A year after series of maternal deaths, Ballari to get skills lab to train professionals

Bengaluru: Better obstetric care, supported by technological interventions, will be central to improved delivery practices at the govt hospital in Ballari — a district that was in the spotlight for a series of maternal deaths a year ago. The new equipment will allow doctors to train on mannequins before treating patients. Last week, the cabinet approved a Rs 41.2 crore skills lab, simulation centre, and innovation incubation facility at Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC). Dr T Gangadhara Gouda, director, BMCRC, who submitted the proposal to the govt, told TOI that training will cover procedures such as conducting deliveries, intubation of unconscious patients, CPR for those in shock, and management of myocardial infarction. Dr Gouda said the use of mannequins will help strengthen clinical skills. "Instead of medical professionals attempting procedures directly on patients, they can first practice on mannequins. This is standard practice in many Western countries," he said. Promotion of medical technological innovation is another key component. Mohammad Mohsin, principal secretary for medical education, said the Ballari facility will have a stronger focus on research and innovation. "Research will be conducted on advanced equipment, computer simulations, treatment protocols, and pathological tests," he said. He added that similar labs established at Bangalore Medical College (BMC) have emerged as hubs for medical research. "BMC alone has produced around 23 research scholars a year who receive scholarships," he said. While the department is exploring clinical trials and innovation in medical equipment, it is also considering partnering with state-run research institutions such as IISc, CSIR, and ICMR, and possibly private collaborators. Dr Ramesh Babu, Ballari district health officer, said the skill centre will bring state-of-the-art medical technology to a region where such facilities are lacking. "These simulations and innovations will not only improve access to better medical technology but also provide much-needed training to professional cohorts in the region — including lab technicians and X-ray technicians," he said. He said the 65-year-old institute has steadily grown in reputation, drawing patients not only from neighbouring districts such as Chitradurga and Vijayanagar, but also from the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. Dr Babu also pointed to the stark income inequalities in Ballari and surrounding areas, saying quality public health infrastructure for the poor remains a crucial lifeline in an otherwise fragmented healthcare landscape.Quote The lab in Ballari will cater to medical colleges and hospitals around who want to skill paramedical, nursing staffers, doctors, postgraduates, and superspecialists Sharanprakash Patil | medical education minister