Introduction
The department of Medicine initially covered all specialities dealing with the diagnosis and the treatment of diseases of the adults; to which The department continues to have specialities such as Oncology, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine and Endocrinology. The department is capable of diagnosing and treating complicated medical problem in the fields of diabetes and endocrinology, rheumatology, pulmonology, clinical haematology, medical oncology, infectious diseases, HIV and AIDS and primary immunological disorders.
Diabetes Mellitus & Endocrinology
The department has experienced consultant who supervises comprehensive assessment of Type I & Type 11 diabetes patients for microvascular and macrovascular complications. The work-up includes glycosylated haemoglobin (HbAlc), 24 hour urinary proteins and creatinine clearance, nerve conduction velocities (NCV), echocardiography and carotid intimal thickness. Newer insulin analogues, oral antidiabetics - rosiglitazone, repaglinide, glimepdde and new lipid lowering drugs - statins and fibric acid derivatives are being used. The emphasis is on prevention, early detection and control of diabetes and its complications. The recently started Department of Endocrinology carries out special investigations for checking urinary microalbuminuria, BCA (Body composition analysis) and tests for the assessment of autonomic neuropathy.
The department is taking care of more than 3000 patients a year
Rheumatology
The department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology runs a rheumatology OPD with advanced laboratory back-up geared to diagnose and treat rheumatological problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus "hematosus, progressive systemic sclerosis, sero negative spondyloarthropathy etc. Joint aspirations and intra articular injections are given on an out patient basis. A large number of patients are on disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) with good results.
HIV & AIDS
HIV positive and AIDS patients are treated in the hospital. ELISA (by three different assays) CD4 counts and viral loads are available for diagnosis, managing opportunistic infections and instituting antiretroviral therapy. The department has a consultant on the panel of National AIDS Control Organisation for national guidelines for anfiretroviral therapy.
Clinical Haematology
The department of haematology is experienced in diagnosing and managing various blood disorders including nutritional and haemolytic anaemias, haemoglobin disorders (haemoglobinopathies), myelodysplastic syndromes, bleeding and clotting disorders. Bone marrow aspirations and biopsies are being routinely carried out at the bed side. Clinical haematology is backed by haematology laboratory.