Category: Blog

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, December 18, 2024: In the spirit of Christmas, a team from PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC), USTM, organized a free health camp today at Amphanggre Village, located in 12 Mile, Byrnihat. The initiative witnessed active participation from doctors across various specialties, nurses, and other healthcare personnel, reflecting USTM’s commitment to community well-being. Doctors specializing in Medicine, Gynaecology, ENT, and Dermatology provided consultations to over a hundred villagers along with free medicines during the camp. Key medical professionals included Dr. Quaiser Jawed (Medicine), Dr. Dubori Deka (Gynaecology), Dr. Nancy Brahma (ENT), and Dr. Aslam Ali (Dermatology). The team was further supported by junior residents, nurses, pharmacists, medical social workers, and ward assistants from PIMC, along with officials from USTM. Concurrently, a team from the USTM Public Relations Office visited Amphanggre Village for an interactive session with Mr. S.D. Marak, the Head of the Village Dorbar, and other community members. The discussions shed light on the village’s socio-educational landscape. Amphanggre comprises 75 households with a population of nearly 600. The community manages a single school, catering to about 40 students from pre-nursery to Class 3. Mr. SD Marak shared the community’s aspiration for government and non-governmental support to enhance the school’s infrastructure and provide better opportunities for the children mostly belonging to very poor families. The combined efforts of PIMC and USTM reflect their ongoing dedication to holistic community development, addressing not only health concerns but also fostering dialogue for sustainable growth in underserved regions.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya, Sep 10, 2024: In an effort to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of blood cancer and the crucial role of stem cell transplant as a treatment option, DKMS BMST Foundation India, a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer, has conducted a donor registration drive at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya. The drive aims to encourage young people to come forward and register as potential stem cell donors.   A press conference was organised in this regard today by the Bangalore-based DKMS BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and USTM to spread awareness regarding stem cell donation to give new life to blood cancer patients. The press conference was addressed by Dr Minerva Mary, HOD, Donar Request Management at DKMS-BMST; Mr Syantan Dutta Gupta, HoD, Doner Recruitment DKMS BMST; Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM, Prof Dr Biraj Kumar Das, Principal PIMC, and Mr Nakul Chandra Deori, Youth Officer, National Service Scheme. Stem cell donor Gautam Kumar from Jharkhand also addressed the media and shared his experience throughout the process of donation, his happiness in being able to give a new life to someone. He said that due to lack of awareness mainly in the rural areas of India, people do not come forward to donate stem cells. He inspired the youngsters to participate in the drive. Addressing the media, Dr Minerva Mary emphasised the critical need for more young people to join the donor registry. “Every 5 minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder like Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia. Many such patients are children and young people whose only chance of recovery is a stem cell transplant.” Mr Syantan Dutta stated that DKMS-BMST has registered more than 6000 potential stem cell donors in the North East region and out of this around 1500 are from Assam and 170 are from Meghalaya. “However, these numbers are not enough as many patients are waiting to find a suitable stem cell donor. To help these patients and many more we urge the young people to come forward and be a part of this drive. We urge them to consider this act of kindness and become part of the global community of stem cell donors”, he added. Prof G. D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “We are glad that DKMS-BMST is making efforts to raise awareness about blood cancer and the importance of stem cell donation. Our university is committed to promoting the health and well-being of our students and the community. Together, we aim to create awareness among the community through students and hope that many youngsters would register as potential blood stem cell donors.” To register as a potential stem cell donor, one must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55 years of age. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register Blood cancer, a group of diseases affecting the blood and bone marrow, has been on the rise in recent years. Stem cell transplantation is often considered a life-saving treatment option for patients suffering from these conditions. In this life-saving medical procedure, a patient’s diseased or damaged bone marrow cells are replaced with healthy stem cells from a matching donor.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, August 21, 2024: Dr. Vijay K Mittal, Associate Director of Medical Education, USA has delivered an insightful talk on “Simulation for Health Care Workers including AI” at a workshop organized today by IQAC, USTM at the NKC Auditorium of the University. The session began with a warm welcome by Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice Chancellor of USTM, in the presence of Dr. R.K. Sharma, Advisor USTM, and Dr. B.K. Das, Pro Vice Chancellor USTM, among others. The workshop was attended by over 250 students from USTM, along with staff from PIMC USTM. Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah said that introduction of simulation is a great achievement in medical science. “A simulation trained medical professional is very important nowadays. Diagnosis is the most difficult part of medical science, after which appropriate treatment can follow. AI will play a very important role in the coming days in diagnosing patients”, he added. Addressing the students, Dr. Vijay K Mittal, Associate Director of Medical Education, USA said that simulation is a technique, not a technology, to replace or amplify real experiences with guided experiences that evoke or replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner. In non- medical community, simulation training is well established in military, aviation, nuclear power, NASA, gaming industry etc. According to him, healthcare simulations can be said to have four main purposes: education, assessment, research and health system integration in facilitating patient safety. “Simulation technology can be used to improve individual and team performance through interdisciplinary team training. For medical students, simulation makes a paradigm shift in teaching. It is largely used for educational purposes across medical knowledge, patient care, psychomotor tasks, critical thinking and decision making. The workshop ended with an enthusiastic interactive session between the resource person and the students.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, July 22, 2024: The PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC), a dream project under the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), is rapidly progressing with state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities. Today, another hi-tech CT scan machine has been installed at PIMC, enhancing the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. In this context, Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM stated, “PIMC will be ready soon to face any critical situations of healthcare emergency and treatment using the latest technology under the guidance of competent and expert teams of doctors.” Now the people of Meghalaya and other North Eastern states can avail of the facilities at PIMC at a very cheap rate. PIMC is working aggressively to collaborate with most of the outstanding hospitals of the country to attract expert doctors and to offer doorstep services to patients of NE”, he added. The hospital is already equipped with basic x-ray and imaging equipment to advanced medical devices including Endoscopy, FibroScan, CT scan, etc. Soon, two MRI machines, Spectral and higher-end CT for cardiovascular imaging, digital mammography, Cath and vascular lab for both diagnostic and intervention procedures, and other hi-tech equipment will also be incorporated into the Radiology and Imaging Sciences department of the institution. This will shape the department not only for disease diagnosis but also for minimally invasive image-guided treatment, follow-up, and response evaluation, he said. The Chancellor further stated, “500 super speciality beds will be added to the existing 605-bed modern teaching hospital. At present 20 numbers of modular OTs are under construction, in addition to the existing 5 OTs”. The super speciality section is equipped with advanced technological facilities for cutting-edge research. In addition, the blood bank is also operational now. Mobile Operation Theatre will also be launched very soon. All super speciality branches including heart, kidney, and liver transplant centers will be made functioning from the next year. Consistent with its mission, this hospital is providing completely free medical care to all poor patients. The institution also aims to attract patients and students from ASEAN countries.

Quantum Computing will Change the Face of the World in the next 4 to 5 Years: Prof Wase 9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, July 18, 2024: Prof. (Dr.) Abdul Wase, an eminent cardiologist from Ohio, USA, addressed a captivated audience in an enlightening session organised by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) at its NKC auditorium today. The interactive session saw Prof. Wase engage with doctors, paramedical staff of the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMCH), and students of USTM. Wase shared groundbreaking insights into the future of quantum computing and its potential impact on the world, particularly in the field of medicine. Prof. Wase began by emphasizing the transformative power of quantum computing, predicting that this emerging technology will revolutionize various sectors within the next four to five years. “A newer field which is coming in 4 to 5 years is quantum computing, which will change the face of the world,” he stated. Highlighting its capabilities, he explained how quantum computing could drastically alter our daily lives and improve predictive abilities for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and storms. Prof. Wase spoke passionately about the interconnectedness of science and medicine, touching on topics such as neural networks and artificial intelligence. “Neural network is the study of networking in the brain. The whole phenomenon of science and medicine is interconnected,” he said, emphasizing the importance of integrating these advanced technologies into healthcare. Prof. Wase also highlighted the advancements in surgical technology over the past decade, noting significant improvements not only in procedural aspects but also in diagnostic capabilities. He expressed optimism about the future, stating that quantum computing will further enhance these developments, leading to more precise and efficient medical practices. Reflecting on his visit, Prof. Wase expressed his excitement and admiration for USTM and PIMCH. “I am excited to be here at USTM today. This institution of learning will create a center which will be known all over the country and the world,” he remarked. He toured the state-of-the-art facilities at the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital, commending the institution’s dedication to excellence in healthcare education and research. The session was introduced by Prof. Dr. Biraj Kumar Das, Principal of PIMC, who set the stage for the insightful discussions that followed. Prof. Dr. Jogesh Sharma, Director of Healthcare Education and Research at PIMCH, delivered the concluding remarks, thanking Prof. Wase for his invaluable contributions and inspiring address.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, July 4, 2024: A GCP (Good Clinical Practice) training workshop on “Empowering Clinical Research” has been held by the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMCH) at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The workshop was organized by PIMCH in collaboration with INFOCLIN Consultancy. The resource persons for the workshop were Prof (Dr) Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, M.D, FISQua (UK) Clinical Director, Academics, Quality & Research, Peerless Hospital and B K Roy Research Centre, Kolkata; Prof (Dr) Anita Dakua, Associate Prof, Department of Pharmacology, PIMCH; Sabari Dasgupta, Senior Clinical Trial Monitor, INFOCLIN and Prof (Dr) Pinaki Chakravarty, Head, Department of Pharmacology, Tezpur Medical College. The workshop was participated by faculty, physicians, and students of the University. Making his presentation on “ICH-Good Clinical Practice (GCP): Essential understanding for conducting Clinical Research”, Prof (Dr) Subhrojyoti Bhowmick said, “GCP is a shared responsibility of Sponsor, Investigator, Regulatory Authority and Ethics Committee”. According to him, the Ethical Principles of GCP are Essentiality, Voluntariness, Informed consent and community agreement, Non-exploitation, Privacy and confidentiality, Precaution & risk minimization, and professional competence. He stated that the Indian GCP Guidelines are developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). These evolved with consideration of WHO, ICH, USFDA European GCP, and Ethical Guidelines of Biomedical Research on Human Subjects of ICMR. Dr Bhowmick stated that GCP should be followed for carrying out biomedical research in India at all stages of drug development, whether before or after product registration in India. Good clinical practice involves a standard for the design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses, and reporting of clinical trials that assures that the data and reported results are credible and accurate and that the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of trial subjects are protected. Addressing the gathering on the Sponsor’s Responsibilities, Prof (Dr) Anita Dakua said that the Investigator should ensure the accuracy, completeness, legibility, and timelines of the data reported to the sponsor in the case report forms. Ms Sabari Dasgupta also presented a PPT on the Sponsor’s Responsibility. On the other hand, Prof Pinaki Chakravarty from Tezpur Medical College spoke on NDCT Rules 2019 and Safety Reporting.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, July 1, 2024: Faculty Doctors and students of the IA Ayurvedic Medical College at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) today came together to celebrate National Doctors’ Day with much enthusiasm. Alongside them, the doctors and associates of the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMCH) also marked the occasion, reflecting on the invaluable contributions of medical professionals. At IAAMC, the celebrations were vibrant as students and doctors gathered to honor Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy on his birth and death anniversary today. The event commenced with the cutting of a cake, followed by melodious singing and insightful speeches on the significance of Doctors’ Day. Prof. R.K. Sharma, Principal of IAAMC, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of this day and the legacy of Dr. Roy. Dr. Anil Kumar Sarma, Advisor of IAAMC, delivered a speech shedding light on the remarkable life and achievements of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, highlighting his contributions to the medical field. Dr. Barnali Das, Deputy Medical Superintendent of the University Hospital of Ayurveda and Naturopathy, also addressed the students, inspiring them with her words and reinforcing the significance of their chosen profession. Simultaneously, the doctors of PIMCH commemorated the day with equal zeal, honoring Dr. Roy, fondly remembered as the “Miracle Man of Medicine.” The program was graced by Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, and Prof. Dr. Biraj Kumar Das, Principal of PIMC, along with many senior doctors and staff members. Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of doctors at PIMCH, Prof. G.D. Sharma underscored the vital role that medical professionals play in society. He spoke about the dedication and commitment required in the medical field and the profound impact that doctors have on the lives of countless individuals. Prof. Sharma expressed his gratitude to the doctors for their unwavering service and dedication, particularly during challenging times. Prof. Dr. Biraj Kumar Das, Principal of PIMCH, also took the opportunity to address the audience. He spoke about the legacy of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy and his monumental contributions to medical education and healthcare in India. Dr. Das encouraged the young medical students to draw inspiration from Dr. Roy’s life and strive for excellence in their careers. The celebrations concluded with a sense of pride and unity among the medical fraternity at USTM. The day served as a reminder of the noble profession of medicine and the relentless efforts of doctors who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of society. The event reinforced the commitment of IAAMC and PIMCH to produce dedicated and compassionate doctors who will carry forward the legacy of great medical professionals like Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, June 28, 2024: The Microbiology Department of the PA Sangma International Hospital at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has successfully organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) workshop titled “Good Laboratory Practices and Infection Control in a Tertiary Care Hospital” here today at the Central Auditorium of the University. Apart from the distinguished speakers and the participants, the workshop was graced by Dr RC Deka, Former Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM and Dr RK Sharma, Advisor USTM. The Chief Guest of the inaugural session was Dr Manasi Bhattacharjee, Dean Academics, Prof and Head, Department of Physiology AIIMS Guwahati. Dr Bhattacharjee highlighted the significance of good laboratory practice in healthcare. The inaugural session of the workshop was also addressed by Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice-Chancellor USTM; Prof. Dr Biraj Kumar Das, Principal, PIMC and Dr. Swaroop Baruah, MEU Coordinator, PIMC. Welcoming the participants, Dr. Debarati Saha, Dept of Microbiology PIMC said, “The objective of the CME is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to ensure safety and quality standards in laboratory practices and prevent infections. The workshop aims to equip participants with knowledge of standard laboratory practices for quality and safety, skills to implement effective infection control protocols, and strategies to minimize risks and ensure patient well-being.” The resource persons in the scientific sessions include Dr. (Prof) Lahari Saikia, Dept of Microbiology, GMCH who spoke on “Principles of Good Laboratory Practice”. The session chaired by Dr. Jogesh Sarma, Director Healthcare Education USTM. Dr. Moushumi Saikia, Consultant Biochemist and Quality Head, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Guwahati spoke on “Fundamentals of Quality Control” and her session was chaired by Dr. Rajeeb Kalita. Dr. (Prof) Muktanjalee Deka, Head of the Department of Oncopathology, State Cancer Institute, GMCH addressed “Quality and safety aspects in Histopathology Laboratory” and her session was chaired by Dr. Swaroop Kr. Baruah. Dr. Debarati Saha spoke on “Overview of Quality Control and Infection Control in Microbiology Laboratory” while Dr. Deepjyoti Kalita, Associate Prof Dept of Microbiology, AIIMS Guwahati spoke on “Establishment of BMW Management & Hospital Infection Control Program from Scratch: Challenges & Way Forward” and his session was chaired by Dr. Chitralekha Baruah. Dr Rashmisnata Barman, Associate Prof Department of Microbiology, BBCI, Guwahati made a presentation on “Sterilization in Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infection” and her session was chaired by Dr. Rashna Dass Hazarika, Medical Superintendent, PIMCH. Dr. Krishna Gogoi, Senior Consultant, SSDN Guwahati spoke on “Overview of Hospital Infection Control” and her session was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Kr. Baruah and Dr. Ashok Kr Das.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, June 26, 2024: Eminent doctors and academicians today participated in the opening session of a two-day long Steering Committee Meeting on “Roadmap of Healthcare: Role of USTM” organised by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) for its upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMCH). The meeting was graced by Prof. Ved Prakash, Former Chairman, UGC, New Delhi, Prof. R.C. Deka, Former Director, AIIMS New Delhi, Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM, Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice Chancellor, USTM, Prof. R.K. Sharma, Advisor USTM apart from others. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ved Prakash highlighted the direction that higher education today is going around the world. He said, “Each learner has unique learning skills. To meet the swelling expectations of children of diverse backgrounds, there is a need for an interdisciplinary approach to education. Real-world problems can be solved only with such programs”. He said that the most illustrious institutions in the world are the ones that created all domains of knowledge in the university. “We need leaders who can anticipate the changes in society and come up with innovative programs to serve the society. USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque is such a leader, and we need more visionary leaders like him”, he added. Prof. R.C. Deka spoke on “Clinical Quality & Delivery of Care in Health Care Management”. He said, “Quality improvement is a tool to create a global standard. Quality improvement depends on six factors: 1. Safety of the patient, 2. Any intended care has to be effective, 3. Timely care, 4. Patient centred, 5. Efficiency, and 6. Equitable services. Dr Deka stated that sustainable technology like blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and imaging platform technology are a big boon for medical treatment. In his address, Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar. Sahariah said that the upcoming medical college at USTM will have a super specialty hospital and brain drain from the region will be checked to a large extent. He too emphasized on interdisciplinary research approach in medical education. “All organs are interconnected, therefore, different Departments should work together”, he added. During tomorrow’s sessions, the keynote address will be made by Prof R.C. Deka on the topic “Crisis of Healthcare Professional & Specially Trained Manpower in Paramedical & Nursing”. Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah will speak on “Current Healthcare Initiatives and Impact Assessment”, while Prof Ved Prakash will share his introductory remarks. Prof Sanjay Deshmukh, Former Vice Chancellor University of Mumbai will speak on “Opportunities under Act East Policy in Healthcare”.  Prof M.U. Rabbani Professor of Cardiology, AMU, Aligarh will address on “Superspeciality in Healthcare Infrastructure”. Prof D.P. Agarwal Former Chairman, UPSC, New Delhi will address on “Strategic Planning and Goal Setting”.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, May 11, 2024: In honor of International Nurses Day and to commemorate the birth anniversary of the iconic Florence Nightingale, the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC) and the University Hospital of Ayurveda and Naturopathy (UHAN) at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) today came together for a celebratory event on the University campus. The event was graced by Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor USTM, Prof. GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of UST as the chief guest. Dr. RK Sharma, Advisor to USTM, and Dr. Rashna Dass Hazarika, Medical Superintendent of the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital, apart from other doctors and nurses attended the celebration making it a success. Addressing the gathering, Shri Mahbubul Hoque said that nurses are the backbone of healthcare, tirelessly working to provide comfort, care, and healing to patients in need. “Their dedication, compassion, and resilience inspire us all. We express our gratitude and support for these everyday heroes who make a difference in our lives and communities every single day”, he added. Prof. GD Sharma delivered an enlightening speech on the indispensable role of nurses in the healthcare field, paying homage to the legacy of Florence Nightingale and her iconic representation as the “lady with the lamp”. He said that the Chancellor of USTM has a great vision to provide healthcare to the unreached people of the region and take both the Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital and the upcoming PIMC to the national and international level so that people from neighboring countries can come and see the potential. Dr. Rashna Dass emphasized the paramount importance of nursing and highlighted the selfless dedication of nurses, particularly those serving in critical care units and emergency services. Adding to the significance of the event, Dr. Barnali Das, Deputy Medical Superintendent of the University Hospital of Ayurveda and Naturopathy, graced the occasion alongside other esteemed doctors and nurses from both institutions. The program was skillfully anchored by Ms. Kilangsungla Jamir, Assistant Nursing Superintendent of PIMCH, while the welcome speech was delivered by Ms Jurilang Ika Ryngksai, Nursing Superintendent of UHAN. A highlight of the celebration was the cutting of a beautifully crafted cake, prepared by one of the nurses, symbolizing the joy and camaraderie shared on this special day. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Rilang Nongtdu, Deputy Nursing Superintendent of PIMCH, expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the noble profession of nursing.