthening India's organ donation movement and promoting ethical, transparent and equitable organ transplantation across the country.

The award was received on behalf of PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal, besides a senior delegation comprising Medical Superintendent Prof Ashok Kumar, Prof Dheeraj Khurana, Prof Hemant Bhagat, Dr Vijay Tadia and Saryu D. Madra.

Expressing happiness over the recognition, Prof Lal said, “Receiving this prestigious national recognition for the third consecutive year is a proud moment for the entire PGIMER family. It reflects our sustained commitment to advancing organ donation and transplantation through excellence in patient care, innovation, and teamwork.

“This honour belongs to our dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Above all, it is a tribute to the donor families whose extraordinary courage and generosity continue to transform loss into hope and save countless lives.”

He further said, “The PGIMER, designated as Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO North), remains committed to strengthening the organ donation ecosystem across northern India through mentorship, capacity building, professional training, institutional collaboration, and the promotion of ethical best practices.

“Our mission extends beyond coordination; we strive to empower every state and transplant centre to build sustainable and efficient transplant programmes. This recognition reinforces our responsibility to continue leading with excellence, collaboration, and compassion for the benefit of patients awaiting the gift of life.”

The ceremony witnessed participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Secretaries and senior officers from states and Union Territories, heads of leading healthcare institutions, transplant professionals, donor and recipient families, transplant coordinators, NGOs and civil society organisations working to advance organ donation across India.