Nagpur: Autoimmune diseases frequently affect multiple organs, making close collaboration among medical specialties essential for timely diagnosis and comprehensive patient care. With this objective, the Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, AIIMS Nagpur, organised RHEUMINATE 2.0, an Interface Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme, in association with the Vidarbha Rheumatology Association (VRA), The Nephrology Society, and the Department of General Medicine, AIIMS Nagpur.

Centred around the theme "Bridging Disciplines, Transforming Outcomes," the CME brought together experts in rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology, and general medicine to discuss evidence-based strategies for the diagnosis and management of complex autoimmune diseases through a multidisciplinary approach.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Nagpur. The programme was organised under the guidance of Dr. Smruti Ramteke, President of the Vidarbha Rheumatology Association, and Dr. Rajeshree Khot, Associate Dean, AIIMS Nagpur, with Dr. Abhilasha Manwatkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, AIIMS Nagpur, serving as the Organising Secretary.

Among the distinguished faculty was Dr. Rakesh Nair, an eminent teacher of Medicine and Nephrology, who shared valuable insights into the renal manifestations of autoimmune diseases. Dr. Piyush Kimmatkar, President of The Nephrology Society, and Dr. Sapan Pandya, Vice President of the Indian Rheumatology Association, also played key roles in strengthening this multidisciplinary academic initiative.

The day-long scientific programme addressed practical challenges in the management of autoimmune diseases. Scientific sessions covered cutaneous manifestations of rheumatic diseases, renal involvement in autoimmune disorders, lupus nephritis, ANCA-associated vasculitis, plasma exchange, interpretation of renal biopsies, and evolving evidence-based treatment strategies. Interactive multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions, debates, and case based learning sessions encouraged participants to approach complex clinical scenarios from multiple specialist perspectives.

One of the major highlights of the event was the National Rheumatology Quiz, conducted by Dr. Illiasul Ibad, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from MBBS students, postgraduate trainees, physicians, and rheumatologists from institutions across the country. The conference also featured oral and poster presentations by MD Medicine postgraduate students from various medical colleges across India, showcasing emerging clinical research and promoting academic exchange among young physicians. The quiz concluded with a grand finale during the valedictory session, fostering academic excellence, clinical reasoning, and interactive learning.

Recognising that quality healthcare extends beyond scientific discussions, a Pre-Conference Patient Awareness Programme was organised a day before the CME to educate patients and caregivers about rheumatic diseases, medications, and the importance of treatment adherence.

During the programme, Ms. Priyanka Maurya and Mrs. Sakshi Rangari were felicitated for their outstanding contribution to patient safety in the Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, AIIMS Nagpur. Through meticulous medication counselling, carefully prepared medication packets, and clear written instructions, they have played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe use of rheumatology medicines. Their dedicated efforts have contributed to a remarkable milestone of more than 10,000 rheumatology prescriptions over the past two years without a single hospital admission due to methotrexate toxicity, underscoring the importance of structured patient education, medication counselling, and safe prescribing practices.

The organisers said RHEUMINATE 2.0 reflects the evolving landscape of modern medicine, where collaboration across specialties is indispensable for managing complex autoimmune diseases. By integrating high-quality scientific deliberations with patient awareness initiatives, the programme has emerged as a unique platform that fosters interdisciplinary learning, encourages young clinicians, and strengthens collaborative healthcare. The organisers expressed confidence that such initiatives will further enhance the quality of autoimmune care and multidisciplinary clinical practice across Central India

Nagpur: Two women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren syndrome successfully delivered healthy babies by caesarean section at AIIMS Nagpur following coordinated multidisciplinary care.

Pregnancy in such patients is considered high-risk, particularly in the presence of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, which may increase the risk of neonatal lupus and congenital heart block. Both patients were closely monitored throughout pregnancy, with careful adjustment of medicines, regular blood investigations and foetal cardiac assessment.

She was jointly managed by the Departments of General Medicine, Rheumatology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The treating team included Dr. Ishan Verma, Dr. Keshav Nagpure, Dr. Shipra Sonkusare, Dr. Medha Nagpure, Dr. Abhilasha Manwatkar, Dr. Amol Dube, Dr. Amruta Bagul, Dr. Sunita Kumbhalkar, Dr. Rajashree Khot, Dr. Neha Gangane and Dr Prachi Dixit.

Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Nagpur, congratulated the team and appreciated the collaborative efforts of the three departments. He emphasised that these successful outcomes offer reassurance to women with autoimmune diseases who are planning pregnancy. With proper counselling, good disease control and coordinated specialist care, safe pregnancy and healthy childbirth are achievable.

The Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, has successfully installed a Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) System in Operation Theatre No. 7 on 16 July 2026, marking another significant milestone in advancing comprehensive eye care services at the institute.

The Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking System is a state-of-the-art technology designed for the treatment of progressive corneal ectatic disorders, including Keratoconus, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD), and Iatrogenic Corneal Ectasia.

Corneal Cross-Linking is the only U.S. FDA-approved treatment proven to halt the progression of keratoconus and other related corneal ectatic disorders. The procedure works by strengthening the collagen fibers within the corneal stroma, thereby increasing the biomechanical stability of the cornea and helping to regularize corneal topography. This significantly reduces disease progression and the likelihood of requiring corneal transplantation in many patients.

Departmental Head Dr. Puja Hingorani-Bang stressed that “with the installation of this advanced system, patients from Nagpur and the surrounding regions will have access to world-class treatment for corneal diseases within AIIMS Nagpur, (currently housing 3 cornea specialists Dr. Puja Hingorani-Bang, Dr. Purvasha Narang & Dr. Shital Nannaware) reducing the need for referrals to other high-cost centres.”

Dr. (Prof) Prashant P. Joshi (Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Nagpur) sir congratulated the department, saying that “The initiative reflects AIIMS Nagpur's continued commitment to providing advanced, evidence-based ophthalmic care and improving patient outcomes through modern technology.”

AIIMS Nagpur, College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Association of Nurse Executives India (ANEI), successfully conducted a CNE short course on Patient Safety Essentials from 11–18 July 2026 under the Development of Nursing Services – Training of Nurses scheme by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The course aimed to enable participants to build expertise in preventing, identifying, and managing patient safety incidents, so that they may lead safety initiatives and contribute to improved care quality in their healthcare facilities.

The program was inaugurated by Dr. Rasika Gadkari (Dean Academics), in the presence of Dr Nilesh Nagdeve, Medical Superintendent, Course Director Dr. Rajini Peter and other distinguished dignitaries.

This comprehensive one-week programme combined expert lectures, interactive discussions, panel discussions, case-based learning, group activities, assignments, quality improvement exercises, and hospital safety rounds. The curriculum covered key areas including patient safety principles, safety culture, medication safety, patient identification and communication, healthcare-associated infection prevention, clinical deterioration, blood transfusion safety, incident reporting, root cause analysis, strategic risk assessment, clinical audits, NABH safety indicators, environmental safety, and quality improvement for patient safety.                                 

The programme brought together 32 nurse managers and senior nursing officers from state government and private healthcare institutions, providing them with an opportunity to learn from renowned national experts, exchange best practices, and develop practical strategies to strengthen patient safety and quality of care in their respective organizations.

The valedictory programme on 18.07.2026 was presided by Honourable Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Nagpur, who gave away the certificates and emphasized the importance of patient safety leadership in achieving excellence in healthcare.

This initiative reflects our continued commitment to strengthening patient safety culture within AIIMS Nagpur and across the wider healthcare community of the region. 

Department of ENT, AIIMS Nagpur Successfully Conducts CME on Oral Cancers

The Department of ENT at AIIMS Nagpur successfully organized various activities to commemorate “World Head Neck Cancer Day- 2026” A Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on Oral Cancers on 25^th July, 2026. The event commenced with an official inauguration led by the Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur Dr. (Prof.) Prashant P Joshi.

The event was conducted in active collaboration with leadership from the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI) and HNS Vidarbha, marking another step forward in strengthening regional research and clinical networks for head and neck oncology. This underscores the institute's commitment to advancing specialized cancer care and medical education in Central India. Also, screening camps were held at Primary Health Centre, Nadanvan for training of ASHA worker for early detection of oral cancer 

The scientific program featured comprehensive sessions delivered by distinguished faculty, focusing on:

• Preoperative Assessment & Surgical Excellence: Key insights into preoperative evaluation and surgical techniques aimed at improving functional and oncological outcomes, including experts from ENT, Plastic Surgery, Medical and Surgical Oncology and PMR at AIIMS Nagpur.
• Multidisciplinary Care & Trial Updates: Discussions on integrated treatment strategies and an informative update on the AYURCAN trial.
• Interactive Panel Discussion: A dedicated panel exploring real-world clinical dilemmas and decision-making in complex oral cancer cases.

A key highlight of the CME was the felicitation of head and neck cancer survivors, honouring their resilience and highlighting the impact of timely, multidisciplinary interventions.