Guwahati, Jan 2: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is collaborating with Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) to establish an “Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory” (IRDL), which is expected to function from April, this year.
The lab aims to enhance GMCH’s capabilities in diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology. This initiative is part of a broader pilot phase involving 12 government hospitals, selected based on rigorous internal and external assessments, including on-site evaluations.
GMC principal and GMCH chief superintendent Dr. A.C. Baishya said that an ICMR team is scheduled to visit GMCH on January 5 to review the preparations and collect necessary documentation.
GMCH superintendent Dr. Abhijit Sarma emphasized the potential impact of this lab, which will be supported by ICMR in terms of funding for equipment, infrastructure, manpower, and consumables.
Dr. Sarma noted that once operational, the IRDL could facilitate advanced tests like genomic sequencing at GMCH. Previously, such samples had to be sent to Kolkata or Pune for analysis. With ICMR’s recognition, testing might commence as early as April this year.
In addition to infectious disease research, GMCH is also enhancing its diagnostic tools for other conditions. Dr. Baishya mentioned the introduction of a “sleez” machine capable of recording 24-hour blood pressure (BP) data, aiding in the identification of patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension. OSA, a sleep disorder, can contribute to elevated BP levels throughout the day. A comprehensive sleep study at GMCH will now be able to monitor brain activity, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and muscle movements during sleep, helping to diagnose sleep disorders and their cardiovascular implications.
GMCH reported treating 12 lakh patients in 2024, with a significant proportion of cases involving hypertension and diabetes.
According to Dr. Baishya, stroke cases are also prevalent, with one out of every four patients being a stroke patient. Additionally, about one-fourth of the patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are being treated for either stroke or alcoholic cirrhosis.
Dr. Sarma highlighted that the Medicine Department, with 500 beds, recorded the highest number of patients last year. To address the growing patient influx, Dr. Sarma mentioned that the patient load is expected to decrease once MMC Hospital is relocated from GMC to Kalapahar.
Furthermore, GMCH plans to shift to a new 800-bed building this year, aiming to enhance its capacity and provide improved services to patients.
Dr. Baishya expressed optimism about delivering better healthcare facilities with the expanded infrastructure.
GMCH has been collaborating with Narayana Hrudayalaya hospitals in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, as well as Health City in Guwahati, since 2010 to provide heart care for children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD). This initiative was launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“Over 12,000 children with CHD have received free treatment under this program. The scheme, targeting children aged 0-18 years, covers all expenses related to screening, investigations, and treatment, including surgeries at designated cardiac centres,” Dr Sarma said.
Dr Sarma said the state government also provides airfare for the child and one parent/guardian between Guwahati and the treatment location outside Assam. Additionally, accommodation near the hospital is arranged for the guardian during the child’s hospitalization.
Last year, GMCH conducted 120 surgeries under this initiative and is working to expand its capabilities to handle Type 2 cases locally. This program has significantly reduced the prevalence of CHD among children, improving the ratio from 1:440 to 1:120.
Other recent developments at GMCH include the Cardio-Neuro (CN) Centre launching an emergency unit with 10 beds serving 10 different departments starting Wednesday.
Plans are underway at the CN Centre to provide holistic treatment for differently-abled children this year.
GMCH has initiated genetic testing, particularly HLA typing, in collaboration with the Pathology, Microbiology, and Haematology departments. Previously, these tests were conducted outside the hospital, marking a significant advancement in its diagnostic capabilities.
