Maternal Foetal Medicine services begin at AIIMS Jammu
Jammu, Sep 9: In a significant step forward for maternal and child healthcare, AIIMS Jammu has launched Maternal and Foetal Medicine (MFM) services, enabling pregnant women from the region to access advanced care and monitoring for their unborn babies without travelling outside the city.
Recently, doctors at AIIMS Jammu performed their first amniocentesis, a prenatal test to detect potential genetic or chromosomal conditions in the foetus.
The procedure was performed by Dr Vishakha Gupta, a maternal and foetal medicine specialist, with support from Dr Natasha Gupta and Dr Shivani Sharma in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This advanced test was previously not freely available in the Jammu region.
Amniocentesis is an ultrasound-guided procedure used to collect amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the foetus. The fluid is then analysed to detect conditions such as Down syndrome and other genetic disorders.
In the recent case at AIIMS Jammu, amniocentesis was done as the mother’s screening showed a “screen positive” for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). The follow-up genetic test (CMA) confirmed normal results, providing reassurance to the family.
In addition, the department now offers comprehensive Maternal and Foetal Medicine services, including specialised ultrasound scans such as NT-NB and Congenital Anomaly (TIFFA) scans, ensuring complete pregnancy care locally without the need to travel outside the city.
Speaking on this achievement, Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu, said, “The start of Maternal and Foetal Medicine services at AIIMS Jammu marks a major milestone in healthcare for this region. Our goal has always been to provide world-class medical facilities to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and nearby areas, and this is another step in that direction. We are proud of our doctors, who are bringing hope and quality care to expecting mothers.”
“With these new services, AIIMS Jammu is emerging as a key centre for advanced pregnancy and foetal care in the region, providing hope, reassurance and quality care to expecting mothers and their families across Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring areas,” he stated.
