Professor Dr Neha Nanda’s Inspiring Visit to AIIMS Jammu Highlights

Jammu, 13 th August 2024 — The All India Institute of Medical SciencesJammu proudly hosted Professor Dr Neha Nanda, a distinguished expert in infectious diseases and healthcare epidemiology from the University of Southern California (USC), for an enlightening visit focused on enhancing patient safety and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

During her visit, Dr Nanda delivered a compelling talk on the “Culture of Patient Safety” at AIIMS Jammu, where she shared the strategies implemented at USC to achieve near-zero hospital infection rates and promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Her insights captivated the audience, comprising healthcare professionals, researchers, and nursing staff highlighting the critical importance of patient safety as a cornerstone of healthcare excellence.

Dr Nanda emphasized that achieving near-zero hospital infection rates requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. She explained how a strong culture of safety, supported by leadership, robust infection control practices, and continuous staff education, can create an environment where patient safety is prioritized. Her talk underscored the significance of fostering a culture where every team member, from healthcare providers to administrative staff, is committed to reducing infections and improving patient outcomes.

Moreover, Dr Nanda discussed the pivotal role of antimicrobial stewardship programs in preserving the efficacy of existing antibiotics. She highlighted how these programs ensure the judicious use of antimicrobials, preventing the development of resistant strains and safeguarding the effectiveness of treatments for future generations.

By promoting appropriate antibiotic use, healthcare facilities can not only enhance patient care but also play a vital role in combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr Nanda engaged in detailed discussions with the Department of Microbiology, exploring avenues for collaboration between AIIMS Jammu and USC. Her focus on the need for inter-departmental coordination resonated with the audience, as she elaborated on how such collaborations can create wonders in addressing the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance AMR.“Collaboration is key to driving innovation and achieving significant advancements in healthcare,” Dr Nanda stated. “By working together across departments and institutions, we can develop innovative solutions to reduce antimicrobial resistance and enhance patient safety.”

Dr Neha Nanda’s visit marks a significant step towards building international partnerships aimed at addressing global health challenges. Her expertise and passion for patient safety and antimicrobial stewardship inspired the attendees and reinforced the commitment of AIIMS Jammu to excellence in healthcare. As part of her visit, Dr Nanda also toured the AIIMS Jammu facility, meeting with faculty members and exploring ongoing research initiatives. Her insights and recommendations were invaluable in identifying potential areas for collaboration and growth. AIIMS Jammu is excited about the prospects of collaborating with Dr Nanda
and University of Southern California (USC) to strengthen efforts in combating AMR and advancing patient safety. The institution remains dedicated to
fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery.