Supported by Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC)
Department of Medical Sciences and Technology
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Introduction
Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) extended financial assistance for the establishment of the Anatomy Lab in the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology at IIT Madras. This initiative represents a significant contribution toward strengthening interdisciplinary medical education and advancing healthcare innovation in India.
PFC was among the earliest organizations to support this newly established department. Its timely intervention enabled the swift creation of critical academic infrastructure, reinforcing the Institute’s vision of integrating medical sciences with engineering and technology.
Background and Institutional Vision
The Department of Medical Sciences and Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras was established to bridge engineering and medicine through interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together clinicians, life scientists, and engineers, the department addresses complex healthcare challenges and trains future physician scientists and engineering physiologists.
The BS Programme in Medical Sciences and Engineering integrates medical and engineering education through interdisciplinary coursework and hospital exposure, with Anatomy serving as a foundational subject. This made the establishment of a state-of-the-art Anatomy Lab essential to its academic and research mission.
The Anatomy Lab: A Tech-Enabled Learning Ecosystem
The Anatomy Lab bridges theory and practice through advanced, technology-enabled infrastructure, offering immersive, hands-on learning without reliance on conventional wet labs.
It includes:
- Synthetic Cadavers for realistic, repeatable dissection and simulation
- Virtual Dissection Tables for interactive 3D anatomical exploration and case-based learning
- Ultrasound Simulator System for safe, real-time imaging training
- Bio Motion Capture Device for functional movement analysis and device research
- Visualization Chart Models for clear understanding of physiological systems
Together, these tools create a future-ready, interdisciplinary learning environment that strengthens medical education, research, and healthcare innovation.
Project Outcomes and Impact
The Anatomy Lab has strengthened foundational training in the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras by integrating practical exposure with theoretical learning in Anatomy.
It supports hands-on exploration, clinical case benchmarking, functional anatomy understanding, interdisciplinary research, and innovation in medical devices and diagnostics. Benefiting students across academic levels, the lab enables research ideas to translate into meaningful clinical applications. It also positions the institute as a leader in technology-driven medical education.
Contribution to National Development and SDGs
The initiative aligns with:
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing, by advancing medical education and research.
- SDG 4 – Quality Education, through high-quality learning infrastructure.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting collaboration between Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Power Finance Corporation Limited.
Conclusion
Through its CSR support, Power Finance Corporation Limited has enabled the creation of a technology-enabled Anatomy Lab at Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The initiative strengthens interdisciplinary education, advances biomedical research, and contributes to the broader goal of accessible and impactful healthcare.