Latest news with #DepartmentofMicrobiology
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS-R VRDL gets accreditation for diagnosis of 12 major viral infections
Raipur: The state viral research and diagnostic laboratory (VRDL) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, has received its first accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL). The laboratory, which functions under the Department of Microbiology, was accredited for the diagnosis of 12 major viral infections. These include viral meningitis and encephalitis, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), swine flu ( H1N1 ), influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 14 high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types that cause cervical cancer . The list also includes Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis B and C viral load, and dengue. Established in 2018, the VRDL provides diagnostic services to patients at AIIMS Raipur and receives samples from across Chhattisgarh. It is involved in testing for COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, C, E, and dengue. The lab also assists in investigating outbreaks of viral diseases like chickenpox, conjunctivitis, and mumps. The VRDL is the state nodal centre for COVID-19 testing , quality control, and whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. Lt Gen Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, congratulated the team for their achievement, stating that the NABL accreditation is a step towards national recognition for the diagnostic services provided to the people of Chhattisgarh. Prof Dr Anudita Bhargava, Head, Department of Microbiology, said the recognition was the result of teamwork and dedication by the entire staff.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS-R VRDL gets 1st NABL accreditation for diagnosis of 12 major viral infections
Raipur: The state viral research and diagnostic laboratory (VRDL) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, has received its first accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). The laboratory, which functions under the Department of Microbiology, was accredited for the diagnosis of 12 major viral infections. These include viral meningitis and encephalitis, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), swine flu (H1N1), influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 14 high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types that cause cervical cancer. The list also includes Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis B and C viral load, and dengue. Established in 2018, the VRDL provides diagnostic services to patients at AIIMS Raipur and receives samples from across Chhattisgarh. It is involved in testing for COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, C, E, and dengue. The lab also assists in investigating outbreaks of viral diseases like chickenpox, conjunctivitis, and mumps. The VRDL is the state nodal centre for COVID-19 testing, quality control, and whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. Lt Gen Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, congratulated the team for their achievement, stating that the NABL accreditation is a step towards national recognition for the diagnostic services provided to the people of Chhattisgarh. Prof Dr Anudita Bhargava, who heads the Department of Microbiology, said the recognition was the result of teamwork and dedication by the entire staff. Prof. Dr Sanjay Singh Negi stated that the accreditation, which follows the ISO 15189:2022 standards, reflects the high quality of the diagnostic testing. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
OU to hold int'l conference on microbiology
Hyderabad: The Department of Microbiology, University College of Science, Osmania University, launched the brochure and poster for the upcoming International Conference on Emerging Microbial Technologies for One Health, scheduled from October 15 to 17. This prestigious event is being organised to mark the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of the Department of Microbiology. On Monday, Professor Kumar Molugaram, Vice Chancellor of Osmania University, formally released the conference brochure and poster in the presence of faculty members and distinguished guests. During his speech, Professor Molugaram emphasised the importance of organising the conference in a grand and impactful manner by inviting renowned speakers from at least 20 countries. He also suggested that the department collaborate with a reputable international journal to publish the research papers presented at the conference, which would enhance the global visibility of the academic contributions. The event was attended by Professor G Naresh Reddy, Registrar; Professor Gunda Prabhakar, Principal of the University College of Science; and esteemed faculty members, including Professor Sandeepta and Dr Hameeda Bee. Professor B Bhima, the conference convenor and head of the department, informed participants that the conference is expected to serve as a global platform for scientists, researchers, and professionals working in the fields of microbiology and one health, promoting collaborative research and innovation. He urged all stakeholders to register and participate in the conference to ensure its success. The detailed brochure and additional relevant information are available on the Osmania University website,
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘I wanted my daughters to be doctors to serve humanity'
IT WAS a dream come true for Sunita Gupta, technical assistant, Department of Microbiology, PGI, Chandigarh, when her two daughters — Saniya and Saanvi — took the oath as doctors. 'I wanted to be a doctor, but had to do an MSc in biochemistry from PGI (1994–1995), and have been working here since 1996. My daughters, however, fulfilled my dream. I wanted them to be doctors to serve humanity and heal the world,' the proud mother smiles. Sunita recalled her father, a principal with a Himachal Pradesh government school, would always say 'when one daughter studies, she educates the entire family,' so he encouraged me and my sisters to study and pursue careers. Saniya, the older daughter, an all-India rank of 56, did her MBBS from GMCH-32, and was a topper throughout, a gold medalist, and went on to do her MD in paediatrics from PGI, winning the gold medal again. 'She did her DM in paediatric endocrinology from PGI, the only seat in the country, and has the honour of being the first paediatric endocrinologist in India. The younger one, Saanvi, has just completed her MBBS from GMCH-32, as both have a ten-year gap, and is now planning higher studies. Both are not only very good doctors, but wonderful human beings. Working in PGI, I have seen Saniya looking out for children she was treating at the Advanced Paediatric Centre, buying carrots and cucumbers, and going the extra mile to give them comfort. And the blessings of the patients give them strength,' Sunita said. 'As a mother,' Sunita reflects, 'my effort has always been to encourage and stand by my daughters. The role of a mother is unparalleled, as she is a pillar of strength for her children.' Sunita would ask her daughters to do their best and leave the rest to God, but never compromise on hard work, honesty and values, no matter what the odds. 'I pursued a high-pressure career, but their education and progress remained a priority. I told them to move ahead on merit. They never went to a private tuition. Upon returning from PGI, I would ask them to sit with me in the kitchen. We had a table for their studies in the kitchen. I would cook and teach them. There was no television. We avoided eating out so that they don't fall ill, and our social commitments were rare,' Sunita said. 'As a mother, you have to help your children deal with multiple pressures and be their emotional anchor. But education is paramount, as no one can take it away from you. My daughters made their father and me proud by putting their heart and soul into their studies. They did their best. We know that they will always put their patients before themselves, and that's a grace,' Sunita smiled.
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Antimicrobial Resistance termed a 'health crisis'
Acinetobacter baumannii — a bacterium associated with hospital-acquired infections that can develop resistance to antibiotics. PHOTO: Eye Of Science/Science Photo Library Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a ticking time bomb, responsible for over one million deaths worldwide annually and approximately 60,000 deaths in Pakistan per year, making it a serious public health crisis. Leading experts warned at a seminar on microbial diseases and antibiotic resistance. The seminar was organised by the Department of Microbiology at Federal Urdu University of Arts Science Arts and Technology. The event was led by microbiologist Professor Sikander Sherwani, the chief organiser of the seminar on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases. The seminar was attended by students and experts from various institutions associated with the field of microbiology. Renowned microbiologists from different universities and hospitals provided valuable insights on the topic. Professor Dr. Zahid, Dean of Science at Federal Urdu University, praised Professor Sikander Sherwani's continuous efforts and emphasised that such programs help students enhance their academic performance and contribute to the university's reputation. He highlighted that the department remains actively engaged in scientific and research-based initiatives. Addressing the global and national impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Professor Sikander Sherwani warned that AMR is a ticking time bomb, responsible for over one million deaths worldwide annually. He pointed out that in Pakistan, AMR directly causes approximately 59,200 deaths per year, making it a serious public health crisis. Dr Saima Faraz, Chairperson of the Department, commended Professor Sherwani for organizing such an important event. She noted that these programs help students learn modern techniques, enhance their knowledge, and strengthen their understanding of their field. Professor Dr Saeed of Dow University of Health Sciences stressed the importance of the proper use of antibiotics in combating infections and protecting public health. He cautioned that the overuse of antibiotics can be harmful and noted that Pakistan is among the top 10 countries facing antibiotic resistance. Alarmingly, 70-80% of bacterial infections in Pakistan have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. He emphasised the need for increased awareness and scientific research to tackle these challenges, warning that without intervention, AMR-related deaths in Pakistan could rise to 100,000 annually by 2050. Dr Owais Khan from Liaquat National University, Department of Infectious Diseases provided insights into the role of proper hygiene and medical interventions in controlling epidemics.
