Department of Microbiology

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500

Bed superspeciality
323

Expert Faculty
25

Acres of Green Campus
500

Bed tertiary care hospital
12

Operation Theatres

OVERVIEW

The Department of Microbiology was established in March 2000 with a vision “Centre of excellence in teaching, research, and quality diagnostic services in Medical Microbiology” and a mission to “Develop competent, committed and compassionate healthcare professionals to provide reliable & dependable diagnostic services and carry out innovative, inventive and original research of the highest order in the field of Microbiology.” The department is involved in teaching and training students in various courses as follows: Ph.D. (Medical Microbiology); PG (MD Microbiology); UG (MBBS, BPT, BSc Medical Biotechnology and Paramedical courses – BSc MLT, BScRIT, BScAOTT, BScCVT).

The laboratory is equipped with modern technologies for routine laboratory diagnosis as well as for research. It is involved in providing high-quality, reliable, dependable, and timely diagnostic facilities to the patients of Sikkim. The various diagnostic facilities provided are bacteriological investigations, mycobacteriology investigations, parasitological investigations, mycological investigations, and serological investigations. Some of the commonly performed investigations are the BacT/Alert system, VITEK-2 system, CBNAAT, MGIT, ELISA, VIDAS, Turbicon, and RTPCR for RNA viruses. Its Molecular Laboratory for the detection of RNA viruses is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Further, the department also has received accreditation from the External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for the Bacteriology Section, Virology Section, and Parasitology Section by Sri Ganga Ram Hospital (Under the aegis of Indian Association of Medical Microbiology), CMC Vellore (Under the aegis of Indian Association of Medical Microbiology) and Indian Academy of Tropical Parasitology (IATP) respectively. The scope of services provided by various laboratories of the Microbiology Department is approved by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers - entry-level (NABH-entry-level).

Eight PhD scholars and nine postgraduates of the Microbiology Department have been awarded the degree of PhD in Medical Microbiology and MD (Microbiology) respectively to date.

The department is constantly involved in high-quality research in the field of infectious diseases concerning local, national, and international issues. The department regularly conducts workshops/ CME/FDP for the continuous academic improvement of its faculty and students.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

MBBS, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

MD (Microbiology)

Ph.D Program

PhD Entrance Examinations are held twice every year (Further Details will be provided in this page)

ELIGIBILITY

A candidate seeking admission to the Ph.D. Programme of SMU should meet the following criteria:
Have a Master’s degree of this University or its equivalent of another recognized University or Institute with a minimum of 55% marks. The degree should be relevant to the department to which he/she applied for PhD. In case of candidates holding a qualifying degree from Foreign Universities, registration for the Ph.D. will be confirmed after determination of equivalence by the relevant University body.
A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled and other categories, economically weaker section of candidates as per the direction of the UGC from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master's degree before 19th September 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.
In exceptional cases, a candidate with an undergraduate degree having high first-class with relevant experience commensurate to his proposed research and experience equivalent to a postgraduate degree in the relevant field may be considered for registration on the special recommendation of the University Research Committee (URC). Such candidates will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits as coursework compared to 12 credits for those with postgraduate qualifications.
Candidates possessing a degree considered equivalent to an M.Phil. degree of an Indian Institution, from a Foreign Educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions, shall be eligible for admission.
Foreign students will be required to produce clearance from the Government of India/relevant authorities, for being considered eligible and are holding research visa.
Clearing of entrance test is only one of the prerequisites for admission.
Should be recommended by the Department / Institute Research Protocol Evaluation Committee (D/I-RPEC) based on a presentation of the proposed Research Protocol and number of seats available.

DIVISION

Bacteriology: IAMM accredited
Parasitology: IATP accredited
Virology along with ICTC
Molecular Virology for RNA viruses: NABL accredited and IAMM accredited
Mycology
Serology
Mycobacteriology: Under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme
Central Laboratory (Microbiology): 24 X 7

KEY FEATURES

One of the first departments to be established for teaching learning activities and laboratory services in Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences.
Highly qualified, competent and dedicated faculty in the department.
Faculty impart high quality teaching and learning activities to the students.

Regular revision of students’ syllabus and curriculum of various courses.
MBBS Curriculum as per National Medical Council of India Regulations.
MD Curriculum as per National Medical Council of India Regulations.
Ph.D. as per UGC guidelines.
UG & PG curriculum are approved by relevant Board of Studies and Academic Senate of Sikkim Manipal University.
Many MBBS students and MSc. got distinction in Microbiology in the university examination.
One of the departments in the institute where good number of Ph.D. Scholars are enrolled every year.
High quality research are carried out in the department by the faculty and Ph.D. Scholars.
Department encourage UGs to do research.
Department regularly receives substantial research fund from External agencies like ICMR, DBT, SERB etc.
Provides high quality, reliable, dependable and timely diagnostic facilities for infectious diseases.
NABL accredited Molecular laboratory for the diagnosis of RNA viral infections.
Department received Team Excellence Award by Sikkim Manipal University in the year 2020 and Certificate of Appreciation from Inner Wheel Club of Gangtok Orchid in the 2021 for its commendable contribution in the diagnosis of COVID-19 during COVID-19 pandemic.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

Lectures with Audio-visual aids, LCD, OHP, 35 mm projectors.
Small Group Learning: Tutorials, Practical, Seminars, Demonstration, Clinical case studies, Applied microbiology exercises, Integrated learning, Small group discussion
Self-directed learning
AETCOM

CORE COMPETENCIES

Highly qualified, competent and dedicated faculty in the department.
Faculty impart high quality teaching and learning activities to the students.
High quality research are carried out in the department by the faculty and PhD Scholars.
Department regularly receives substantial research fund from External agencies like ICMR, DBT, SERB etc.
Provides high quality, reliable, dependable and timely diagnostic facilities for infectious diseases.

COLLABORATIONS

Paragonimiasis with NICED, Tokyo, Japan. (2005-2013).
Fascioliasis with Iwate university, Japan. (2013-2014).
Paragonimiasis at Healthcare Laboratory and Research Centre, NHAK, Kohima, Nagaland. (2013-2014).
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).(2020-2023).
Department of Biotechnology (DBT). (2021-2023).
Kasturba Medical College, MAHE, (2022 onwards).
Delhi Pharmaceuticals Sciences and Research University (DPSRU).(2018-2020).
Walailak University, Thailand. (2018-2020).
University of Nottingham, Malaysia. (2018-2020).
University of Malaya, Malaysia.(2021-2023).

FACULTY

To train undergraduate and postgraduate students to acquire up to date knowledge on various pathogenic micro-organisms, especially of public health importance."

Dr Luna Adhikari

HOD, Department of Microbiology

View all

FACILITIES

It has world-class facilities for training undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. students

LABORATORY INFRASTRUCTURE

MEDIA/STERILIZATION ROOM:

Autoclave, Hot air oven, Water bath, Inspissator, Weighing balance, Cold room, Rotatory flask shaker.

BACTERIOLOGY LABORATORY:

Vitek-2 system, Vitek-2 Compact system, Bact-Alert System, Bact-Alert 3D System, Incubator, Laminar Air Flow, Refrigerator, Binocular Microscope.

MYCOBACTERIOLOGY LABORATORY:

CBNAAT, Bio-safety cabinet-II B2, CO₂Incubator, MGIT Liquid Culture, -80 deep Freezer, Binocular Microscope.

MYCOLOGY LABORATORY:

BOD Incubator, Binocular Microscope.

SEROLOGY LABORATORY:

Incubator, ELISA washer and reader, Water distillation plant, Electrophoresis set, Binocular microscope.

MICROSCOPY ROOM:

Phase Contrast Microscope and Dark Ground Microscope, Binocular Microscope.

PARASITOLOGY LABORATORY:

Incubator, Centrifuge, Haematocrit centrifuge, Binocular microscope, Dissecting microscope, Refrigerator, QBC machine.

MOLECULAR VIROLOGY LABORATORY:

Real time PCR-BioRad, Bio-safety class II A2, Deep Freezer -80∙ C and -20∙C, Microcentrifuge, Cooling centrifuge, Centrifuge , Cyclomixer, Electronic balance, Dry bath, Water bath, Electrophoresis set, UV illuminator, Vortex mixer, Ultra low temperature freezer, Incubator, Refrigerator, Mini spin, Laminar flow Cabinet, Biospectrometer, PCR Cabinet, Plate Centrifuge 5430, GeneXpert System, Autoclave, Egg Inoculation box.

ACADEMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Lecture Halls equipped with LCD and OHP.
Demonstration room with OHP /LCD projector.
Well Equipped Practical Hall with preparation room, washing room, working tables fitted with LPG connection wash basins power lines for microscopy.
Each Student is allotted a monocular microscope.
Each faculty is allotted with a binocular microscope.
Microbiology Museum.
Library cum conference room.
Each Diagnostic laboratory is equipped to function as a Research laboratory too.

CLINICAL SERVICES OFFERED

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

Diagnosis services in the microbiology laboratories in the department and central laboratory, CRH.
Average monthly turnover is around 1000 specimens.
Wide range of diagnostic services.
Bacteriology: Microscopy & Culture (VITEK, BacT Alert).
Mycobacteriology: Microscopy (Fluorescent Microscopy), Culture (MGIT) & Molecular diagnosis (CBNAAT).
Mycology: Microscopy and Culture.
Parasitology: Microscopy and Rapid Test.
Serology: ELISA, VIDAS and Rapid Test.
Molecular Virology: RTPCR for RNA Viruses.

GALLERY

The campus has first-rate facilities like laboratories, workshops and practice school for hands-on learning. There are also cafeterias, and transport facility for students' ease.

TESTIMONIALS

SMIMS is definitely a good college for the medical students. It is situated in a calm place with all possible infrastructure facilities and follows students to make use of their talents.

Ayushi

SMIMS provides adequate facilities and good environment for studies and safe surroundings. Its central library has loads of books & Journals.

Naresh Chettri

Sikkim itself is said to be home of gods. Its beauty and peace cannot be just explained in words. To study in a SMIMS itself is a great joy & pride with lot of learning and practicals.

Sangay Denzonga

It is an esteemed private institute for medical sciences which though just a decade old has created a niche for itself in the wide arena of medical schools.

Deepsikha Chettri

NEWS

November 05,2024

Renowned Geriatrician Dr Kausik Majumdar from Manipal Hospital, Kolkata will be visiting CRH, Manipal, Gangtok

August 31,2024

News Letter July - August 2024

July 15,2024

SMCPT Ranking 2024

June 23,2024

Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences Dean Honored as a Legend of Gynaecology

May 30,2024

SMIMS Ranks Among Top 10 Promising Medical Colleges in India for 2024 by Higher Education Review Magazine

May 29,2024

Keynote speaker at Dant Kranti 24- International Virtual Conference

April 29,2024

SMU Newsletter Inaugural Issue

February 20,2024

Dr. Keerthilatha M Pai MDS as a resource person at A.B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences

EVENTS

October 24,2024

Pre Diwali-Celebration

Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) organized a joyful pre-Diwali celebration and Ethnic day at the CDOE on 24th October 2024 at 3:30 PM. The event brought together all the faculty and staff, who celebrated the day with great enthusiasm. The conference hall was beautifully decorated with colourful balloons and lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.

October 14,2024

Special Lecture on Commodity Derivatives for the students and faculties of FHSSLA & Management dept., SMIT

The special lecture on the Awareness Programme on Commodity Derivatives, an initiative during World Investor Week – Oct 14-20, 2024, held on 19.10.2024 at Lecture Hall III, SMIMS Building, Sikkim Manipal University. It was a highly enriching and insightful event organized by Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences & Liberal Arts (FHSSLA), SMU.

September 21,2024

Studio Inauguration - CDOE

On 21st September 2024, the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) hosted the inauguration of its new studio with an event filled with excitement and grandeur.

September 18,2024

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

NSS, Sikkim Manipal University conducted a Plantation Drive in the University campus on18th September 2024 under the Campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (एक पेड़ माँ के नाम) to mark the Birth Anniversary of Padma Bhushan Awardee Dr Ram Das M. Pai, Founding Pro-Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University.

September 17,2024

Announcements

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