The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), marked a significant advancement in forensic investigation with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Virtopsy Centre and Cold Room today.
The facilities were inaugurated by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director of RIMS, in the presence of Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent of RIMS Hospital, and Prof. Th. Meera Devi, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology.
In his address, Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma highlighted that the inauguration of the Virtual Autopsy Unit and 40-body Cold Storage Facility at RIMS, marks a major milestone in forensic medicine in the region. RIMS is now the third institute in India to house a Virtopsy Centre equipped with a 32-slice CT scanner, enabling non-invasive and digitally preserved post-mortems. This technology enhances accuracy in cases such as road traffic accidents and bullet injuries, while also supporting research and ensuring legal admissibility. Additional infrastructure upgrades include a family waiting area, rooms for investigating officers, and plans for multi-faith prayer spaces. Looking ahead, RIMS aims to establish histopathology and toxicology labs, an Eye Bank, an IVF Centre, and a Robotic Surgery Unit.
The event was attended by Ksh. Shivakanta Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, Deputy Director (Admn), Dean (Academics), Principals of the College of Nursing and Dental College, Heads of Departments, Nursing Officers, faculty members, and staff of RIMS.