Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 9: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has launched Maternal and Fetal Medicine (MFM) services, bringing advanced pregnancy care and monitoring facilities to the region and eliminating the need for expecting mothers to travel outside the city for such specialized treatment.
Marking a major achievement, the institute recently performed its first amniocentesis, a prenatal diagnostic test used to detect potential genetic or chromosomal conditions in the fetus. The procedure was carried out by Dr Vishakha Gupta, Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialist, with support from Dr Natasha Gupta and Dr Shivani Sharma of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Until now, this advanced testing facility was not freely available in Jammu.
Amniocentesis is an ultrasound-guided procedure that involves extracting a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus, which is then analyzed for abnormalities such as Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders. In the first case conducted at AIIMS Jammu, the procedure was performed after the mother’s screening test indicated a “screen positive” for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). Subsequent Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) confirmed normal results, providing reassurance to the family.
The Obstetrics and Gynaecology department has also expanded its services to include specialized ultrasound examinations such as NT-NB and Congenital Anomaly (TIFFA) scans, offering comprehensive pregnancy monitoring locally.
Speaking on the development, Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu, described the launch of MFM services as a landmark moment for healthcare in the region.
“The start of Maternal and Fetal Medicine services at AIIMS Jammu marks a major milestone in healthcare for this region. Our goal has always been to provide world-class medical facilities to the people of J&K and nearby areas, and this is another step in that direction,” he said.
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