GMCH Nagpur 1st in state to start endocrinology lab

Nagpur: The department of endocrinology in the super specialty hospital of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Nagpur has started the advanced endocrinology laboratory, the first-of-its-kind in any of the GMCH in Maharashtra, authorities have claimed.
The lab was formally inaugurated on May 31 and tests started from Thursday. Many advanced hormone-related tests can be conducted in this laboratory. Especially, it will be of a great benefit for diabetes patients.
“Diabetes has already emerged as the biggest threat for India. We are experiencing the ill-effects of diabetes in the form of mucormycosis among Covid-cured patients. Early diagnosis, good monitoring and control is possible with advanced tests which could be conducted in this lab,” said Dr Sudhir Gupta, GMCH dean.
The lab will conduct tests like HbA1c, which provides estimate of average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. This is an important blood test that gives a good indication of how well diabetes is being controlled.
“Earlier, patients had to conduct these tests out in private labs where they are very costly. In GMCH, they will be available at government rates,” added Dr Gupta.
Chief executive officer of GMCH Dr Milind Fulpatil said the GMCH receives patients from financially weaker sections and from rural areas. The lab will provide much needed relief to them. Dr Parimal Tayade said human resource from the pathology department of the super specialty hospital will initially help running this lab.
Another important benefit of the lab will be to the patients with hormonal imbalance. Hormones affect numerous systems in the body, including development of male and female sexual characteristics, fertility, growth, energy consumption, digestion, glucose utilization, stress response, fluid/water balance, bone metabolism, and maintenance of proper blood pressure. Hormonal tests could be conducted in this lab.
One lab, many benefits
Many advanced hormone-related tests can be done at GMCH now
Diabetics will get more benefits, as tests like HbA1c will be done
Such tests cost a lot in private labs, but will be charged at govt rates in GMCH
Many tests of anaemia, hormonal imbalance patients will be done in the lab
Will help a lot for sugar control in rural/financially weaker section patients
Eventually, will reduce incidence of sugar-triggered illnesses like mucormycosis