Lucknow: The Department of Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) celebrated its 17th Foundation Day with great academic fervor. The event served as a platform for the department to reaffirm its dedication to advancing maternal and fetal healthcare through cutting-edge innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and proactive preventive strategies.
A Confluence of National and International Leadership
The celebration was graced by Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Medical Education, Health, and Family Welfare (Govt. of UP), who attended as the Chief Guest. Joining him was Padma Shri Professor R.K. Dhiman, Director of SGPGIMS, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the institute’s clinical and academic excellence.
The event also took on a global dimension with the presence of distinguished delegates from the Danish Ministry, including Anya Villefrance, Mr. Toke, Mr. Thomas, Ms. Jane, and Salil Dadhich. Their participation highlighted a shared international commitment to improving maternal health outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Aparna Hegde, a renowned gynecologist from Mumbai and founder of the NGO ARMMAN, attended as a special guest.
Pioneering Education: Launch of 3-Year DM Program
In a significant academic milestone, Professor R.K. Dhiman congratulated the department on its consistent progress and announced that the Department of Maternal and Reproductive Health is set to launch a specialized 3-year DM course in Maternal and Fetal Medicine. This program aims to produce high-caliber specialists equipped to handle complex high-risk pregnancies and fetal interventions, further establishing SGPGI as a leader in medical education.
Digital Innovation: The SGPGI Maternity Care App
Embracing the digital revolution in healthcare, Professor Mandakini Pradhan introduced the newly developed SGPGI Maternity Care App. Created in collaboration with VCare and Denmark-based Cordia Pvt. Ltd., this comprehensive, user-centric mobile application is designed to empower pregnant mothers and their families by providing timely information and seamless clinical support.
Revolutionizing Remote Monitoring and Patient Safety
Elaborating on the technological impact, Professor Neeta Singh explained that the digitization of maternity care allows for the continuous remote monitoring of pregnant women, regardless of their distance from the hospital. Through the app, patients can regularly log vital data such as weight, blood pressure, sugar levels, and hemoglobin. Doctors can then evaluate this data in real-time, saving patients significant time and travel expenses.
The app also allows women to record health concerns immediately, enabling early intervention to prevent complications. Depending on the data trends, patients can be called to the hospital only when necessary. This platform holds the potential to bridge the healthcare gap in remote areas of the state, playing a vital role in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Currently, this digital service is available to SGPGI patients free of charge.
