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.

A Poison Information Centre (PIC) is a specialized unit that answers enquiries, usually by telephone, about exposure to chemical agents, including pharmaceuticals, substances of abuse, natural toxins, pesticides and industrial chemicals. Callers who seek advice from a PIC may be health professionals, other professionals such as police or school teachers, or members of the public. Based on the information provided, a specialist in PIC assesses whether the exposure is hazardous and advises on whether and what kind of treatment should be given. PIC provides information appropriate to the enquirer’s level of knowledge and understanding. It also provides evidence-based management advice and suggestions against ineffective or unnecessary treatments. The information will be provided using TOXBASE, a UK-based clinical toxicology database. The Forensic Medicine and Toxicology department will be adding other databases in the future.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. (Prof.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director, AIIMS Nagpur; Dr. (Prof.) Nilesh Nagdeve, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Nagpur; Dr. (Prof.) Ganesh Dakhle, Dean, Examination & Head of the Department of Pharmacology; and Dr. (Prof.) Mahendra Chauhan, Head of the Department of Trauma & Emergency, AIIMS Nagpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. (Prof.) Prashant P. Joshi highlighted the growing burden of poisoning cases in central India & Vidarbha and emphasized the pivotal role of PICs in reducing morbidity and mortality through timely, scientific, and evidence-based guidance. He further highlighted that the Poison Information Center will serve as a valuable clinical resource, supporting clinicians in the timely diagnosis and management of poisoning cases. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology in establishing this important public health facility and extended his best wishes for its successful functioning.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Manish Shrigiriwar, Prof & Head, FMT underscored the PIC's role as a dedicated hub for toxicology-related information. He noted that the PIC would not only assist medical professionals in managing poisoning emergencies but would also contribute significantly to poison surveillance, toxic vigilance, education, research, and community awareness regarding poisoning prevention. He expressed confidence that the PIC would emerge as a regional referral resource for poison-related information and promote rational management of poisoning cases.

Dr Devendra Jadav, Assistant Professor & Project Coordinator of the PIC, provided information on the PIC, the TOXBASE database, & the workflow of the PIC.

Vidarbha has a substantial burden of poisoning due to pesticide exposure, snakebites, scorpion stings, household chemicals, industrial toxins, drug overdoses, and accidental poisonings in children. The PIC will assist clinicians in selecting appropriate investigations, identifying poisons, advising on antidotes, decontamination measures, and supportive treatment, thereby reducing delays in management and improving patient outcomes.

The PIC will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in rural & peripheral health PICs, such as Primary Health PICs (PHCs), Community Health PICs (CHCs), Rural Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, District Hospitals and the general public.

The PIC is now available to provide free, round-the-clock expert advice on poisoning emergencies to the general public. Anyone can contact the PIC immediately in case of accidental poisoning, snakebite, insecticide exposure, drug overdose, chemical exposure, household poison ingestion, or any suspected poisoning incident. Members of the public are encouraged to save the PIC contact number and seek immediate expert advice whenever a poisoning incident is suspected. Early consultation can save lives. If in doubt, call the PIC immediately, every minute counts in poisoning emergencies.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr Mandar Sane, Dr Harshal Thube, Dr Shailesh Raut, Dr Devendra Jadav, Dr Kanchan Zine, Dr Auroprajna Pal, Dr Pawan Yadav, Dr Aswin Girish, Dr Kshitij Burande, Ms Geetha Supriya, Nursing officer Mr Ranjit Khode, Mr Shobhit Kapse, Mr Vipin, Mr Sanket, Mr Dilip, Mr Durgesh, staff of the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, AIIMS Nagpur.

The MOC for the programme was Ms Geetha Supriya, vote of thanks was given by Dr Devendra Jadav. The PIC's contact number is 7588310288, and it will be available between 8 am to 8 pm.