SRN Hospital to set up CBRN Laboratory to Enhance Emergency Response

Prayagraj: In a move aimed at bolstering emergency healthcare, Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital (SRN) is setting up a state-of-the-art laboratory to handle potential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents. The facility, set to be the second of its kind in India, comes on the heels of heightened security concerns and threats, including those related to the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025.

The facility is aimed at providing effective treatment and research capabilities to manage any CBRN incidents, ensuring the safety and health of both pilgrims and residents. The move highlights the increased need for preparedness in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and evolving security threats.

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Speking to TOI, Dr Santosh Singh associate professor at the Department of Surgery said, "The aim is to facilitate effective treatment and research in emergency situations involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. This unit is designed with the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 in mind, so that prompt and accurate medical services can be provided to pilgrims and citizens in case of any unforeseen situation."

Commenting on key features of the unit, Singh mentioned that after becoming operational (with 70% of the work completed), it will be able to provide treatment for any chemical hazards. The use of antidotes and other medicines for chemical poisoning and burns will also be possible.

Singh stated that for the treatment of biological hazards, the availability of specific drugs and vaccines for infectious agents (such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi), along with high-efficiency isolation wards, where infected patients would be treated safely, would make the unit handy.

The lab will be capable of treating patients exposed to radiation. This includes using decontamination techniques and anti-radiation drugs, as well as providing long-term care for radiation-induced health problems.

According to TOI, "For the treatment of nuclear hazards, special treatment for persons exposed to radioactive material and techniques for removing radioactive elements from the body, the use of drugs like potassium iodide for thyroid protection after a nuclear attack, and special medical and surgical management for wounds and complications arising from nuclear blasts will be taken care of."

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Dr Jitendra Shukla, the nodal officer for the CBRN unit, is leading the project, supported by a team of experts including Dr Dev Kumar Yadav, Dr Alok Singh, and Dr Muktesh. A special training session was organized at the Narora Atomic Power Station in the first week of this month to familiarize medical personnel with modern techniques and procedures for managing nuclear emergencies. This initiative aimed to ensure effective treatment and management during such emergencies.

The Principal of MLN Medical College, Dr Vatsala Mishra, said that the unit would elevate the reputation of SRN Hospital to new heights and add a new chapter in the field of human life protection.