AIIMS Patna to Establish Center of Excellence for Rare Diseases: Expert Team Lauds Facilities

PATNA – In a significant development, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna is poised to establish a Center of Excellence for Rare Diseases (RD), aligning with the vision of Executive Director Dr Gopal Krushna Pal and the directives of the Institute Body of AIIMS Patna.

A four-member team of experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), New Delhi, led by DB Charan, Joint Director for the Division of RD of the Ministry, conducted a thorough inspection at AIIMS Patna on December 28, 2023. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the infrastructure and requirements for establishing a Center of Excellence for Rare Diseases.

The Executive Director, Dr. Gopal Krushna Pal, and the Chairman of the Rare Disease Committee of AIIMS Patna warmly received the expert members at the Research Division. Dr. Pratap Kumar Patra, the Member Secretary of RD, provided a comprehensive overview of the available facilities, emphasizing the institution’s capabilities in diagnosing rare diseases, including primary immunodeficiency disorders, marrow failure syndromes, inborn errors of metabolism, storage disorders, and growth hormone deficiency.

The expert committee members conducted a detailed inspection of the Outpatient Department (OPD), inpatient services, and laboratory facilities across various departments during their visit. Following their evaluation, the expert members expressed considerable satisfaction with the existing infrastructure at AIIMS Patna, particularly in terms of diagnosing and managing rare diseases.

In the concluding session, Dr. GK Pal highlighted that the RD Center at AIIMS Patna is not only geared towards diagnosis but will also focus on the treatment of rare diseases. The meeting was attended by Dean Research Dr. Prem Kumar, Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Dean Academics Dr. Umesh Bhadani, DDA Nilotpal Bal, OSD to Director Dr. Anil Kumar, and faculty members from various departments including Pathology, Microbiology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Lab Medicine and Genetics, Neurology, and Gynecology.

The establishment of this Center of Excellence marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services and research capabilities at AIIMS Patna.