Origins of ACBI and AMBI
History of Teaching Biochemistry
Biochemistry was formally separated from Physiology as an independent subject in the MBBS curriculum in 1978. Prior to this often taught within the Department of Physiology.
Here's a more detailed timeline:
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1959:
Biochemistry was introduced as a speciality, but without its own separate department, existing within the Department of Physiology. -
1973:
Biochemistry became an independent section under Physiology -
9781
Biochemistry became a fully independent department with its own faculty and curriculum, marking its formal separation from Physiology. -
1997:
The Medical Council of India (MCI) revised the MBBS curriculum, further solidifying Biochemistry's position as a distinct subject.
About ACBI
January 18, 1975, was a red-letter day for Clinical Biochemistry, when renowned clinical biochemists from all parts of the country resolved to establish the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India to promote improvement in the health and well-being of the communities it serves through improving the science and practice of Clinical Biochemistry.
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By holding meetings, congresses, seminars, symposia and otherwise to promote and advance the interests of Clinical Biochemistry.
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To organise and establish an institution/training centre for training Clinical Biochemists, and to hold examinations and award diplomas
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To associate with International and National Organisations such as IFCC APFCB, INSA, NAMS, QCI, ICHA, etc.• To advise Universities, Governments and Statutory Authorities regarding Biochemistry, including Clinical Biochemistry.
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To publish journal(s) related to Clinical Biochemistry and a News bulletin covering Association activities.
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To create awareness in the community on the importance of biochemical tests in preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare. This was followed by a two-day conference in which Executive Committee members were elected and Professor Awadhesh Saran was installed as its First President, and Dr K. P. Sinha as its first Secretary. Since then, Annual conferences have been held in various parts of the country.
The Notable Milestones of Achievements
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At the behest of the Association, the Medical Council of India recommended the separation of the Biochemistry Subject and the Department of Biochemistry from those of Physiology. A separate paper in Biochemistry was introduced at the 1st M.B.B.S. examination from 1977.
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In 1977, it was resolved to start the Quality Control programme to bring about improvement in laboratory services and a committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr A.S. Kanagasabapathy. Dr Kanagasabathy started the programme in 1978 from his department at C.M.C. Hospital, Vellore. Since then, he has been sending QC samples every month and giving feedback to the participating laboratories.
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He started with only a dozen participating laboratories, and today more than 1200 laboratories are participating in this programme. Dr Kanagasabapathy received great help from his colleague, Dr S. Swaminathan. This programme has brought about remarkable improvement in the performance of laboratories.
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The cooperation given by C.M.C. authorities is highly appreciable. After Dr Kanagasabapathy retired, Dr S. Selvakumar, Dr Victoria Job, Dr Geethanjali, and now Dr Pamela Christdoss have contributed to the growth of this programme. Learn. More.
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The Association started publishing The ACBI News Bulletin containing Association news twice annually in 1980. It is available on the ACBI website for reading and downloading.
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The Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, an official scientific publication, started coming out in 1990 under the Editorship of Dr T.N. Pattabiraman.
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He gave a sound foundation for the Journal. Since then, the Journal has served as a medium to publish the work of our members as well as that of others. It is published four times a year (January, April, July and October).
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Members felt the need for in order to provide quality results to patients' investigations, and an Accreditation Committee was formed under the convenorship of Dr U. Satyanarayana in 1994 to frame rules and guidelines for voluntary accreditation.
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The committee did an excellent job in formulating the process of accreditation and decided to approach other sister laboratory departments to join hands. At this stage Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and its National Accreditation Board took up this work for all disciplines and adopted the guidelines prepared by ACBI.
