In 1954, Nair Hospital was the first to establish a Department of Gastroenterology in the country under the leadership of Dr FP Antia. Since inception, the department has rendered excellent clinical care and contributed important research data in the Indian context. Following Dr Antia's retirement in 1974, Professor H G Desai and then Professor R H Kalro were Heads of the Department till 1996. Dr Shobna J Bhatia took over the Department in 1996 and is presently in charge of the Department.
Current Activities:
OPD Services:
The patients are initially evaluated in the OPD No. 17 on Wednesday or Saturday between 9.30 am to 11.30 am and given appropriate appointments for investigations.
Endoscopy Services:
The upper (gastroscopies) and lower (colonoscopies) gastro-intestinal endoscopies are performed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. ERCPs and peritoneoscopies are performed on Thursdays.
Indoor Services:
Wards no. 16 for ladies and Ward No. 18 for males have indoor facilities for our patients. Emergency procedures for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and cholangitis are done whenever required, during all 24 hours.
Teaching:
The weekly postgraduate teaching activities include teaching rounds, journal reading, seminars, clinical case presentations and interactive meetings with surgery and pathology departments.