 Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Jan 31: "The Armed Forces have significantly advanced critical care medicine through discipline, innovation and rapid response systems. The collaboration between PGIMER and the Armed Forces represents a powerful convergence of institutional clinical excellence and military medical discipline," stated *Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER,* while addressing the gathering as Chief Guest at BRAIN WAVES-2026, a two-day National Neuro-Critical Care Summit being organised at PGIMER today.
The Director further emphasised that neuro-critical emergencies demand precision, speed and seamless teamwork. He underscored that collaboration with Army Medical Services is strengthening neuro-critical care delivery, where every second during the golden hour can mean the difference between life and disability. "Platforms like BRAIN WAVES-2026 allow us to share best practices, innovate together and build a resilient emergency healthcare response that serves both civilian and defence settings," he added.
Hosted by PGIMER in collaboration with the Society for Emergency, Trauma and Disaster (SETD) and the Society for Critical Care Nursing (SCCN), along with Stroke Services and the Department of Neurology, PGIMER, and with academic partnership from the BHISHM Project, Government of India, *BRAIN WAVES-2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 300 delegates.* Participants included doctors and nursing professionals from 16 AIIMS across the country, as well as representatives from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Police Services and the Government of Haryana.
The summit's central theme, *"Golden Hour and Beyond: Race Against Time in Neuro Emergencies,"* highlights the critical role of rapid, evidence-based and well-coordinated interventions in improving outcomes in stroke, neurotrauma and other time-sensitive neurological conditions.
The academic programme featured expert lectures, panel discussions and interactive sessions led by senior faculty from PGIMER and other Institutes of National Importance. Key discussions focused on golden hour management, inter-sectoral coordination, emergency response systems and strengthening preparedness across healthcare, defence and civil administration.
Eminent speakers included *Prof. Dheeraj Khurana, Senior Neurologist, PGIMER; Major General Harkirat Singh Command Hospital, Dr Navdeep, Advisor Road safety, Govt of Punjab; Dr. Raman Sharma, Hospital Administration, PGIMER* , along with several other distinguished experts from across the country. The sessions provided a comprehensive overview of clinical protocols, system-level challenges and real-world solutions in neuro-critical care. |
