Chandigarh: PGI is set to institutionalise regular dialogue with its resident doctors, with director Vivek Lal advocating structured and periodic interactions to identify and address concerns related to workload, stress, burnout and workplace well-being in a timely manner.Speaking at an interaction programme with resident doctors, Prof Lal said resident welfare was integral to quality patient care and emphasised the need to create an environment where young doctors feel heard and supported.“I would like such open interactions to become a regular feature at PGI,” he said, urging heads of departments and faculty guides to hold structured meetings with residents at fixed intervals. Regular communication, he noted, would help identify issues early and ensure they are addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.The programme provided residents a direct platform to raise concerns, share experiences and offer suggestions before the institute’s leadership and faculty. Discussions centred on challenges associated with residency, including stress, burnout, seeking timely help, peer support and strengthening welfare mechanisms.Dr Vishnu Jinja, president of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), presented the residents’ perspective and highlighted the need for accessible peer-support systems and timely institutional interventions.“With increasing workload and stress associated with residency, resident welfare measures need to be strengthened to safeguard the health and well-being of the resident fraternity,” he said.Dr Jinja also stressed the importance of implementing weekly offs and ensuring 24-hour rest after night duty, wherever applicable. Adequate rest, he said, helps reduce fatigue and burnout while contributing to patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.The programme concluded with a renewed focus on dialogue, accessibility and early intervention, with PGI reaffirming its commitment to strengthening communication channels between residents, faculty and the administration.
