Chandigarh, May 26
The extended OT timings from 8 AM to 8 PM were implemented on May 1, 2025, to reduce surgical waiting lists and improve access to timely healthcare. PGIMER said it became the first institute in the country to operationalize a structured 12-hour elective OT system.
Director Vivek Lal said the initiative was introduced to meet growing tertiary care demands and expand access to advanced surgical treatment, rather than accepting institutional limitations. He added that the model has strengthened PGIMER’s role as a national referral center while maintaining operational efficiency and quality care.
According to the institute, nine out of twelve months recorded positive growth in operative workload. August saw the largest increase, with nearly 1,210 additional surgeries, while October recorded around 730 additional procedures. Significant growth was also observed in high complexity departments, including Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Surgical Gastroenterology, Robotic Surgery, Transplant Surgery, and Urology.
Officials said Orthopedics OT-22 alone registered nearly 80 percent growth in surgeries, highlighting the effectiveness of extended operating theatre hours. Heatmap analysis conducted by the institute also confirmed sustained utilization of OT facilities across multiple departments throughout the year.
The institute said the initiative has improved OT utilization, bed management, and patient access to critical surgical care, marking a major advancement in perioperative healthcare delivery.
