POPMA

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Practicing Oral Pathologists & Microbiologists Association (POPMA) is a national professional organization representing oral pathologists and microbiologists across India. It was founded in 2023 by Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal, a distinguished oral pathologist, clinical biochemist, and medico-legal expert. The organization is headquartered in Hisar, Haryana, and registered under Section 9(1) of the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act, 2012.

POPMA was established with the primary goal of promoting the specialty of oral and maxillofacial pathology and microbiology, elevating its professional status, and creating more clinical and diagnostic opportunities for its practitioners. It actively advocates for the recognition of MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology) as a qualifying degree for signing laboratory diagnostic reports across India.

Objectives

POPMA's mission includes:

Promoting the practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology and microbiology.
Advocating for signatory rights for MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology) graduates in diagnostic laboratories.
Enhancing the academic, clinical, and professional recognition of the specialty.
Encouraging research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and skill development in pathology and microbiology.
Representing the interests of oral pathologists before regulatory authorities and government bodies.

Membership

POPMA membership is open to professionals of Indian origin aged 21 years and above, with recognized qualifications in fields such as dentistry, medicine, pathology, microbiology, biochemistry, forensic medicine, veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, and allied disciplines. Eligible qualifications include BDS, MDS, MBBS, MD, DNB, MSc, PhD, and others from accredited institutions.

Member Benefits

National network of specialty practicing oral pathologists.
Platform for sharing professional challenges and solutions.
Access to observership and fellowship programs under the Academic Body (AOPLM).
Guidance in establishing diagnostic laboratories.
Eligibility for POPMA research grants and student awards.
Support in advocacy efforts and policy-level representations.

Academic Arm: AOPLM

The Academy of Oral Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (AOPLM) was constituted in 2023 as the academic division of POPMA. AOPLM provides structured observerships, fellowship programs, and skill-based training courses. Its vision is to promote excellence in oral pathology and laboratory medicine through certification, competence evaluation, and public service.

Key Initiatives

POPMA has undertaken several initiatives since its inception:

Establishment of the official website to maintain transparency and access to records.
Creation of state-level representatives to expand regional engagement.
Launch of observership and fellowship programs via AOPLM.
Institution of POPMA Research Grants for postgraduate students.
Institution of the POPMA Gold Medal for academic excellence in oral pathology.
MoUs with private companies to offer discounted services/products to members.
Legal and policy representations to:
- Prime Minister of India
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Dental Council of India / National Dental Commission
- National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Clinical Establishments Act Committee
- National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
- National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)
- Major cancer centers and corporate laboratories

Legal Status

POPMA is officially registered under the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act, 2012 with registration number HR/12/2023/01797 dated 29 September 2023 and NGO Unique ID No. HR/2024/0477820

External links

Official POPMA Website