PG course in Blood Transfusion Medicine to begin at GMCH, Nagpur

Nagpur: Government Medical College (GMCH) and Hospital is soon to emerge as the only institution in Vidharba offering a Post Graduate course in Blood Transfusion Medicine course. Presently the issue is under discussion between the Dean, Dr Abhimanyu Niswade, and the Medical Council of India(MCI), said Food and Drug Administration (FDA),Drug Inspector, VR Ravi.

The college in line with its course plans, hosted a two day FDA organized CME on “ Transfusion Medicine” at GMCH. It was organized in collaboration with the Blood Centre Technologist Association, Maharashtra, and Federation of Nagpur Blood Banks.

It was attended by 225 technicians and more than 25 blood banks from all over Vidharba.Nagpur Federation of Blood Banks President, Dr Harish Warbhe, Dr Dinkar Kumbhalkar, GMCH Medical Superintendent, Dr Jagdish Hedao, Dr Niswade, GMCH Pathology Department Head and Blood Centre Technologists Association President,Dhanaji Rane, and FDA Joint Commissioner, Dr Mohan Kekatpure, were present at the inauguration ceremony.

The MCI authorities have acknowledged that, the MD course in 'Immuno Haematology and Nagpur: Blood Transfusion' has a total nine seats in the state at present. These are available at five medical college located in Kolhapur, Pune, and Mumbai. Vidarbha, presently having an absolute void in the course.

The CME presentation on 'regulation of blood banks' by Ravi had him state -"When MBBS students come out of the institute and start practicing, over the course of time they have to prescribe blood components to patients. However, MBBS course does not offer in-depth learning of 'blood transfusion medicine', though the students are being well taught about pathology and haematology."

"Transfusion medicine needs to be incorporated into the UG course. Nevertheless, we have found a way to do that, with plans for similar sessions on 'rational use of blood' for UG students, as well as doctors practicing at government hospitals, in coming months," said Ravi and TOI reported.

The workshop also discussed blood component separation and blood quality control. Eleven speakers from across the country participated .

On Sunday, the technicians received a hands-on training as well.