Guwahati, Jan 2: Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), the largest government hospital in the Northeast, will soon introduce advanced diagnostic tests, including genomic sequencing, eliminating the need to send samples to Kolkata or Pune.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is collaborating with GMCH to establish an Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL), expected to become operational by April. The lab aims to enhance GMCH’s capabilities in diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology, as part of a pilot project involving 12 government hospitals selected through rigorous assessments.

Dr. A.C. Baishya, principal and chief superintendent of GMCH, stated that an ICMR team would visit the hospital on January 5 to review preparations and collect documentation. GMCH superintendent Dr. Abhijit Sarma highlighted that ICMR will provide funding for the lab’s infrastructure, equipment, manpower, and consumables.

Dr Sarma also emphasized the lab’s potential to facilitate advanced diagnostic tests, such as genomic sequencing, which currently require samples to be sent to Kolkata or Pune. With ICMR’s recognition, testing could commence as early as April.

Advancements in Diagnostics and Treatment at GMCH

Beyond infectious disease research, GMCH is enhancing its diagnostic tools for other conditions. Dr Baishya announced the introduction of a “sleez” machine to monitor 24-hour blood pressure (BP), aiding in the identification of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension. A comprehensive sleep study will allow GMCH to assess brain activity, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and muscle movements during sleep, improving the diagnosis of sleep disorders and their cardiovascular implications.

In 2024, GMCH treated over 12 lakh patients, with a significant number suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. Dr Baishya noted that one in four ICU patients were treated for stroke or alcoholic cirrhosis. The Medicine Department, housing 500 beds, recorded the highest patient influx last year. To address this, GMCH plans to transition to a new 800-bed building in 2025, enhancing its capacity to deliver better healthcare services.

Expanding Pediatric Heart Care

Since 2010, GMCH has collaborated with Narayana Hrudayalaya hospitals in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, as well as Health City in Guwahati, to provide free treatment for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) under a state-sponsored program. Dr Sarma reported that over 12,000 children aged 0-18 years have benefited from this initiative, which covers screening, investigations, and surgeries.

In 2024, GMCH conducted 120 surgeries under the program and is working to manage Type 2 CHD cases locally. The initiative has reduced the prevalence of CHD among children in Assam from 1:440 to 1:120.

New Developments and Future Plans

Recent developments at GMCH include the launch of a 10-bed emergency unit at the Cardio-Neuro Centre, serving 10 different departments. Plans are underway to provide holistic treatment for differently-abled children at the CN Centre this year.

Additionally, GMCH has started genetic testing, including HLA typing, in collaboration with the Pathology, Microbiology, and haematology departments, marking a significant leap in its diagnostic capabilities. Previously, such tests were outsourced.

Dr. Baishya expressed optimism about the hospital’s growing infrastructure and services, emphasizing GMCH’s commitment to providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions to the region.

Read: USTM’s New Year Gift: Free education for all children & youth from nearby villages

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