JJ Hospital’s 180-year legacy evolved with new courses, robotics and infrastructure: Dean

JJ Hospital’s new residential complex will offer modern, upscale living to 1,500 families of staff members, replacing deteriorating housing. With eight luxury towers and amenities such as podium parking, gardens and a swimming pool, it is designed to improve the quality of life, morale and productivity of the hospital’s workforce.

How is JJ Hospital planning to revamp its infrastructure, especially after the strain caused by the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the need for better infrastructure, but JJ Hospital’s redevelopment is long-overdue. Our decades-old facility is being updated to support four new specialised courses: MD in Geriatrics, MD in Immunohematology, DM in Interventional Cardiology, and MD in Emergency Medicine. We are building a new super-specialty centre and upgrading the old building, including ICUs and operation theatres, to enhance patient care and reduce infection risks. Every bed will now be an oxygen bed, and some wards are being converted into high dependency units to provide better care for patients who need CPAP.

How has the addition of new specialisations impacted the hospital’s capacity and the overall medical education offered at JJ Hospital?

The introduction of new specialisations has significantly expanded our MD and MS programs. In 2017, we had 127 annual admissions; now, we have 309. Courses in Geriatrics, Immunohematology, Interventional Cardiology, and Emergency Medicine reflect the evolving demands of healthcare. To support this growth, we are constructing a super-specialty building that will add 1,200 beds to our current capacity of 1,352, ensuring that our students have the best environment for learning and practice, while also enhancing patient care.

Can you elaborate on the modernisation efforts being made in terms of medical equipment and technology?

We will introduce robotic surgery system in the Surgery and Orthopedics departments, which is crucial for training in advanced surgical techniques. We also offer hyperbaric oxygen treatment, particularly beneficial for neurosurgery and gangrene patients.

How will the new cutting-edge virtual anatomy dissection table that the hospital has introduced help medical study?

We are one of the first government-run hospitals in Maharashtra to acquire such advanced virtual anatomy dissection technology. The recently procured system offers a detailed 3D model of the human body, enabling exploration from any angle and repeated practice without traditional cadaveric constraints. Users interact with the virtual model via touchscreens or controls, layering, slicing, and exploring various body systems. This hands-on, customisable learning experience enhances educational precision and accessibility at the global-standard.

What is the significance of JJ Hospital’s upcoming museum of medical education, and what can visitors expect?

As JJ Hospital marks its 180th anniversary, we are establishing a museum of medical education in our historic college building. Unlike the colonial-era medical colleges in Calcutta and Madras, JJ Hospital was the first institution created for the Indian population. The museum will showcase 100-year-old moulages, historic images, busts, and the Bible of Anatomy, illustrated by Grant Medical College’s first professor. It will be open to the public, offering a unique insight into India’s medical history.