NAGPUR: Setting a new benchmark for neonatal care in Central India, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur has successfully treated and discharged three extremely premature babies, including one weighing less than half a kilogram. After nearly three months of intensive care, these fragile infants, born months before a standard 40-week pregnancy term, have won their fight for survival and returned home.

The remarkable medical achievement includes two record-breaking cases for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). One infant, born at just 24 weeks of pregnancy and birth weight of 600 gm, is the youngest survivor by gestational age ever cared for at the unit. A second baby weighed a mere 480 grams at birth, making it the smallest survivor by birth weight treated by the facility. Both infants were delivered at AIIMS Nagpur and rushed to the NICU within moments of birth.

Arriving at the very edge of viability, the babies required prolonged breathing support and round-the-clock intervention. They battled severe complications typical of extreme prematurity, including a heart vessel that failed to close (patent ductus arteriosus), eye disease of prematurity (ROP), and chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia). A multidisciplinary team of specialists met each challenge with vigilant monitoring and timely treatment, helping the infants grow steadily stronger.

Highlighting Nagpur’s growing reputation as a premier healthcare destination, the third baby—born at 26 weeks and weighing just 630 grams—was brought to AIIMS in critical condition on its fourth day of life. The infant's survival is particularly poignant: this was the family's eighth pregnancy, following the devastating loss of seven previous pregnancies. Desperate to save this incredibly precious child after such a complex and heartbreaking medical history, the mother had traveled from outside Maharashtra specifically to seek the highest level of care. Following sustained and careful monitoring, the baby made a remarkable recovery and was discharged in good health, bringing immense relief and satisfaction to the family.

Behind these life-saving outcomes stands a dedicated, tireless team from the Department of Neonatology. Faculty members Dr. Nishant Banait, Dr. Sanjana Somanath, Dr. Amit Kumar, and Dr. Arun Edwin worked day and night alongside resident doctors, nursing officers, and vital support staff.

"These babies are truly tiny but mighty, and for infants this small, every gram and every hour matters," said Dr. Nishant Banait of AIIMS Nagpur. "Their recovery was possible because doctors, nurses, and support staff worked as one team, and because the parents trusted us and stayed with their babies through the long weeks of care."

"These babies were born at the very edge of survival, and every day of their journey was a triumph of teamwork," said Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director, AIIMS Nagpur. "I congratulate our neonatology team, whose skill, patience and compassion have turned anxious beginnings into hopeful tomorrows. AIIMS Nagpur remains committed to ensuring that the smallest and most vulnerable newborns receive world-class care, regardless of where they come from."

Nagpur, 7 October 2026: AIIMS Nagpur held a public awareness programme as part of the ongoing World Mental Health Week (4 to 10 October 2026) under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Nagpur. The program was organised by the  Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the College of Nursing.

Psychiatry junior residents and MSc Nursing students presented an engaging skit highlighting the early symptoms of depression that are often overlooked or mistaken for ordinary changes in mood or behaviour. The presentation focused on recognising warning signs and the importance of seeking timely professional help.

Prof. Dr. Prashant P. Joshi presented letters of appreciation to the participants in recognition of their efforts towards spreading mental health awareness. This was followed by an interactive discussion with patients and caregivers visiting the Institution. Common symptoms and misconceptions related to depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use were discussed. The public were encouraged to ask questions and clarify their concerns regarding mental health issues.

The programme reflects the continued commitment of AIIMS Nagpur led by Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi towards strengthening mental health awareness, education, prevention and accessible care for the community.

Nagpur, 6 October 2026: Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director, AIIMS Nagpur, the Department of Psychiatry organised a felicitation programme to recognise patients recovering from addiction. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), Tele-MANAS, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as part of World Mental Health Week (4–10 October 2026).

Patients who had maintained abstinence for several months were felicitated with medals by the Executive Director in recognition of their perseverance and progress in recovery. Members of AA and patients shared their lived experiences, highlighting the challenges of recovery and the importance of continued support and treatment. AIIMS Nagpur also provides a De-addiction Helpline 7875487021 for individuals and families seeking guidance and support for substance use-related concerns.

MBBS students presented a short skit on the harmful effects of alcohol use, followed by an interactive session with patients and caregivers addressing common doubts and misconceptions regarding de-addiction treatment. The programme reflects the Institute’s commitment under Prof. Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, to promote awareness, treatment, and recovery from substance use disorders and mental illnesses.

Nagpur, 10 October 2026: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, observed Mental Health Week (Mind Mela 2026) under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Nagpur from 4 to 10 October. The Department of Psychiatry, the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) and the TeleMANAS Mentoring Unit, AIIMS Nagpur organised a series of activities to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue among patients, caregivers, students, staff and the public.

The week featured Run-Amok, a treasure hunt, Brain-A-holic, a mental health quiz, awareness skits on various mental health conditions by MBBS students, and Aashankur, a gatekeeper training programme for students and healthcare personnel. Patients recovering from substance use disorders shared their lived experiences, while postgraduate residents and MSc Psychiatry students conducted a public awareness skit on depression followed by an interactive session.

The celebrations culminated in the World Mental Health Day programme graced by Prof. (Dr.) Prashant P. Joshi, Dr. Rasika Gadkari, Dean (Academics), and Dr. Siddharth Dubhashi, Dean (Students’ Welfare). Dr. Joshi released information, education and communication (IEC) materials on various mental health conditions and inaugurated the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, a dedicated outpatient service of the Department of Psychiatry held every Tuesday. The logo of the Shrutum Wellness Centre, the institute’s 24×7 mental health and well-being support service for students and staff, was also unveiled. The logo was designed by a student through a competition. Winners and participants of the various activities were felicitated on the occasion.

Addressing the students, Dr. Joshi emphasised the importance of mental health and encouraged them to seek help without hesitation whenever required. He assured them of the institute’s support and highlighted the ongoing Aashankur programme for capacity building and early identification of psychological distress.

AIIMS Nagpur remains committed to promoting mental well-being, strengthening mental health services and fostering a supportive, inclusive and stigma-free environment for its campus community and the public.

The Department of Dermatology, AIIMS Nagpur, successfully conducted a CME on “Updates in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology” . The inaugural ceremony was conducted in the august presence of Dr PP Joshi, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Nagpur, along with Dr Sanjiv Choudhary, organizing chairman, Dr Satish Adulkar, secretary, Vidarbha Dermatological Society (VDS) along with other members of the organizing team. The program was attended by approx 175 delegates. The gathering was addressed by Dr PP Joshi who briefly narrated the gradual evolution of dermatology as a medical specialty and emphasized the need to learn the latest changes in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological disorders by attending such type of events.

The scientific sessions were conducted by esteemed faculty across the country and were focused on challenging areas including STIs, drug resistant cases of leprosy, disorders of hair, life threatening dermatological disorders like pemphigus, psoriasis, newer drugs, safety of drugs in pregnancy and prevention of infection in patients on immunosuppressants.

The CME was attended by a large number of postgraduate students from various medical colleges of Vidarbha region who actively participated in the PG quiz, e-poster and award paper presentation. It is a matter of pride for AIIMS Nagpur that MD students from the institute won a total of 4 prizes – Dr Ananya Arya and Abhijeet Brijwasi won the first prize in PG quiz finals. Dr Ananya Arya also won the first prize in award paper presentation and second prize in e-poster presentation, while second prize in award paper presentation was won by Dr Madhumita.

The program was found to be extremely informative and relevant in context to rapid changes in the field of dermatology. AIIMS Nagpur has been organizing such academic events regularly for the benefit of all students and consultant dermatologists.