Jul
12
Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centre inaugurated at St John’s Medical College and Hospital in Bengaluru
Jul 12,2023
By: Express News Service, Bengaluru | Updated: July 12, 2023 11:31 IST
Dr Rajiv Bahl (Secretary, Division of Health Research, Govt of India & Director General, ICMR), inaugurated the centre virtually.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) threw open its Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centre (AMDRC) at St John’s Medical College and Hospital in Bengaluru Tuesday.
The centre will focus on training, diagnostics, research and community advocacy in the field of mycology (fungal infections) and cater to the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, said ICMR officials.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Division of Health Research, Govt of India, and Director General-ICMR, inaugurated the centre virtually. He emphasised on the importance of building national assets in health research. “These would be essential in addressing the problems of today while preparing for the crisis situations of tomorrow,” he said.
Dr. Jayanthi Savio, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, and Principal Investigator-AMDRC, said the centre will help in patient management using state-of-art advanced molecular techniques in diagnosis. “Students and faculty will be trained in mycology, thus building a repository of experts in the field across the country.Awareness regarding fungal infections will be promoted to facilitate early reporting and better treatment of patients in need,” she said.
“With this new facility, it is believed that we will be able to help manage a major threat in the form of fungal infections, which are known to be silent killers causing misery to millions and more deaths, compared to TB and Malaria,” a release from the hospital said.
Dr Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, Karnataka is committed to collaborative research in mycology in the 70 medical colleges across the state.
