A proud and memorable event was organized at Guru Nanak Institute of Medical Technology, Patiala, where Punjab’s Honourable Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, inaugurated the newly established First Aid Training Centre. The occasion marked an important step towards promoting healthcare awareness and emergency response education among students and the community.
Guru Nanak Institute has been making a significant contribution in the field of Allied Health Education for the last 35 years. The institute is successfully running various professional healthcare courses, including Physiotherapy, Radiology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Hospital Management, Optometry, Dialysis Technology, Hospital Sterilization Technology, Cardiac Care Technology, CMSED, PCM, and MPHW.
Through these courses, students are becoming self-reliant and bringing pride to themselves, their parents, and GNIMT. Upon the arrival of Dr. Balbir Singh at the institute, he was warmly welcomed and escorted by Dr. Subhash Dawar, Dr. Rahul Dawar, S. IP Singh, Jiten Dawar, and Jatin Dawar.
On this occasion, the Honourable Minister was welcomed with a tilak ceremony and showering of flowers. On behalf of the institute management, Dr. Subhash Dawar and the staff members honoured him by presenting a bouquet.
Afterwards, the Health Minister visited the laboratories and departments of the institute and formally inaugurated the First Aid Training Centre by cutting the ribbon. He highly appreciated the excellent arrangements and demonstrations presented by the students and staff.
The students gave outstanding demonstrations on CPR and dressing techniques, which reflected their practical knowledge, confidence, and professional skills. Dr. Balbir Singh praised the students for their performance and appreciated the institute for providing quality healthcare education and practical training in various allied health disciplines.
During his address, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the importance of first aid training in daily life. He stated that first aid knowledge is essential everywhere, whether at home, schools, colleges, workplaces, public places, or healthcare institutions.
He highlighted that timely first aid can save lives during emergencies and accidents before professional medical assistance arrives. The Honourable Minister also explained that first aid is not limited only to CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) but also includes several lifesaving techniques such as wound care, bleeding control, fracture support, burn management, patient handling, and emergency response skills.
While addressing the gathering, the Health Minister assured that the Punjab Government would focus on providing government training opportunities for GNIMT students in the healthcare sector. He also expressed positive support regarding affiliation opportunities through Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, which would greatly benefit GNIMT students academically and professionally.
On this occasion, MC Deepak Mittal was also honoured. Apart from this, Nishant MC of Factory Area, Jatinder Kumar, media representatives from Jagran, Rupan from Chardikala, Shiv Kumar Jangra from Press Ki Taqat, Parwinder Kumar, Punjab Kesari, and representatives from Bhaskar also attended the event and extended their full support.
At the conclusion of the event, the management of Guru Nanak Institute of Medical Technology, Director and Principal Dr. Subhash Dawar, coordinator, faculty members, and students expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Balbir Singh by presenting a shawl and memento for his inspiring visit, valuable guidance, and encouragement towards healthcare education and skill development.
At the end of the program, Dr. Subhash Dawar gave thanks and regards to Chief Guest Dr. Balbir Singh, refreshments were served to all media members and students.