SRMIST opens a hi-tech centre for clinical trials and research in Kattankulathur
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur through its Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, has set up a 5,000 square feet research faculty in SRM called the Centre for Clinical trials & Research. This facility is located at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRM MCH&RC). It is capable of handling clinical trials of drugs, vaccines, and medical devices.
The facility was inaugurated by pro-vice chancellor (Medical & Health Sciences) Lt Col Dr A Ravikumar, registrar Dr S Ponnusamy, dean (medical) Dr A Sundaram, among others.
The facility has two wards with 12 beds and several rooms for sample collection, processing, data documentation, and monitoring. It has state-of-the-art equipment for preserving serum samples at -80 oC and -20oC deep freezers, high-speed centrifuge, facilities for electronic data capture with high-speed internet, thermohygrometers, and data security is maintained with controlled access.
Congratulating the team, Dr Ponnusamy said, “SRM MCH&RC has achieved 46th position in research and such initiatives will help in increasing the hospital ranking.” He then urged students to make use of this world-class center and undertake research activities.
“Research is the most important area that we are concentrating on these days,” mentioned dean (medical). “Students and faculty can do any types of clinical trials at this centre like the recent COVAXIN trial. Research should be given primary importance,” he added.
Lt Col Dr Ravikumar in his presidential address shared, “It is important to motivate the hidden talents in this Institution. During the COVID, when we were awarded the clinical trial of COVAXIN, the minimum requirement was for a virology lab. This was met by developing, a world-class lab that was done entirely in-house.”
Urging students to overcome the fear he continued, “Only when you grow out of fear can you achieve anything in life.”