Chennai: Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) has taken a significant step in advancing medical education and research in India with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Anatomy laboratory at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The facility, supported by a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grant of ₹16.5 crore from PFC, was officially opened by Smt. Parminder Chopra, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of PFC.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures including Shri Manoj Sharma, Director (Commercial), PFC; Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; Shri Ali Shah, Executive Director, CSR; and several distinguished faculty members from the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology at IIT Madras.
Key Features of the Anatomy Laboratory:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: The lab is equipped with advanced tools and systems designed to enhance the learning experience for students enrolled in the innovative BS Degree Programme in Medical Sciences & Engineering. It is the first of its kind in India to integrate high-tech methods into undergraduate medical education, offering a unique, hands-on approach to anatomy studies.
- Dry Anatomy Lab: This pioneering facility meets medical college standards and provides a distinct learning environment for students. The lab’s design represents a major shift from traditional anatomy teaching methods, incorporating modern technology to provide a more interactive and comprehensive educational experience.
- Innovation and Self-Reliance: The establishment of this lab is expected to inspire students to develop innovative and disruptive product ideas, potentially leading to the creation of indigenous medical devices. PFC’s support underscores its commitment to fostering self-reliance in the medical field and reducing India’s dependence on imported medical products.
Smt. Parminder Chopra expressed her pride in PFC’s involvement with the project, stating, “We are proud to be associated with this transformative project at IIT Madras. Our commitment extends beyond infrastructure financing; as a responsible corporate entity, we believe in enriching lives through our CSR initiatives and contributing to building a better society. This innovative first-of-its-kind Anatomy lab can be used to explore new technologies for the development of powerful medical devices. By applying engineering principles to medical knowledge, such research has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector.”
The new Anatomy laboratory at IIT Madras represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to integrate advanced technology into medical education and research, furthering the nation’s goal of becoming a leader in the global healthcare industry.