HC directs PGI Chandigarh to set up signboards for Poor Patient Welfare Fund Awareness

Chandigarh: Observing that underprivileged patients are not adequately informed about available financial aid, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to install prominent signboards throughout the campus, highlighting the existence and benefits of the Poor Patient Welfare Fund (PPWF).

A "Poor Patient Welfare Fund" (PPWF) is a dedicated fund used by hospitals, to provide financial assistance to financially weak patients who require medical treatment but cannot afford it. Despite the significant number of patients visiting PGIMER daily, many remain unaware of the fund’s existence and the process of availing its benefits.

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Recognizing this gap, the court emphasized the need to raise awareness about the scheme among underprivileged patients to ensure they do not miss out on its benefits. The decision follows a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the lack of awareness regarding the PPWF, following which many patients were unable to avail the benefits of the scheme.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh, has instructed PGIMER to place signboards in all key areas, including buildings, lifts, passages, roads, reception counters, and outpatient departments (OPDs). These boards must clearly outline the procedure for availing benefits under the PPWF, India Legal reports.

Additionally, the court has directed the Medical Superintendent of PGIMER to submit a compliance report within four weeks, detailing the implementation of these changes. Failure to meet this deadline may result in further actions as specified by the court.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in an effort to enhance diagnostic services, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh, is considering implementing round-the-clock operations. This initiative, designed to reduce the long waiting times for essential tests, is still in the early stages of development, according to Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration) of PGIMER.

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