Armed Forces Medical College

Department of Microbiology was established in 1979 following the bifurcation of the Department of Pathology, with the recognition of Microbiology as a discipline distinct from Pathology. Lt Gen Jagdish Rai (then Col) was the first Head of the Department. Several eminent microbiologists, including Surg Capt PN Suri and Lt Gen D Raghunath, have since led the department, whose contributions continue to inspire the microbiology fraternity. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art automated and molecular diagnostic platforms aimed at early detection, monitoring, and management of infectious diseases, thereby significantly improving patient care and outcomes. The department has the unique distinction of being recognized as the State Reference Laboratory for NACO/Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society, supervising 72 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) across Thane and Nashik districts. The SRL is NABL accredited, ensuring adherence to national quality standards. The department has a Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), which is currently being upgraded to an Integrated Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL), further strengthening its capacity for advanced molecular diagnostics, outbreak preparedness, and translational research. Quality assurance remains a cornerstone of departmental functioning. The department actively participates in External Quality Assurance Schemes (EQAS) from Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore for Bacteriology, Serology, and Molecular Microbiology, and from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh for Mycology and Tuberculosis. The laboratory is also NTEP-certified for Line Probe Assay (LPA), reinforcing its role in rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis. As a National Reference Centre for Rickettsial Diseases (NRCRD) for the West Zone, the department plays a pivotal role in surveillance, diagnosis, training, and research related to rickettsial infections. Beyond diagnostics, the department is actively engaged in community outreach programmes, conducting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to promote infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health awareness. In alignment with national and defence healthcare priorities, the department is currently formulating the Armed Forces Medical Services Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (AARSAP), which will be implemented across AFMS to strengthen surveillance, rational antimicrobial use, and containment of antimicrobial resistance.