Project Sarathi: Empowering Youth and Enhancing Patient Care through SEVA
- Jan 10, 2025
- Reading Time : 10 mins read
Project Sarathi, a student volunteer-driven hospital navigation initiative launched by PGIMER on May 5, 2024, has now expanded nationally, adopted by 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and Union Territories under the “Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme (ELP)” hosted on the MyBharat portal. A unique initiative project, ‘Sarathi’, launched by PGIMER, is a commendable step towards addressing the emotional and social challenges faced by patients in the hospitals. Volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) are at the heart of this initiative. The NSS, a Central Sector Scheme under the Government of India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, plays a crucial role in mobilizing the student youth of our country. By engaging students from 11th and 12th grades, as well as those in technical institutions and universities, NSS provides a platform for them to participate in community service activities. This new initiative cultivates the essence of ‘SEVA’ (selfless service) and promotes civic responsibility among the younger generation.
With an annual influx of over 30 lakh patients, PGIMER, Chandigarh, has often faced challenges in managing the rush. Many of whom travel from far-flung areas, mainly from Panjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, the burden on hospital staff has been immense. Recognizing this gap, ‘Sarathi’ aimed at alleviating the strain on medical personnel while offering human compassion to patients navigating the complex healthcare system on their own. The volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the patient experience by assisting with registration, guiding them to various departments, and offering emotional support during stressful times. For many patients, especially those who lack family support, having a dedicated volunteer by their side can significantly alleviate feelings of anxiety and isolation. These volunteers provide not only practical assistance but also a reassuring presence, helping patients feel more comfortable and less alone in their healthcare journey.
At PGIMER alone, 816 students from 18 academic institutions have contributed over 50,340 service hours till June 2025, significantly enhancing patient experience by reducing average wait times from 4.2 to 2.8 hours, improving patient satisfaction, and relieving hospital staff workload. Project Sarathi represents a unique convergence of youth service and healthcare innovation. As Chandigarh continues to set new benchmarks in patient care, this initiative stands as a shining example of how community involvement can transform healthcare delivery. Project ‘Sarathi’ may prove particularly effective during challenging times, such as pandemics, when hospitals experience a massive influx of patients. The increased demand can place immense pressure on medical staff, making it difficult to provide personalized care to every individual. By enlisting the support of trained volunteers, hospital administration can alleviate some of this burden, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on critical medical tasks while ensuring patients receive the guidance and emotional support they need.
Ms. Dikumoni is a Doctoral Scholar in Political Science at the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Holding an M.Phil. in Public Administration, her research interests include governance. Read more
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