PGIMER Chandigarh Launches Digi Seva for Faster Hospital Registration

The system aims to reduce waiting times and improve healthcare access by ensuring that patients with urgent needs or prior appointments receive timely attention.

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has launched ‘Digi Seva PGI,’ an initiative to streamline hospital registration and introduce priority-based doctor consultations.

The system aims to reduce waiting times and improve healthcare access by ensuring that patients with urgent needs or prior appointments receive timely attention.

Reportedly, over 10,000 OPD registrations take place daily, with many patients from other states arriving hours before the counters open at 8 AM. The high patient volume puts pressure on infrastructure, medical staff, and overall patient care. Digi Seva is expected to help address these challenges.

Initially piloted in January at the Liver Clinic under the Department of Hepatology, around 450 patients registered through Digi Seva. 

Key features of Digi Seva include online registration, real-time appointment booking, priority-based consultations, automated notifications, and optimized hospital workflow. The initiative seeks to minimize administrative burdens, enhance transparency, and allow medical professionals to focus more on patient care.

“Digi Seva marks a major step forward in patient-centred healthcare. The priority-based consultations will ensure those in need receive timely medical attention, making hospital visits smoother and more efficient,” said Dr Lal.

Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai highlighted that patients can access Digi Seva through www.pgimer.edu.in to register, book appointments, and receive confirmations.

“Designed to be secure, user-friendly, and available in multiple languages, this initiative aligns with national digital health goals and sets a new standard for smart healthcare services,” he said.

Pankaj Rai added, “With the rising number of OPD patients, we are focusing on time-saving measures. The appointment system will help streamline processes, reduce hospital congestion, and ease traffic flow.”

A mobile app is in development to facilitate online registration. “The app will allow patients to register from anywhere. After a ₹10 payment, a registration number will be generated, and a printout will serve as proof of registration, eliminating the need to stand in queues,” said Rai.

The hospital also plans to integrate the service with Common Service Centres (CSCs) such as E Sampark and Lok Mitra Kendras in nearby states to assist patients who are not familiar with digital platforms.

Dr SS. Pandav, Head of the Department, said, “The new facility to book online appointments helps in queue management, decongesting the OPD in morning hours, and streamlining registration. More than 80% of follow-up patients use the online system, while new patients are also encouraged to register online, with 200 slots available daily.”

Additionally, PGIMER is working towards launching round-the-clock diagnostic services. The PGI Standing Committee has approved the proposal in principle.

“We have identified a space for this facility and will collaborate with a public sector undertaking to provide all tests at PGI rates. This will ensure patients do not need to return the next day for tests, saving time,” said Rai.

PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal officially launched the full-scale service on Saturday.

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