High-precision AR-based wayfinding tool aims to reduce patient confusion and ease staff burden at one of India’s busiest medical institutes
Smarter Navigation Coming to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is set to revolutionize patient experience with the upcoming launch of its in-house navigation app, ‘PGI Margdarshan’, currently in the final phase of testing. The full-scale rollout is expected next month.
Developed by Dr Anurag Ramawat and the ENT department team, the app is designed to tackle one of the biggest challenges faced by visitors—finding their way across the vast hospital campus.
Addressing Pandemic-Era Challenges
The idea for the app originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when patients struggled to navigate the complex hospital layout due to restricted movement and lack of assistance.
With over 10,000 daily visitors, hospital staff and security personnel often face “wayfinding fatigue” from constantly guiding patients. The app aims to significantly reduce this burden while easing patient anxiety, especially during time-sensitive medical visits.
Advanced AR Technology for Accurate Indoor Navigation
Unlike traditional GPS systems that fail indoors, ‘PGI Margdarshan’ uses augmented reality (AR) and 3D mapping to deliver highly accurate navigation within a margin of just two feet.
Key features include:
- Real-time location tracking using QR-based check-ins
- 3D visual overlays of actual surroundings
- Directional arrows guiding users step-by-step
This ensures patients can easily locate departments like OPDs, banks, markets, and research blocks without confusion.
How the App Works
- Scan to Start: Users scan QR codes placed at entrances, lifts, and staircases
- Precise Location: The app identifies exact user position with high accuracy
- Choose Destination: Patients select their desired location via a simple dropdown menu
- Follow AR Directions: Visual cues guide users to their destination
Security and Infrastructure Enhancements
To maintain security, sensitive areas such as faculty offices and private research labs are excluded from the mapping system.
Additionally, the institute plans to replace current laminated QR codes with durable, tamper-proof PVC versions to ensure long-term reliability.
Backed by Indian Council of Medical Research Funding
The project has received a grant of ₹42 lakh from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), highlighting its significance in advancing indigenous medical technology.
The development team has also secured trademarks and copyrights for the app, marking a notable milestone in homegrown healthcare innovation.
Setting a New Benchmark for Indian Hospitals
Once launched, ‘PGI Margdarshan’ could serve as a model for hospitals across India, offering a scalable solution to improve patient navigation and operational efficiency in large healthcare facilities.
This initiative reflects a growing push toward digital healthcare infrastructure and patient-centric innovation in India.
