The Visionary Leadership of Prof. Ashok Puranik at AIIMS Guwahati
Prof. Ashok Puranik, the current utive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, has brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the table. Under his stewardship, the Institute is poised to become a world-class medical facility, focusing on quality medical education, evidence-based patient care, and cutting-edge research.
Bio and Background
Prof. Ashok Puranik assumed the role of utive Director of AIIMS Guwahati on July 10, 2022. Prior to this, he served as the head of the Department of General Surgery, Trauma, Emergency, Gastro-intestinal Surgery, and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Jodhpur.
Trained as a medical officer in the Indian Army in 1985, Prof. Puranik's career spans over three decades and includes significant roles and recognitions. Notably, his service includes deployments in various high-stress scenarios such as managing gunshot wounds and civilian care during Counter Insurgency Operations (Nagaland, 1993), providing medical care during disaster management and relief operations (Madhya Pradesh, 1997), and participating in the 'Operation Dhanwantari', a humanitarian effort that earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Key Achievements and Contributions
Prof. Puranik's extensive career is marked by numerous achievements and recognitions. Here are some of his key contributions:
Leading Trauma Care
1993: Counter Insurgency Operations in Nagaland, managing gunshot wounds and managing civilian care. 1999: Disaster management during the Pooja Express Bomb Blast in Madhya Pradesh. 2003-04: Trauma care fellowship at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. 2005-08: In-charge of Trauma Care, setting up trauma care facilities in Jalandhar. 2009-10: In-charge of Trauma Center in Jammu and Kashmir. 2014: Introduction of a newer technique for managing Fournier's gangrene.Pioneering New Techniques
1989-92: Surgical trainee at AFMC Pune, laying the foundation for future innovations. 2012: Introduction of vacuum-assisted closure of wounds at AFMC Pune, enhancing patient care.Role at AIIMS Guwahati
At AIIMS Guwahati, Prof. Puranik envisions an institution that delivers state-of-the-art medical services, caters to quality medical education, and drives cutting-edge research. His strategic vision includes:
Quality Medical Education
Since the Institute's academic programme in January 2021, it has focused on providing refined and updated teaching-learning methods. The institution aims to educate undergraduate and postgraduate medical students across a wide range of specialties and super-specialties. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive the best possible training.
Quality Patient Care
The patient care services at AIIMS Guwahati are structured to serve the entire North-East region and other parts of the country, aligning with the aims of the PMSSY (Public Health Infrastructure Strengthening Scheme for States/Union Territories) to address regional healthcare disparities. The facility is equipped with more than 35 specialized departments, offering a broad spectrum of medical and surgical expertise.
Research and Innovation
The Institute is dedicated to advancing research and fostering innovation. It plans to establish a hub for scientific activities and excellence, both independently and in collaboration with other renowned research institutions within and outside India. This multi-faceted approach ensures that AIIMS Guwahati remains at the forefront of medical advancements and quality patient care.