Nagpur: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur has achieved a major milestone in healthcare innovation with the inauguration of three advanced medical facilities — the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre, Individual Donor-Nucleic Acid Testing (ID-NAT) Laboratory, and the Blood Irradiator Unit. The inauguration was carried out by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Nagpur.
Milestone in Reproductive Healthcare
The newly inaugurated Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre marks a transformative advancement in reproductive medicine for Central India. Developed at a project cost of approximately ₹5 crore, the facility includes world-class laboratories, advanced operation theatres, incubator systems, and cryopreservation units. It offers comprehensive infertility services under one roof, ensuring high standards of safety, affordability, and success.
First Government IVF Facility in Central India
AIIMS Nagpur has become the first government institution in Maharashtra and Central India to provide evidence-based and affordable infertility treatment. The centre aims to benefit economically weaker couples who otherwise face prohibitive costs at private clinics. It will also function as a hub for clinical training, research, and innovation in reproductive medicine, expanding opportunities for medical professionals in the region.
Focus on Blood Safety and Advanced Testing
Alongside the ART Centre, AIIMS Nagpur has commissioned two major blood safety facilities under its Department of Transfusion Medicine — the Individual Donor-Nucleic Acid Testing (ID-NAT) Laboratory and the Blood Irradiator Unit. The ID-NAT Laboratory, established at a cost of about ₹2.5 crore, allows molecular screening of each donated blood unit for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. This advanced technology minimizes the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections by detecting viral DNA and RNA during the early “window period.”
First-of-its-Kind Technology in Government Sector
With the launch of the ID-NAT facility, AIIMS Nagpur becomes the first government institute in Maharashtra and Central India to adopt this cutting-edge blood-screening method. This initiative will particularly benefit marginalized and tribal populations, as well as patients suffering from sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions requiring frequent transfusions.
Blood Irradiator Unit Enhances Patient Safety
The Blood Irradiator Unit, established at a cost of ₹50 lakh and procured from the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology under the Department of Atomic Energy, is the first of its kind in Central India and among government hospitals in Maharashtra. The unit prevents Transfusion-Associated Graft Versus Host Disease (TA-GVHD), a potentially fatal complication in immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing kidney or bone marrow transplants.
Expanding Transplant Services at AIIMS Nagpur
AIIMS Nagpur has already performed 52 kidney transplants successfully, with liver transplantation services currently in progress. Given the high prevalence of sickle cell disease in the Vidarbha region, these newly launched facilities are expected to significantly improve the quality of life and survival outcomes among vulnerable tribal communities.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Milestone
These pioneering developments were led by Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Nagpur, under whose guidance the projects were implemented. The ART Centre was spearheaded by Dr. Suchita Mundle, Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, while Dr. Soumya Das, Faculty in charge of the Department of Transfusion Medicine, oversaw the establishment of the blood safety facilities.
Chief Minister Commends AIIMS Nagpur’s Efforts
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised AIIMS Nagpur for its dedication to affordable and equitable healthcare delivery. He lauded the institute’s efforts to bring advanced medical technologies within reach of ordinary citizens. With these three landmark facilities, AIIMS Nagpur continues to embody its motto, “Passion for Excellence,” by advancing patient safety, research, and inclusive healthcare for all sections of society.
Summary:
With the launch of the ART Centre, ID-NAT Lab, and Blood Irradiator Unit, AIIMS Nagpur has taken a historic step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Central India. These developments promise safer blood transfusions, affordable infertility treatment, and improved transplant outcomes, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to innovation and inclusive medical care.
