GUWAHATI:
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Ahmedabad and Rajkot run by Prashanti Medical Services & Research Foundation (PMSRF) to foster cardiac research and provide digital transformation, upgradation and information sharing related to the cardiac diseases.
The MoU was virtually signed between Prof Parameswar K Iyer, officiating director, IIT Guwahati, and Manoj Bhimani, managing trustee, PMSRF, in the esteemed presence of Justice MR Shah, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Sandeep Mehta, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, and Prof Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Head, Jyoti & Bhupat Mehta School of Health Science & Technology, IIT Guwahati.
As per the agreement, both organizations will work jointly for the improvement of the overall digital healthcare ecosystem related to congenital heart ailments. IIT-G will also set up a high-end research and development centre in collaboration with the Assam government.
The organizations will also work jointly on digital transformation, and upgradation and share information for the benefit of cardiac patients in the North East part of the country.
Speaking during the MoU signing event, Prof Parameswar K Iyer said, “IIT Guwahati is honoured to partner with PMSRF for this noble cause of providing a better healthcare facility to cardiac patients. With combined efforts under the purview of the Government of Assam, the Northeast part is improving in every sector including healthcare, education, tourism, and skill development, among others.”
“IIT Guwahati will be setting up a multi-speciality connected hospital and has already started working on the R&D and data collection part related to Cardiac, Cancer and Pediatric care among others. IIT Guwahati looks forward to adding value to the healthcare services,” he said.
This collaboration with help in strengthening the capacity of the state government health institutions in Pediatric cardiac care. The MoU has been signed for two years and can be further extended on mutual agreement of both stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice Sandeep Mehta said, “I am sure this collaboration will not only benefit the cardiac patients in Assam but will also create a future perspective of sharing the information amongst other states in the country. Research is a constant requirement in the medical field.”
“I am humbled by Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital’s human spirit and approach to providing free treatment of various cardiac diseases to needy patients, particularly for children facing congenital heart problems across the country. I am sure, this collaboration between IIT Guwahati and PMSRF will further assist this noble cause,” he added.
SC Justice MR Shah said, “The ‘Dill without Bill’ is a unique concept and I am glad that IIT Guwahati is now a part of this noble initiative. The advancement of technology has brought the world closer particularly in the field of knowledge and information sharing. My best wishes for the collective efforts from all the stakeholders for this endeavour.”
Manoj Bhimani, managing trustee, PMSRF, said, “In collaboration with IIT Guwahati, we are looking forward to proceeding with an R&D-led approach to find the cause of cardiac diseases and prevent it by sharing knowledge with respective stakeholders. We also hope to encourage the young research scholars at IIT Guwahati to do cardiac engineering research to build a strong healthcare ecosystem in the country.”
The Assam government has also inked an MoU with PMSRF to conduct sophisticated heart surgeries on 500 children and an equal number of adults belonging to the disadvantaged sections of society and requiring treatments within two years. This collaboration between the Assam Government, IIT Guwahati, and PMSRF will provide affordable healthcare services to the state’s residents.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is working continuously to assist the Central and state government in building a strong infrastructure for the advancement of technologies and research to assist the general public at large.
Furthering the idea that quality healthcare is a human right, IIT Guwahati is working on developing world-class and affordable medical facilities at the doorstep along with its thrust for innovations and adaptation of newer technologies, which will ensure that the healthcare ecosystem in Assam is at par the best.