PGI records 10% jump in major surgeries after OT expansion

Chandigarh: PGI has claimed to be the only institute in India to operationalise a structured 12-hour elective operation theatre (OT) model. Implemented from May 1, 2025, the decision to extend elective OT timings from the traditional 8am to 5pm slot to an expanded 8am to 8pm schedule was designed to tackle soaring tertiary-care demands, shorten prolonged surgical waiting lists, and optimise utilisation of hospital beds.

A comprehensive analysis tracking the year before the initiative (May 2024 to April 2025) against the year following its implementation (May 2025 to April 2026) reveals an increase in major surgical workloads.

Data highlights that surgical output exceeded baseline levels in nine out of the 12 months, demonstrating a consistent and progressive growth in operative activity rather than isolated spikes. The most profound increase occurred in August, which saw a surge of 1,210 additional surgeries, representing a 54% spike.

Oct followed with another massive jump of 730 additional surgeries, a 31% increase. Minor decreases in surgeries were seen in May, Nov and March, but they did not disrupt the overarching upward trajectory.

“Faced with growing surgical demands, prolonged waiting lists and pressure on institutional capacity, we chose to expand possibilities and access to surgical care rather than accept limitations. The initiative has enabled a 10.46% increase in major surgeries, translating into 3,695 additional procedures, improved bed utilisation and faster access to life-changing surgical care for thousands of patients,” said PGI director Prof Vivek Lal.

On comparing with the earlier 8am and 5 pm shift and the 12 hourly shift, it was found that orthopaedics remained the heaviest overall contributor to the surgical workload, crossing the 11,000 cumulative case mark across both periods (earlier shift of 8am until 5pm and the 12 hourly shift). Urology and neurosurgery nearly doubled their output during the 12 hourly shift. post-extension phase. Robotic and transplant surgeries saw proportional growth.

BOX: Surgeries before and after OT extension

Before | After | Increase/Decrease

May: 3,490 | 3,435 | -55

June: 2,590 | 2,770 | +180

July: 3,065 | 3,485 | +420

Aug: 2,235 | 3,445 | +1,210

Sept: 3,250 | 3,280 | +30

Oct: 2,360 | 3,090 | +730

Nov: 3,070 | 3,040 | -30

Dec: 2,885 | 3,230 | +345

Jan: 3,070 | 3,320 | +250

Feb: 3,000 | 3,350 | +350

Mar: 3,100 | 3,020 | -80

Apr: 3,220 | 3,565 | +345