Madhya Pradesh: BMHRC gets national recognition – How this Bhopal institute will help in radiation emergencies
Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC) has achieved a major scientific achievement. BMHRC's cytogenetic laboratory has been included in the Indian Biodosimetry Network (IN-BioDoS) formed by including selected institutions across the country.
The Indian Biodosimetry Network (IN-BioDoS) is a network established by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to enhance preparedness for radiation emergencies. It aims to standardize biodosimetry methods, promote collaboration, and ensure accurate dose assessments through inter-laboratory comparisons.
Under this, BMHRC lab will now scientifically assess the effect of radiation in case of disaster caused by radiation and will provide accurate information for treatment in critical situations. With this achievement, BMHRC has become the first and only institute in Central India to get a place in this very important national network.
How will this network protect from radiation?
The use of radiation is increasing rapidly in various fields like nuclear energy, industry and medicine in the country. Especially in the field of medicine, radiation is being widely used through techniques like radiotherapy in the treatment of serious diseases like cancer.
In such a situation, if there is a radiation leak at any place or someone gets exposed to excessive amount of radiation unknowingly, then in order to start treatment, it is important for doctors to know to what an extent the radiation has affected the patient. Biodosimetry is a scientific method that determines how much radiation has entered a person's body. With this information, doctors are able to start the right treatment at the right time.
What will be the work of BMHRC's laboratory?
Dr Ravindra M. Samarth, Assistant Professor in the Research Department of BMHRC, said that our cytogenetic lab will now be able to test the blood samples of people affected by radiation and tell how much damage they have suffered. This technique will be used especially in emergency situations - such as an accident in a nuclear plant, equipment malfunction in a hospital or any type of radiation incident.
This lab will now, in collaboration with other reputed laboratories of the country, scientifically assess the effect of radiation on common people and help in deciding the direction of investigation and treatment.
Only 6 institutes selected across the country
Only 6 institutes have been selected from across the country in this network started by Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). Apart from BMHRC, it includes laboratories in Chennai, Delhi, Lucknow, Mengaluru and Kalpakkam. All of these together will boost the scientific capacity to deal with radiation in the country.
It is a matter of pride for us: Dr Manisha Shrivastava
Dr Manisha Shrivastava, Director-in-Charge, BMHRC, said that it is a matter of pride for all of us that BMHRC has been included in this national network. It is a testimony to the scientific capabilities and quality research of the institute. This facility will now become a strong support for Bhopal and Central India in any radiation-related emergency, she said.