Multi-Departmental Symposium on Mpox Virus held at AIIMS Jammu: A step forward in tackling emerging infectious threats

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu hosted a significant Multi-Departmental Symposium on Mpox Virus Disease at the Convention Centre.
This event underscored the institution’s commitment to addressing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
The symposium brought together a diverse audience, including distinguished faculty, senior and junior residents, nursing officers, and MBBS students from various departments.
The Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, Prof. Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta, along with Medical Superintendent Lt. Gen. Dr. Sunil Kant (Retd) and Dean of Examinations Prof. Saurabh Gupta, graced the event.
The symposium was organized by the Departments of Microbiology, Community Medicine, Biochemistry, and General Medicine, aiming to explore the complexities of Mpox, an infectious disease that challenges global health systems.
Dr. Manish Ranjan, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, opened the symposium with a comprehensive introduction to Mpox, emphasizing its significance in the context of historical and emerging diseases.
Dr. Prateek Bobhate, Additional Professor of Community Medicine, detailed the epidemiology and current status of Mpox, noting its spread to over 100 countries and highlighting the need for effective communication to manage the disease.
Dr. Swati Rajput, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, delved into the molecular basis of Mpox, exploring how the virus interacts with the host and discussing research opportunities to advance understanding and treatment.
Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Associate Professor of General Medicine, provided a thorough overview of managing suspected Mpox cases, including recent advances in treatment and preventive strategies.
Dr. V. S. Priya, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, addressed the importance of laboratory diagnosis and infection prevention and control (IPC). Her talk emphasized the need for strong surveillance, genetic sequencing, and IPC measures to prevent the spread of Mpox in healthcare settings.
A key take away from the symposium was the importance of vigilance and high suspicion for imported Mpox cases.
The discussions highlighted the need for accurate information dissemination, stigma reduction, and the equipping of healthcare providers with necessary tools.
Prof. Dr. Shakti Kumar Gupta concluded the event by stressing the need for ongoing educational events to stay ahead of infectious threats. He affirmed AIIMS Jammu’s readiness to lead in combating Mpox and other emerging diseases, reinforcing the institution’s role in public health and safety.
The symposium ended with a Q&A session moderated by Dr. Manish Ranjan, fostering engaging discussions and reaffirming the commitment to proactive involvement in public health challenges.
AIIMS Jammu continues to lead in medical education and healthcare, showcasing its dedication through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing.