SARATHI sets national standard in youth-led voluntary service at PGI

SARATHI (Students’ Alliance for Responsible Action to Transform Healthcare Institutes) was officially inaugurated on May 5, 2024. Since then, nearly 1,700 student volunteers have committed themselves to SARATHI, contributing an average of 60 hours each. These hours, offered without expectation of reward, have translated into patient guidance, assistance to the elderly and persons with disabilities, emotional reassurance to anxious attendants and orderly facilitation across OPDs, inpatient areas, emergency services and diagnostic blocks.

The PGI director said the cumulative impact of these voluntary hours goes far beyond numbers. “Every hour of service represents a young individual choosing compassion over convenience. When such choices are multiplied 1,00,000 times, they reshape the culture of care within a public institution.”

Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGI said the programme has been built on clear frameworks that respect both volunteers and the healthcare environment. “Voluntary service in a hospital cannot be ad hoc. SARATHI operates through defined roles, standard operating procedures and supervision, ensuring that each hour of service adds value while maintaining institutional discipline.”

Rai also said the contribution of 1,700 volunteers over 1,00,000 hours reflects not only enthusiasm but also perseverance. “Sustained service over months requires commitment. SARATHI volunteers have demonstrated reliability, making them a dependable support system at the patient interface.”

SARATHI volunteers undergo structured orientation before deployment, equipping them with skills in communication, patient dignity, confidentiality and stress management. Lal said, “True service is not intrusive. It respects boundaries, upholds dignity and complements clinical care. SARATHI volunteers understand that their service must strengthen, not disrupt, the healthcare system.”

Beyond assisting patients, SARATHI has also emerged as a platform for value-based learning. Many volunteers describe the experience as transformative, offering insights into social inequities, public health challenges and the realities of India’s healthcare system.