A new service that offers free and advanced tests for various neurological conditions has been launched in Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant hospital.
The Neuro electrophysiology service, which started in June 2023 in the AGMC-GB hospital, is a joint initiative of the neurology and physiology departments of the hospital.
According to Neurologist Dr Abir Lal Nath, who addressed a press conference on Thursday, the service has received a positive response from patients from different parts of the state. He said that the service uses high-cost machines that are only available in a few other medical institutions in the country, such as AIIMS and Guwahati medical College.
Dr Nath explained that the service conducts several tests, such as Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) tests, which measure the speed and strength of signals travelling through the nerves
Also, Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests, which record the electrical activity of the brain.
He said that these tests are crucial for diagnosing and treating various neurological disorders, such as neuropathy, epilepsy, and stroke.
NCV test is highly costly, but in the GB hospital, the tests are done free of cost.
He added that the service also provides Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, which is a treatment that involves injecting antibodies into the bloodstream to boost the immune system and fight infections.
He said that this therapy is also offered for free to patients.
Besides, there are facilities for other related tests like RNST and EEG.
He informed the media that a total of 126 patients availed the NCV facility till date while EEG was conducted on 31, EMG on 5 and RNST on 2 patients, so far. Many more are in queue to undergo the tests.
Dr Nath said that the service aims to provide quality and affordable health care to the people of the state, and thanked the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and health officials for supporting the initiative.
He also said that the service will soon start offering in-patient facilities, where patients can stay overnight for observation and treatment.
Dr Nath urged the patients who need neurological tests to visit the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the GB hospital and avail the service. He said that the service is open on Monday and Friday.
