Project SARATHI: Enhancing Patient Support in Public Hospitals

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Key takeaways

The Union Health Minister reviewed the nationwide expansion framework of Project SARATHI across central government medical institutions in New Delhi.
Project SARATHI deploys trained youth volunteers in public hospitals to assist patients with non-clinical navigation, wheelchair mobility, and ABHA ID creation.
Integrated with the MY Bharat portal under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the initiative uses local NSS units and nursing trainees to improve healthcare delivery at minimal cost.

The Union Health Minister chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to evaluate a plan for expanding Project SARATHI to central government hospitals nationwide.

Project SARATHI stands for Students' Alliance for Responsible Action to Transform Healthcare Institutes, operating as a youth-led patient assistance program.
Trained student volunteers guide patients through public hospitals, providing non-clinical help like mobility support to ease the pressure on medical staff.
The platform connects directly with the MY Bharat portal to handle volunteer registration, attendance, training, and ABHA ID generation.

The initiative aims to upgrade patient experiences in crowded public hospitals by offering non-medical help while encouraging youth involvement in social service.

Volunteers help visitors find hospital sections, operate wheelchairs or stretchers, complete OPD registrations, and locate testing laboratories.
Strict operational guidelines prevent volunteers from taking up clinical, medical, or official administration duties.
The project links with the MY Bharat platform under the Ministry of Youth Affairs to manage volunteer onboarding, track performance, and issue certificates.
Volunteers assist patients with creating ABHA IDs and using health apps, which helps shorten long registration queues.
By engaging local NSS units, nursing students, and youth, the initiative offers an affordable and scalable way to improve hospital ratings.

Helping patients navigate hospital spaces shortens waiting times and reduces stress for doctor and nursing teams.
Engaging young people in hospital volunteering builds leadership skills, empathy, and awareness of public health needs.