DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY

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Best Healthcare Professionals

Microbiology

The present Department of Microbiology evolved from the Combined Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, in 1980, with Dr. Inderjit Singh as its first Professor and Head. It was shifted from Panjim to Bambolim in mid–eighties and was housed in the College Building, on the second floor. The Department was shifted to a bigger area, vacated by the Department of Medicine. The Department gradually expanded and made provisions to include the required number of diagnostic and undergraduate laboratory sections, as mandated by NMC. The staff position gradually grew to the present faculty of 14 members and Post Graduate Students (Junior Residents). MD in Microbiology was permitted in 1984 and increased from a single seat to the present three seats.

The diagnostic laboratories providing services to Goa Medical College and Hospitals include Bacteriology, Serology/Immunology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Mycobacteriology, Molecular Laboratory and Research Laboratory. The HIV Testing Laboratory commenced in 1987 and added CD4 estimation facility in 2005. The HIV Testing Laboratory which is under the State Reference Laboratory of the Department achieved NABL accreditation in December 2021. The Mycobacteriology Section was expanded and Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) was started in 2011. The IRL progressed rapidly and is accredited by the Central TB Division. This laboratory undertakes Drug Sensitivity Testing, Molecular testing, Liquid Culture and Line Probe assay. As a part of various National Programmes, diagnostic services are being provided for Vector Borne Diseases, Hepatitis and STIs. The Hepatitis Programme has been expanded to detection of viral load in individuals, who are Hepatitis B and C positive, so that they can be initiated on treatment.

Automated blood culture system has also commenced, providing services to the Department of Pediatrics. This will be extended to other Departments as well, in the near future. The VRDL – Viral Research Diagnostic Laboratory is underway and will be dealing with providing diagnostic facilities for viral diseases. It will also include Gene Sequencing facility.

In March 2020, responding to the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, the Department started RTPCR Testing for COVID 19 and is continuing to do so round the clock.

Apart from active involvement in diagnostic services, the Department Faculty is also engaged in undergraduate teaching activities for various courses, such as MBBS, BDS, MDS, Allied Health Sciences, Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Genetics and Medical Laboratory Techniques and BSc in Nursing. The staff also undertakes training sessions to Doctors, Nurses and Technicians, within and outside the Institution.

Vision

On the Academic front, the Department aims to introduce basic principles and application of relevance of clinical disease among students who are in preparation to become Physicians. A high-class laboratory knowledge will help the budding doctors to diagnose, treat and prevent spread of infection.

Mission

The Department provides diagnostic services to the Hospital regarding Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Immunology and Serology. Providing accurate results on clinical material within the shortest possible time is of paramount importance.