A delegation of final-year medical students from Lund University, Sweden, has praised the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for its women-focused healthcare delivery and large-scale public outreach. The students, currently on an elective training programme at PGIMER’s Advanced Paediatric Centre, participated in the institute’s Mega Health Camp held under the Government of India’s Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan.
Describing the camp as “eye-opening” and “deeply humane”, the students said PGIMER’s ability to combine compassion with efficiency stood out. “The organisation and outreach of this camp are truly inspiring. Seeing long queues of women waiting patiently and the effort to address every concern was moving,” said Tilda Gunnarsson.
Her batchmate, Pavel Larsson, added: “What impressed me most is how seamlessly awareness, screening and treatment are integrated under one roof.
The emphasis on women’s health empowers not only individuals but also entire families.”
Two others in the group, Maria Kökeritz and Mai Stensson, described the camp as an extraordinary example of preventive and community healthcare.
Swedish medical students 🇸🇪 joined PGIMER’s Mega Health Camp under #SwasthNariSashaktParivar, praising its women-centric care, scale & efficiency.
Prof. Vivek Lal: “Gratifying to see our efforts appreciated beyond borders.” pic.twitter.com/ViQldZfMO4
— PGIMER Chandigarh (@pgichd) September 17, 2025
“The energy, compassion and commitment here are remarkable. Few large-scale initiatives match such attention to detail,” they said.
Prof Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER, said the participation of international students reflected the global relevance of India’s health initiatives. “It is gratifying to see our efforts being appreciated beyond borders. Such exchanges enrich both sides and strengthen our collective vision for healthier societies,” he said.
The Lund University delegation, guided by faculty from Skåne University Hospital, is in Chandigarh from September 15–19 for an elective on paediatrics in low- and middle-income settings. Their programme includes ward rounds, specialty clinics, academic sessions and emergency care observation. The visit is being coordinated by Professors Arun Bansal and Sanjay Verma of PGIMER.
At a glance: PGIMER Mega Health Camp
• 259 antenatal check-ups
• 2,459 haemoglobin screenings
• 690 breast cancer screenings
• 901 diabetes and 1,079 hypertension screenings
• 77 cervical cancer and 238 oral cancer screenings
• 378 sickle cell disease screenings
• 94 major surgeries conducted
• 450 blood donations facilitated
• Ayushman Bharat cards and ABHA IDs generated for beneficiaries
