Nagpur: In a major healthcare advancement, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) Centre for early detection of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. The facility was inaugurated on Thursday, November 6, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. With this, AIIMS Nagpur has become the first government healthcare institute in Central India to introduce this advanced testing facility.

The inauguration ceremony also marked the launch of the Gamma Blood Irradiator machine, aimed at ensuring the supply of highly purified and safe blood to patients. Both facilities were inaugurated by Chief Minister Fadnavis during a programme organized by the Department of Transfusion Medicine at AIIMS Nagpur.

The NAT test is a rapid diagnostic method that detects pathogens directly from blood, saliva, or other samples, enabling the identification of serious infections like HIV and Hepatitis in their early stages. This allows for timely treatment and minimizes the risk of transmitting infected blood to recipients. Experts say the technology ensures precise diagnosis and almost eliminates the chances of contaminated blood transfusions.

The Gamma Blood Irradiator, on the other hand, helps deliver sterilized and safe blood components to patients, effectively reducing transfusion-related infections.

Praising AIIMS Nagpur for its initiative, Chief Minister Fadnavis said such advanced medical facilities should benefit the maximum number of patients, especially the underprivileged sections of society.

Earlier, AIIMS Executive Director Dr. Prashant Joshi welcomed the Chief Minister. The event was also attended by Dean Dr. Mrunal Pathak, Maharashtra Medical Council Administrator Dr. Vinky Rughwani, Head of Transfusion Medicine Dr. Soumya Das, Dr. Parag Phulzele, and Dr. Raunak Dubey, among other dignitaries.