Gastro Sciences at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai becomes the most advanced Gastroenterology Centre in Central Kerala
The Department of Gastro Sciences at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai was declared a Centre of Excellence on 11 September 2026 by K. Muraleedharan, Minister for Health, Government of Kerala, who also inaugurated the hospital's new Gastro Sciences and Pulmonary Block.
The declaration was made during Care@7, the hospital's seventh anniversary celebrations. The event was presided over by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Palai, Founder and Patron, with the presence of distinguished figures from the political, social, cultural and religious spheres.
A Centre of Excellence declaration marks a department that has moved beyond routine specialty care into comprehensive, advanced practice. For patients across Kottayam, Idukki and the surrounding districts, the practical difference is distance. Conditions that once meant a journey to Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram are now treated close to home.
What the Centre of Excellence covers
The new block brings the hospital's gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pulmonary services onto a single floor plate. Diagnosis, endoscopy, intervention and surgery now happen without the patient moving between buildings, and complex cases are reviewed jointly by gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists before a plan is agreed.
Medical Gastroenterology
Diagnosis and non surgical treatment of disorders of the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel and colon. Most patients are seen, scoped and started on treatment without admission.
- Acid reflux, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome and functional gut disorders
- Upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding
- Coeliac disease, malabsorption and motility disorders
Hepatology
The full spectrum of liver disease, from fatty liver picked up on a routine scan to decompensated cirrhosis needing intensive care. Non invasive assessment means most patients avoid a liver biopsy.
- Fatty liver and metabolic liver disease
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C, including antiviral therapy
- Alcohol related liver disease
- Cirrhosis, portal hypertension and variceal bleeding
- Ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and acute liver failure
GI and HPB Surgery
Surgery on the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. Most procedures are performed laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions and a faster return home.
- Laparoscopic liver resection
- Pancreatic surgery including Whipple's procedure
- Bile duct and gallbladder surgery
- Colorectal and rectal surgery
- Surgery for gastrointestinal obstruction and perforation
Interventional Radiology
Treatment through a needle or catheter under image guidance, avoiding open surgery in patients who are too unwell for it or where a targeted approach works better.
- Image guided biopsy and drainage of abscesses and collections
- Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and stenting
- Transarterial chemoembolisation for liver tumours
- Radiofrequency ablation of liver lesions
- Embolisation for gastrointestinal bleeding
Endoscopy and Diagnostics
Four endoscopy suites run in parallel, so diagnostic and therapeutic lists do not compete for space. Emergency endoscopy is available round the clock.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy
- Advanced ERCP with a dedicated C arm for real time imaging
- Endoscopic ultrasonography with fine needle aspiration
- Capsule endoscopy for small bowel imaging without sedation
- Manometry, FibroScan and breath analysis
GI Oncology
Cancers of the digestive tract are managed jointly with Mar Sleeva Cancer Care and Research Centre, so surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are planned together rather than in sequence by separate teams.
- Oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer
- Liver, pancreatic and bile duct cancer
- Endoscopic resection of early stage lesions
- Palliative stenting for obstruction and jaundice
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review for every case
Technology in the new block
Part of a wider evening
The Centre of Excellence declaration was one of three milestones marked that evening. The same programme included the inauguration of the block itself and a gathering of patients who have received a kidney transplant at Mar Sleeva, marking 150 surgeries. The transplant team was honoured on stage, as was Nurse Litty Joy, who helped bring a pregnant woman safely to the hospital during an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
When was Gastro Sciences at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai declared a Centre of Excellence?
The Department of Gastro Sciences was declared a Centre of Excellence on 11 September 2026 by K. Muraleedharan, Minister for Health, Government of Kerala, during the hospital's seventh anniversary celebrations.
What does the Gastro Sciences Centre of Excellence offer?
The Centre of Excellence covers medical gastroenterology, hepatology, GI and HPB surgery, interventional radiology, advanced ERCP, endoscopic ultrasonography, laparoscopic liver surgery and complex gastrointestinal cancer care, supported by four endoscopy suites, capsule endoscopy, manometry, a dedicated C arm, FibroScan and breath analysis.
How large is the new Gastro Sciences and Pulmonary Block?
The block spans 30,000 sq. ft. and brings gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pulmonary services together on a single floor plate, so patients move between diagnosis, endoscopy, intervention and surgery without changing buildings.
Is emergency endoscopy available at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai?
Yes. Emergency endoscopy is available round the clock for gastrointestinal bleeding, foreign body removal and obstructive jaundice. Four endoscopy suites operate in the new block, so emergency cases do not wait behind scheduled lists.
How do I book a gastroenterology consultation at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai?
Appointments can be booked at marsleevamedicity.com, through the hospital mobile app, or by calling 04822 359 900, 354 900 or 269 700.
