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Robert Abraham

Robert Abraham is a staff correspondent with the Hindustan Times in Chandigarh. He keeps readers updated on the latest developments in the world of health.

Articles by Robert Abraham

PSEB Class 12 results: 13 students from Mohali district make it to merit list

Among them, 12 are girls and one boy, with 10 of them students of Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students in Mohali

Aastha, 17, clinched the top spot in Mohali district and sixth in the state, scoring 495 out of 500 marks (99%) in the commerce stream. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on May 01, 2024 08:10 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Mohali

Chandigarh: PGIMER forms high-powered panel to expedite fire safety measures

The action came following the Chandigarh administrator’s directions to the hospital authorities to comply with the National Building Code for obtaining fire safety certificates to ensure the safety of patients and staff

Chandigarh

Updated on May 01, 2024 07:58 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

PGI experts sound alarm on obesity-headache link

Obesity could potentially be one factor behind headaches, warned PGI experts here on Saturday during a special awareness campaign addressing headache alarms. It was highlighted that the management of hypertension, stress control, weight management and regular exercise can help in managing headaches. The importance of good sleep hygiene was also discussed.

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 08:44 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Ditch cars, bikes for campus commute, PGI urges staff

According to the orders issued on April 25, 2024, faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers, paramedical and other staff members residing on the PGI campus are requested to avoid cars and bikes for commuting inside the institute. The initiative by the staff members will help a lot in decongesting traffic to a great extent, the order further reads.

In view of the increasing traffic at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the institute has suggested its staff members residing on the campus to avoid cars and motorbikes for commuting inside the institute. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 08:38 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

GMCH-32 confers 354 degrees at first postgraduate convocation

Chief guest Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India, appreciated that out of the nine gold medallists, seven were women

The students who received gold medals at the first postgraduate convocation ceremony of GMCH-32. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 08:42 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Centre okays ‘equal work, equal pay’ for PGI contractual workers

The decision will benefit around 4,000 contractual workers, who had gone on strike for two days in April over their long-pending demand, crippling hospital services

The institute heavily relies on these contract employees to fulfil various essential roles, ranging from sanitation and patient care to administrative tasks and security. (HT file)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:54 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Urology services resume at GMCH-32 after three months

According to orders issued this month, outpatient department (OPD), in the designated area of urology OPD, 5th floor, Block-B, was alloted to Dr Mahesh Chandra; he will also operate upon urology patients in the designated operation theatre in consultation with the head of anesthesia department

The OPD will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays while surgeries will be done on Fridays. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 17, 2024 09:18 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Come May, fly directly from Chandigarh to Abu Dhabi

Airline carrier IndiGo announces daily direct flight from Chandigarh from May 16; will be the second international link after Dubai

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 13, 2024 09:36 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Mohali

UT plans to cut deputation of SMOs from Punjab, Haryana by 10%

The UT health department recently drafted the recruitment rules for Group ‘A’ posts of principal medical officer, joint principal medical officer (medical superintendent), senior medical officer/district family welfare officer, medical officer, dental surgeon, planning officer and nursing superintendent

With only nine doctors in the UT cadre out of 164 medical officers, the majority are on deputation. These UT Cadre doctors hold MBBS degrees without specialisation. (Stock photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 07, 2024 05:09 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

HT explainer: Why do PGI contractual workers strike work repeatedly?

At PGIMER, contractual workers, comprising sanitary attendants, hospital attendants, kitchen staff and security guards, constitute a whopping 80% of the total work force, while regular employees form only 20%

As per the records available with the establishment, PGIMER started outsourcing some non-core hospital services in 1996. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 06, 2024 09:46 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham

Chandigarh: PGI contractual workers call off strike after two days

As many as 3,500 contractual workers from various categories had gone on strike on Wednesday in Chandigarh after their union leaders were detained the previous evening while planning a protest

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 05, 2024 09:02 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Health services hit as contractual staff on indefinite strike at PGI

Day after nine colleagues were arrested from protest site, nearly 3,500 workers strike work demanding their release; emergency, OPD services worst hit

Contractual workers, including hospital attendants, clerical staff, sanitation and kitchen staff, lift operators and security guards, went on an indefinite strike at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, on Wednesday, demanding the release of nine of their colleagues from police custody. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 03, 2024 05:09 PM IST

ByRobert Abraham

Sticky seats: In Chandigarh, 12 doctors on deputation for more than 20 years

Several doctors from Punjab have been working in Chandigarh for even larger periods, some even for around 30 years, as per Right to Information data obtained by a city resident

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 03, 2024 09:34 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Explore southern charms with Bharat Gaurav special tourist train

As per the IRCTC, boarding and de-boarding for the 13-day tour will be available at Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat and Hazrat Nizamuddin

The tour package will include train journey by Bharat Gaurav Special tourist train in 3AC class, night stay, wash and change facility, on-board and off-board meals (vegetarian only), all transfers and sightseeing by buses and travel insurance. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 02, 2024 09:22 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

PGI doctors develop affordable liver cancer medicine

This medicine, which costs only ₹5,000, is a breakthrough for patients, compared to the expensive ₹10 lakh medicine available elsewhere.

An affordable medicine for liver cancer developed by nuclear medicine doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, can be a life saving for many. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 01, 2024 08:34 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

PGI sees 5th fire in 5 months, this time at cardiac centre OT

Fire broke out at PGIMER's Advanced Cardiac Centre's OT, 5th blaze in 5 months. No casualties, but hospital's fire safety measures questioned.

Staff had to break open the glass windows to let the smoke out following the blaze on Saturday. (RAVI KUMAR/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 31, 2024 08:26 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Fire at PGI’s cardiac centre OT during surgery, no casualty

This is the fifth fire incident at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, in the past five months and the second in 2024.

The operation theatre on the fourth floor of the advance cardiac centre at Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where a fire broke out on Saturday afternoon. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 30, 2024 03:56 PM IST

ByRobert Abraham

In Chandigarh, rise in mercury comes with spike in viral infections

At the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, the emergency ward is witnessing a noticeable uptick in viral cases

Patients with weak immune systems, like those suffering from cancer and diabetes, and elderly individuals are at higher risk, say health experts. (Shutterstock)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 29, 2024 09:58 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Healthy gains for Chandigarh as number of malnourished kids down by 75% in one year

The number of severely malnourished children in Chandigarh came down from 103 in January 2023 to 23 January 2024

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 27, 2024 09:32 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Give report on non-compliance of 200-point roster by PGI: House panel to health ministry

The 200-point roster system ensures that out of every 200 seats, 99 seats, as per the mandated reservation, go to the reserved category and 101 seats are left unreserved

The Parliamentary Committee has directed the authorities concerned to give a reply latest by March 27. (HT PHOTO)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 25, 2024 07:44 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh markets off-colour as Holi sales fail to pick up

Sales have seen a 10% drop from last year, with businesses noting that while the footfall at markets remained on the higher side, it has not been translating into the numbers

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 24, 2024 07:44 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

PGI cadre review: Institute given three weeks to respond in contempt petition

The CAT bench, in its order dated April 17, 2023, directed PGIMER to take decision on the report of 3rd cadre review recommendations within a period of six 6 months. But no action was taken, following which PGI employees union non-faculty filed a contempt petition in CAT

It has been over 30 years since the last review in 1992, despite a tenfold increase in patient load. (HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 21, 2024 09:30 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Stories of soldierly brotherhood resonate at Triennial National Convention in Chandigarh

The two-day convention-cum-reunion brought together highly decorated soldiers and gallantry awardees

Colonel Gurjeet Singh Bajwa (retd) recounted his experiences of bravery and unity among soldiers. (HT PHOTO)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 18, 2024 06:44 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Triennial National Convention in Panchkula: War widows share sacrifices beyond the battlefield

The convention in Panchkula brought together widows of highly decorated bravehearts, who delved into the hardships they endured after their spouses’ supreme sacrifice

Members of ‘War Decorated India’ during the association’s convention-cum-reunion in Panchkula on Saturday. (Sant Arora/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 17, 2024 09:12 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Brave tales echo at war heroes’ reunion in Panchkula

The event was organised in Panchkula to honour recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra, and Victoria Cross and Military Cross from World War II

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 17, 2024 09:10 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

2 suicides in 3 days at PGI put spotlight on staff crunch

5 PGI staffers have killed themselves since 2010; staff bodies attribute high workload to rise in workplace stress

PGIMER caters to over 10,000 people in the OPDs daily. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 15, 2024 10:10 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: PGI tutor booked in radiographer’s suicide case

The FIR, registered at the Sector 11 police station under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code, has named Ajay Sharma, a tutor in the radiodiagnosis department, apart from other unidentified accused

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 14, 2024 08:45 PM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

PGIMER suicide case: Victim’s husband alleges harassment, police launch probe

The postmortem of the victim was conducted on Tuesday; however, the body remains at the hospital mortuary as the family is awaiting the arrival of the victim’s son from abroad

The spouse of the deceased alleged that his wife had been facing harassment from her colleagues. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 13, 2024 05:59 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Dr Surjit Singh takes over as PGIMER dean academics

A row had erupted last year when the PGIMER administration appointed Dr Naresh K Panda, professor & head of otolaryngology (ENT) department, as the officiating dean academic, which, Dr Singh, claimed was done after ignoring his seniority.

Professor Dr Surjit Singh, professor & head of paediatric medicine department, as dean academic, assumed the position as dean of academic at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research on March 10, 2024. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 11, 2024 08:58 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

Regular eye check-up can help detect, manage glaucoma in early stages, say PGIMER experts

The Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, recorded an increase in glaucoma patients with 4,352 newly registered patients and 25,452 follow-up cases from April 2023 to February 2024

Beyond the age of 40, individuals, particularly high myopes, diabetics, and those with a positive family history, face a higher risk of developing glaucoma. (HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 10, 2024 08:24 AM IST

ByRobert Abraham, Chandigarh

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Robert Abraham

Robert Abraham is a staff correspondent with the Hindustan Times in Chandigarh. He keeps readers updated on the latest developments in the world of health.

Among them, 12 are girls and one boy, with 10 of them students of Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students in Mohali

The action came following the Chandigarh administrator’s directions to the hospital authorities to comply with the National Building Code for obtaining fire safety certificates to ensure the safety of patients and staff

Chief guest Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India, appreciated that out of the nine gold medallists, seven were women

The decision will benefit around 4,000 contractual workers, who had gone on strike for two days in April over their long-pending demand, crippling hospital services

According to orders issued this month, outpatient department (OPD), in the designated area of urology OPD, 5th floor, Block-B, was alloted to Dr Mahesh Chandra; he will also operate upon urology patients in the designated operation theatre in consultation with the head of anesthesia department

Airline carrier IndiGo announces daily direct flight from Chandigarh from May 16; will be the second international link after Dubai

At PGIMER, contractual workers, comprising sanitary attendants, hospital attendants, kitchen staff and security guards, constitute a whopping 80% of the total work force, while regular employees form only 20%

As many as 3,500 contractual workers from various categories had gone on strike on Wednesday in Chandigarh after their union leaders were detained the previous evening while planning a protest

Day after nine colleagues were arrested from protest site, nearly 3,500 workers strike work demanding their release; emergency, OPD services worst hit

Several doctors from Punjab have been working in Chandigarh for even larger periods, some even for around 30 years, as per Right to Information data obtained by a city resident

As per the IRCTC, boarding and de-boarding for the 13-day tour will be available at Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat and Hazrat Nizamuddin

This medicine, which costs only ₹5,000, is a breakthrough for patients, compared to the expensive ₹10 lakh medicine available elsewhere.

Fire broke out at PGIMER's Advanced Cardiac Centre's OT, 5th blaze in 5 months. No casualties, but hospital's fire safety measures questioned.

This is the fifth fire incident at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, in the past five months and the second in 2024.

At the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, the emergency ward is witnessing a noticeable uptick in viral cases

The number of severely malnourished children in Chandigarh came down from 103 in January 2023 to 23 January 2024

The 200-point roster system ensures that out of every 200 seats, 99 seats, as per the mandated reservation, go to the reserved category and 101 seats are left unreserved

Sales have seen a 10% drop from last year, with businesses noting that while the footfall at markets remained on the higher side, it has not been translating into the numbers

The CAT bench, in its order dated April 17, 2023, directed PGIMER to take decision on the report of 3rd cadre review recommendations within a period of six 6 months. But no action was taken, following which PGI employees union non-faculty filed a contempt petition in CAT

The two-day convention-cum-reunion brought together highly decorated soldiers and gallantry awardees

The convention in Panchkula brought together widows of highly decorated bravehearts, who delved into the hardships they endured after their spouses’ supreme sacrifice

The event was organised in Panchkula to honour recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra, and Victoria Cross and Military Cross from World War II

5 PGI staffers have killed themselves since 2010; staff bodies attribute high workload to rise in workplace stress

The FIR, registered at the Sector 11 police station under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code, has named Ajay Sharma, a tutor in the radiodiagnosis department, apart from other unidentified accused

The postmortem of the victim was conducted on Tuesday; however, the body remains at the hospital mortuary as the family is awaiting the arrival of the victim’s son from abroad

A row had erupted last year when the PGIMER administration appointed Dr Naresh K Panda, professor & head of otolaryngology (ENT) department, as the officiating dean academic, which, Dr Singh, claimed was done after ignoring his seniority.

The Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, recorded an increase in glaucoma patients with 4,352 newly registered patients and 25,452 follow-up cases from April 2023 to February 2024

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