23 hours Ago By Rajiv Mani
Prayagraj: A state-of-the-art laboratory is coming up at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital (SRN) to treat people in the event of any chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) attack. The lab, which is second such unit in India after All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi assumes importance in the wake of the recent threat issued by Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt the Maha Kumbh. "The aim is to facilitate effective treatment and research in emergency situations involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
This unit is designed with the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 in mind, so that prompt and accurate medical services can be provided to pilgrims and citizens in case of any unforeseen situation," said media in charge of the hospital and associate professor at the department of surgery Dr Santosh Singh. Talking about key features of the unit, Singh said after becoming operational (70% of the work is ready), it can provide treatment for any chemical hazards. The use of antidotes and other medicines for chemical poisoning and burns can also be done.
"For the treatment of biological hazards, the availability of specific drugs and vaccines for infectious agents (such as viruses, bacteria and fungi), and high-efficiency isolation wards, where infected patients will be treated safely, will make the unit handy," Singh said. For the treatment of radiological hazards, the use of decontamination techniques and anti-radiation drugs for patients affected by radiation, along with long-term care and treatment for radiation-induced problems, will also be addressed in the upcoming facility. "For the treatment of nuclear hazards, special treatment for persons exposed to radioactive material and techniques for removing radioactive elements from the body, the use of drugs like potassium iodide for thyroid protection after a nuclear attack, and special medical and surgical management for wounds and complications arising from nuclear blasts will be taken care of," said Dr Singh.
In addition to this, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and special tools for radioactive investigation will also be provided. A team of trained medical personnel, who are fully prepared to respond quickly in emergency situations, will be available. "Special training programmes, through which medical personnel deployed during Maha Kumbh will be trained to deal with CBRN threats, are also planned," said the official.
The nodal officer of this unit is senior physician Major Dr Jitendra Shukla and has Dr Dev Kumar Yadav, Dr Alok Singh and Dr Muktesh as other members. To ensure effective treatment and management during nuclear emergencies, a special training session was organised at Narora Atomic Power Station in the first week of this month. The participants were trained in modern techniques and procedures of medical management during any emergencies.
Principal of MLN Medical College Dr Vatsala Mishra said: "This unit will take the reputation of SRN Hospital to new heights and add a new chapter in the field of protection of human life." Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .
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