05/01/2026
Too difficult in PGI...to get treatment
Yes — crowds and long waits at PGI (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research), Chandigarh for treatment, registration, prescriptions, and doctor consultations are a well-known issue, and many patients experience exactly what you’re describing: standing in lines for hours just to get an OPD card, pay for tests, or see the doctor.
The Tribune
🏥 Why the crowd and long queues?
Huge daily footfall: On an average day, 8,000–10,000 patients visit PGI’s outpatient departments (OPDs), many arriving early in the morning to stand in queues for registration and test counters.
The Indian Express
Walk-in process: Despite having an online pre-registration system, patients still often have to stand in physical queues to get the OPD card, pay for tests, and collect reports.
Hindustan Times
Staff and infrastructure constraints: Due to shortages of staff in key areas like sample collection and attendants, queues move slowly, adding to the waiting time.
The Times of India
+1
Referral burden: PGI gets referrals from not just Chandigarh but neighbouring states (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, etc.), magnifying the crowd.
The Times of India
⏱️ Typical experience patients report
Many people start lining up before 6 am to get serviced early, especially for registration counters that open around 8 am.
The Tribune
After getting an OPD card, patients still wait hours outside doctor chambers before their turn.
The Tribune
Testing areas (like blood tests, X-rays) also have separate queues — sometimes taking 3–4 hours just for sample collection.
Hindustan Times
💡 Tips to make your visit smoother
If you must be there, here are some practical tips based on common experiences:
1. Arrive earlier but after registration opens?
People line up super early; if you reach right when counters open (usually ~8 am), you might avoid the longest lines.
The Tribune
2. Pre-register online before coming:
PGI’s online pre-registration can save some time, though you still usually have to go to the counters for cards.
Hindustan Times
3. Ask about appointment/tele-consult options:
Some departments now offer online appointments for follow-ups and the hospital is piloting tele-OPD for certain cases — good if it applies to your visit.
The Indian Express
4. Consider alternate govt hospitals:
