In a heartening development, the six-year-old girl who was admitted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, on October 28 following the unfortunate school incident in Panchkula, has been discharged after receiving comprehensive medical care at the Institute. The child’s treatment was undertaken with utmost care and sensitivity, with the Institute bearing all expenses, including the cost of treatment and private room facilities, ensuring that the family faced no financial burden during this difficult period.
Prof. Vivek Lal , Director, PGIMER, who had personally visited the child during her hospitalisation to enquire about her health and well-being, expressed satisfaction over her discharge, as he stated, “The safe discharge of the little girl is a moment of great relief and happiness for all of us at PGIMER. The unfortunate incident had deeply moved us, and our priority throughout was to ensure that she received the best possible medical attention in an environment of care, compassion and reassurance. I am particularly grateful to our doctors, nursing professionals and supporting teams who worked with dedication and sensitivity towards her recovery.”
Director PGIMER further added, “At PGIMER, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare must never be constrained by financial circumstances. The Institute was committed to supporting the child and her family through this difficult time, and we wish her a healthy, happy and fulfilling life ahead.” The child’s care involved coordinated efforts under the guidance of Prof. J.K. Mahajan, Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery, PGIMER with the Trauma Centre playing an important role in facilitating her care. Dr. Raman Sharma, In-charge, Trauma Centre, coordinated the trauma-related aspects of her management, while Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, ensured the necessary institutional support and coordination for her treatment and hospitalisation.
Sharing his perspective, Prof. J.K. Mahajan, Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery, PGIMER said, “Treating a young child following such an unfortunate incident calls for not only clinical expertise but also sensitivity, patience and a compassionate approach. Our team remained focused on providing the necessary medical care and ensuring her well-being throughout the hospital stay. We are pleased that she has now been discharged, and we sincerely hope she returns to normal life soon. The coordinated efforts of the various teams at PGIMER helped ensure that her care remained our foremost priority.”
The discharge marks a reassuring conclusion to an unfortunate episode that had raised concern and anxiety among the family and the wider community. PGIMER’s response reflects its enduring institutional ethos of Excellence, Empathy and Equity, reaffirming its commitment to placing patients, particularly children and vulnerable sections of society, at the centre of its healthcare delivery. The Institute wishes the little girl a speedy return to normal childhood, good health and a bright future.