On January 10, 2024, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences bestowed the prestigious 24th PRJ Gangadharam Endowment Award upon Dr. Camilla Rodrigues for her outstanding contributions to the field of Tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Camilla Rodrigues, (Senior Consultant Microbiologist and Chair Infection Control Committee, PD Hinduja Hospital & Research Centre Mumbai) was presented with the award by Shri Dhirubhai Mehta, President of the Kasturba Health Society.
Dr. Rodrigues is acclaimed for her research, including groundbreaking work on drug-resistant TB patients using Next Generations Sequencing Platforms, earning worldwide recognition. Her involvement in validation studies of various TB diagnostic technologies, collaboration with international agencies, and extensive publications demonstrate her commitment to advancing TB research. Dr. Rodrigues, not only a prolific researcher, but also an esteemed academician and mentor, has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions, making her an inspirational figure in the quest to eliminate tuberculosis.
The ceremony was attended by Shri PL Tapadia (Vice President, Kasturba Health Society), Dr. BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr. AK Shukla (Dean, MGIMS), Dr. Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Dr. PN Narang (Emeritus Professor of Microbiology and Chairperson of the award committee), Dr. Vijayshree Khairkar (Organizing Secretary and Head of the Department of Microbiology), Dr Kamleshwari and Dr Vimal (Dr Gangardharam’s family members) as well as senior faculty members, head of departments, consultants, staff, residents, and nurses.
The PRJ Gangadharam Endowment Award, named after the esteemed Dr. PRJ Gangadharam, a luminary in the field of tuberculosis, is dedicated to recognizing Indian scientists who have significantly contributed to TB control. The award aims to inspire young scientists to pursue research in the field. Dr. Rodrigues was honored for her dedication and remarkable contributions to TB research, receiving a citation, a certificate of honor, and a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/-. Dr. Rodrigues donated the amount for the welfare of poor patients in the hospital.
During the event, Dr. AK Shukla extended a warm welcome to Dr. Camilla, expressing gratitude for her presence. “We microbiologists are always working behind the screen, but actually, it is our work that is substantially translated into policies that help in the final elimination of any infectious disease”, highlighted Dr. Narang. She also emphasized the vision of Dr. Sushila Nayar, MGIMS's founding director, for eliminating TB from Wardha aligning it with the current national vision of achieving a 'TB-Mukt Bharat'. “Our work is far from over '', reminded Shri Dhirubhai Mehta underscoring the need to reach every TB patient, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment to break the chain of transmission.
Dr. Camilla Rodrigues, in her acceptance speech, discussed advances in TB diagnostics and emphasized the utilization of genetic information for tailored, personalized therapy that is faster, more precise, and more efficient.The ceremony concluded with Dr. Vijayshree Deotale proposing a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions, and the singing of the National Anthem.