Rajkot: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot on Saturday to inaugurate its new advanced Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL). This new facility aims to reduce the institute’s reliance on external laboratories for virus testing.

The AIIMS statement noted, “The laboratory currently operates at biosafety level 2 and will soon upgrade to biosafety level 3. Previously, the institute depended on the National Institute of Virology in Pune for virus detection, but now it will be self-sufficient.”

During his visit, Nadda also mentioned that the construction of the remaining buildings at AIIMS Rajkot is progressing well and expressed optimism about its timely completion.

“The VRDL at AIIMS Rajkot is set to become a key center for diagnosing and researching over 25 viruses, including those causing significant public health issues like dengue, Chikungunya, influenza, Hepatitis, and Covid-19. The laboratory is equipped with advanced technology to provide rapid and precise diagnostic results, which are essential for effective intervention and management of viral outbreaks,” the statement added.

The Minister also instructed the construction of a Night Shelter building for the attendants of patients through CSR funding by an appropriate agency, in addition to the existing Night Shelter.

The Minister was given a brief presentation about the latest progress of the ongoing project works at AIIMS Rajkot and various milestones achieved by the institute by Executive Director Prof. Dr. (Col.) CDS Katoch, in the presence of all the dignitaries. During the presentation, the following recent achievements of the institute were highlighted:

– A 250-bedded IPD facility inaugurated by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on 25.02.2024 and dedicated to the nation.
– Four batches of MBBS students currently studying.
– PG courses in 10 specialties ongoing since January 2024.
– Super-specialty course in Pulmonary Medicine started in July 2024.
– Artificial Intelligence Module in Healthcare implemented in UG and PG courses.
– VRDL & BSL-3 Laboratory sanctioned by ICMR.
– AYUSH integrated with Telemedicine (e-Sanjeevani).
– HMIS System/ABHA ID/E-Swasthya App/Scan & Share adopted for queue management.
– Extramural & intramural research projects ongoing.
– More than 370 surgeries, including total knee and hip replacement surgeries, performed to date since inauguration.
– MRI & Digital X-Ray are functional, and installation of the CT scan is underway.
– Fellowship in Virology & Infectious Diseases started.
– Mortuary services are operational.
– Nursing College & School of Public Health are in planning and expected to start next year.