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CMC becomes India’s first infectious diseases training and research centre
EHM News Bureau - Bangalore
Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore became the first
hospital in the country to open an Infectious Disease Training and Research
Centre (IDTRC), in collaboration with the Centre for Tropical Diseases, Haukeland
University and Bergen, Norway. His Excellency Jon Westborg, the Ambassador of
Norway inaugurated the training centre at Vellore.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Westborg said, “This collaboration
is a part of the efforts at strengthening the political, economic and cultural
ties between Norway and India, especially in the areas of transfer of technology
between the two countries. CMC has been chosen for this collaboration because
of its excellent track record in the field of medicine and an excellent track
record of the doctors.”
“The centre would be the first in the whole of South Asia, which will conduct
research and train personnel in the prevention of hospital associated infection
especially in ICUs, control of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and fever,
all of which are prevalent in tropical India. The knowledge repository and dedicated
service of CMC, Vellore should be utilised by the world at large through this
centre,” added Westborg.
Dilip Mathai, professor, department of medicine, CMC, co-ordinator of the centre
for training on infectious diseases said, “Opening of the IDTRC is an important
milestone for CMC. The hospital provides counseling and treatment to around
2,300 patients every year. The Haukeland University of Norway would be giving
a financial assistance of 80,000 USD to set up the centre.”
“The collaboration was for the service of the nation in terms of prevention
and control of HIV/AIDS and training of the people,” said Dr George Chandy,
director, CMC. “CMC admits nearly 500 HIV/AIDS patients every year and
cost of the treatment could be subsidised,” informed Dr Mathai.
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