The Department of Biochemistry, Govt.Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram started its functioning in 1951 under the leadership of Dr.D.Narayana Rao for teaching and training medical graduates and for providing clinical laboratory services to the patients. The post graduate training for MD Biochemistry started in the year 1970 and from 2011 onwards, the annual intake is 4 students. Eighteen professors succeeded him as HODs and currently the department is under the headship of Prof. Dr. Genga.S.
The Department of Biochemistry is an academic preclinical department which is engaged actively in teaching, training, research and laboratory services for patient care. Undergraduate courses under the department include MBBS, BDS, BSc Optometry, BSc Nursing, Post basic BSc Nursing & various allied health science courses. The department provides training for MD Biochemistry students. ,PhD scholars MBBS. The various clinical laboratories under the department are Central Biochemistry Lab, Medical College Hospital, Tvpm, SAT Biochemistry Lab, SAT Hospital, Tvpm and the PG research lab in the academic block. Around 2000 patients (IP & OP) utilize this facility per day.
The two clinical labs, one at Medical College hospital and one at SAT hospital provides 24 hrs laboratory services to the patients attending these hospitals. Around 2000 patients (IP & OP) utilize this facility per day. The tests done include basic biochemistry panel tests and special investigations like immuno assays and electrophoresis. The facility at Medical College hospital- Central Biochemistry lab has state-of-the-art fully automated clinical chemistry analysers, immuno assay analysers and fully automated electrophoresis apparatus. The SAT Biochemistry lab also has fully automated clinical chemistry analysers. The department accepts the samples and provides the results through an e-health system. The department also has a PG research laboratory where screening for inborn errors of metabolism is also done. Lab management solutions initiated as part of an e-health programme. Started doing Molecular Biology related research projects for MD students in collaboration with MDRL. The Central Biochemistry lab, MCH, Tvpm is equipped to conduct comprehensive routine biochemistry investigations, hormonal assays, tumour markers and protein electrophoresis. On average, 12500 to 15000 investigations are done each day with a total monthly workload of 3,50,000 investigations.
2.3. Para - clinical Dept.