Health Ministry Expands Project SARATHI To Improve Hospital Patient Navigation Nationwide

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has officially directed the nationwide expansion of Project SARATHI, a specialized initiative designed to streamline patient experiences within public hospitals. The program utilizes trained youth volunteers to provide essential support, including hospital navigation, wheelchair assistance, and guidance for diagnostic services. This move aims to reduce the administrative and physical burden on patients visiting large medical institutions.

The decision follows a successful pilot study conducted at PGIMER, Chandigarh, which demonstrated the efficacy of the model. According to the study, the implementation of Project SARATHI resulted in a 26% reduction in overall hospital navigation time for assisted patients. By simplifying the complex layout of large hospitals, the initiative ensures that patients can access critical care and diagnostic facilities with greater efficiency and less confusion.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is now coordinating with state health departments to roll out the volunteer-led support system across major government hospitals. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance public health infrastructure and patient-centric care. The government expects that the integration of these volunteers will not only improve patient satisfaction but also optimize the workflow of medical staff by reducing the time spent on non-clinical guidance tasks.