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Department Introduction

The department of Haematology formed an important part of the erstwhile department of Pathology till 1976 when it was upgraded to a full department. Dr Gurbachan Singh was the first faculty member in this department. The foundation of thematology was laid by Dr K. C. Das in 1964, who was appointed as Lecturer. He rose to become the first Professor in Haematology in 1977. The department had a team of dynamic faculty namely, Dr (Mrs) A. Perkash, Dr Swaroop, Dr S. Dash and Dr D Mohanty. Several investigative sections like the Coagulation, Nutritional, cytogenetic, Radioisotopic and Haemoglobinopathies came into existence. PhD programme was introduced in 1970.

In 1982 the Department was given the status of Advanced Centre for Haematology by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The major thrust areas of the departmental research include development of various investigations for nutritional anemias, hematological malignancies and hemoglobinopathies. The department was the first in India to start leukemia cytochemistry to classify the type of leukemias, immunophenotyping of leukemias by immunofluorescence and APAAP. Investigations for bleeding disorders got a major boost under Dr Neelam Marwaha and many patients with factor deficiencies were diagnosed. Investigations pertaining to platelet function tests were also established.

The department in association with the department of Pediatrics started investigations for Genetic Disorders and the laboratory infrastructure was upgraded by the Department of Biotechnology. Prof. Garewal started the Molecular Haematology Laboratory and molecular work on Thalassemias was established. The data generated has been used for introducing prenatal diagnosis of thalassemias. Cytogenetics for genetic disorders has also been provided as patient care services since 1992. Dr Neelam Varma has established leukemia cytogenetics and this facility is being offered for patient care and to monitor cytogenetic remissions.

Molecular tests for mutations associated with venous thrombosis have been established though a grant by Department of Biotechnology and this facility has been incorporated in patient care. Research activity included mutational analysis for a common genetic problem of G6PD deficiency. Etiology of bone marrow failure syndromes and the role of constitutional factors (Fanconi anemia and others) has being studied through a grant by Department of Biotechnology. Professor Sumitra Dash was the President of the Indian Society of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine for the year 2004. Flow cytometry for acute leukemias has recently been introduced as a patient care service.

Contact person

Helpline Number/ Emergency Number

Emergency Laboratory phone number: 2756057