Category: Blog

9th Mile, Ri-Bhoi, Khanapara, March 4, 2025: The PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) today observed the 9th death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Late Shri PA Sangma, with a solemn floral tribute and commemorative speeches in his honour. The event witnessed the presence of Prof. GD Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM; Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of USTM; Prof. Dr. Abhinandan Das, Principal of PIMC; Dr. RK Sharma, Advisor to USTM; and Dr. Jogesh Sharma, Director of Medical Education and Research at PIMC. Faculty members, doctors, students, and staff also joined the occasion to pay their respects. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. GD Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM, expressed profound gratitude to Late PA Sangma for his pivotal role in the enactment of the USTM Act in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 2008. Remembering him as a visionary leader, Prof. Sharma highlighted Sangma’s lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds through education. “Late PA Sangma had always been a guiding force and a strong well-wisher for USTM. We remain deeply indebted to him for his constant support and encouragement in our efforts to establish a premier higher educational institution in Meghalaya,” Prof. Sharma said. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the present Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, and his team for their unwavering moral support and continuous encouragement towards the growth and development of the University.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, February 15, 2025: In a significant step towards strengthening cardiology services in the region, three distinguished cardiologists of international repute visited PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) today. Their visit aimed to provide strategic insights and guidance for the development of a world-class cardiology center at the institution. The visiting experts included Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of Interventional Cardiology & Structural Heart Disease at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi; Dr. M.U. Rabbani, Eminent Cardiologist and Former Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Chairman, Department of Cardiology, JN Medical College, AMU, Aligarh; and Dr. N.D. Azam Haseen, Professor & Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, JN Medical College, AMU. During their visit, the cardiologists toured the Super Speciality Block of PIMC, assessing the existing infrastructure and engaging in strategic discussions to enhance cardiology services. USTM Chancellor Shri Mahbubul Hoque highlighted the significance of their visit, stating that their expert recommendations would play a crucial role in shaping the future of cardiology at PIMC. A key highlight of the visit was an interactive session with the first batch of MBBS students, where the cardiologists shared their vast experience and insights. Addressing the students, Dr. Subhash Chandra emphasized the importance of personal well-being, resilience, and communication skills in the medical profession. “To become a successful doctor, the basic premise is to be a healthy person. This is a challenging field, and failures should never discourage you; instead, take them in stride and move forward. Effective communication is key—being a good listener can alleviate half of a patient’s suffering. Above all, strive to be a good human being, as patients often see doctors as next to God,” he advised. Dr. M.U. Rabbani underscored the commitment required for a medical career, highlighting the rapid advancements in medical technology over the past decade. Speaking on echocardiology, he stressed the importance of doctor-patient interaction. “Despite technological advancements, the core of medical practice remains the same—building trust with patients. Medicine is a science, but its practice is an art,” he remarked. In his address, Dr. N.D. Azam Haseen described medicine not just as a profession but as a way of life. He urged students to be sincere, passionate, and technologically adept in their practice. “Be dedicated to your work and embrace technology in healthcare,” he advised. Additionally, the visiting cardiologists shared their vision for the proposed cardiology setup at PIMC, offering valuable recommendations for its development. They also engaged in discussions with the faculty and doctors of PIMC, exchanging ideas and best practices to ensure the successful establishment of a state-of-the-art cardiac care centre.

Shillong, February 6, 2025: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today launched the Health Shuttle initiative by P.A. Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC) to enhance healthcare accessibility across the state. The program aims to provide pre-hospital transportation for patients and their attendants, ensuring better access to medical facilities, particularly in rural and urban areas. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is a unique and much-needed effort by PIMC. Despite the challenges of setting up a medical college, the institution has taken proactive steps to improve healthcare accessibility. The Health Shuttle service will not only benefit rural communities but also strengthen the healthcare network in Shillong and beyond.” Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, who was also present at the launch, highlighted the role of such initiatives in bridging gaps in healthcare infrastructure. “Transport remains a critical barrier in accessing timely medical care. The introduction of these shuttle services will provide a structured approach to patient mobility, especially for those from underserved regions,” she said. Addressing the launching event, USTM Chancellor M Hoque stated that the Health Shuttle service will begin with ten vehicles, five dedicated to rural areas and five serving urban regions, including Shillong. Initially, the urban shuttles will operate within Shillong, with provisions for expansion based on demand. To further streamline operations, PIMC plans to introduce a mobile application, enabling patients to book transport as needed. The launch event, held at the Chief Minister’s residence, was attended by key stakeholders, including USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof GD Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah, PIMC Principal Prof Dr Abhinandan Das, Director of Medical Education, and healthcare professionals from both PIMC and the Government of Meghalaya. With this initiative, PIMC aims to strengthen its role as a community-focused medical institution, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and inclusive for all.

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.