Dr Manjunath Flags Lack of Practical Training for Perfusion Students

Speaking at the launch of the Karnataka Clinical Perfusionists Association in Bengaluru, Dr Manjunath raised serious concerns over medical institutions offering perfusion technology courses without providing necessary practical training facilities.

Dr Manjunath highlighted that many medical colleges admit 12 to 14 students for the B.Sc Perfusion Technology programme despite lacking the infrastructure required to perform open-heart surgeries. He pointed out that even in institutions where such facilities exist, there are often no surgeons available, leaving graduates with degrees but no hands-on experience assisting in surgical procedures.

Emphasising the importance of the role, Dr Manjunath explained that perfusionists are vital during cardiac procedures. He noted that while surgeons conducting open-heart surgeries act like the hands, perfusionists function as the brain during operations.

According to Dr Manjunath, between three and four lakh open-heart surgeries are performed across India each year. At present, the country has around 2,000 qualified perfusion technologists, while 1,400 to 1,800 seats are available annually for candidates seeking admission to B.Sc Perfusion Technology courses.

Providing a broader overview of the medical education landscape, he stated that 825 medical colleges in India offer 1.30 lakh undergraduate medical seats and 90,000 MD seats each year. He added that the transition of technicians graduating as technologists marks a growing recognition for the profession.

The newly launched Karnataka Clinical Perfusionists Association aims to strengthen professional standards, support education and research, and build greater awareness regarding the critical role of perfusionists in cardiac and intensive care environments.