PGI Chandigarh Pioneers DG-Seva Digital Initiative to Revolutionize Follow-Up Care for Chronic Patients
In a significant move to enhance tertiary healthcare delivery, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh is set to launch a pilot project called DG-Seva. This innovative digital initiative aims to fundamentally transform how follow-up care is provided to patients with chronic conditions, particularly those traveling from distant locations.
Addressing the Burden of Unnecessary Patient Travel
The project, conceptualized by Prof Sanjay Bhadada, head of the endocrinology department, addresses a critical healthcare challenge. Currently, thousands of outstation patients visit PGI Chandigarh primarily for routine report reviews and brief consultations. Nearly 70% of daily footfall in specialized departments like endocrinology consists of such follow-up cases, creating congestion and logistical burdens.
For instance, a patient traveling from Amritsar for a simple five-minute consultation about thyroid or metabolic reports currently endures a 15-hour logistical cycle. This includes travel time, waiting periods, and hospital visits. The DG-Seva model seeks to eliminate this inefficiency by shifting routine interactions to a secure video-based platform, potentially returning valuable days to patients' lives.
Pilot Implementation and Strategic Focus
The DG-Seva initiative will initially function as a pilot within the endocrinology department, leveraging the existing e-Sanjeevani framework to ensure robust data security and maintain clinical integrity. The pilot will focus on managing straightforward cases, starting specifically with thyroid disorders where medical adjustments are largely data-driven and well-suited for virtual consultations.
Following the internal pilot phase, PGI plans to collaborate with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to scientifically evaluate the project's impact. This partnership will assess whether virtual follow-ups can achieve the same clinical accuracy as traditional in-person visits while examining cost-effectiveness and scalability potential.
Building on Previous Digital Success
This initiative follows the successful pilot launch of Digi Seva for the liver clinic run by PGI's hepatology department on January 10, 2025. Encouraged by its rapid adoption and positive outcomes, the program is now being expanded to additional departments including Skin, Orthopaedics, and Endocrinology.
PGI will integrate the Digi Seva initiative into its primary web portal (www.pgimer.edu.in), creating a centralized gateway for patients to manage their entire clinical journey. This integration will enable patients to handle everything from initial registration and appointment booking to receiving real-time digital confirmations through a single platform.
"It's a pilot project at PGI first. If successful, we will partner with ICMR to study its cost-effectiveness and impact on national scale. We'll start with simple thyroid cases and expand," explained Prof Bhadada, highlighting the strategic, phased approach to implementation.
Transforming Healthcare Accessibility
The DG-Seva initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery that could significantly reduce hospital congestion while improving patient convenience. By minimizing unnecessary physical travel for routine follow-ups, PGI Chandigarh aims to optimize resource utilization and enhance the overall patient experience for those managing chronic conditions across northern India.
