About Us
ALG BioTech was founded by and built around the expertise of Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala and her pioneering work in the field of Tissue Banking in India.
Core Expertise
We specialize in helping hospitals and healthcare groups set up and operate tissue and bone banks. Our expertise includes regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, staff training, and ensuring efficient, ethical operations aligned with international standards.
Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala
Managing Partner
Education:
PhD. in Medicine and a Diploma in Tissue Banking
Areas of Expertise:
Tissue Banking, Law, Ethics and Staffing
Started Working in Tissue Banking:
1988, TATA Memorial Hospital
Base:
Mumbai, India (GMT +5:30)
Her Story
Dr. Astrid Lobo Gajiwala is a trailblazer in the field of tissue banking, renowned for her groundbreaking work in establishing India’s first tissue and bone bank at Tata Memorial Hospital in 1988. Over decades, she not only ran this pioneering institution but also played a pivotal role in setting up numerous other tissue banks across the country, revolutionizing healthcare infrastructure in India.
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A highly respected academic, Dr. Lobo Gajiwala has authored over 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals, cementing her reputation as a thought leader in her field. Beyond her scientific contributions, she is also a theologian and a passionate activist, championing women’s rights for over 40 years. Her life and work embody a commitment to innovation, knowledge, and social justice, inspiring generations to come.
Through the Years
15th January 2025
Dec 2020 - Jan 2023
2010s - 2020
The Shalby Tissue Bank, set up by Dr Astrid for the Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital chain in Ahmedabad, was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, with a mandate to provide bone grafts across India.
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Continues to serve as Co-Chairperson of the Tissue Expert Committee, ROTTO-SOTTO, GOI.
Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, in partnerhsip with other medical professionals established India's first independent standalone full service tissue bank in Mumbai, Novo Tissue Bank & Research Center.
National Coordinator: Appointed by the Government of India for the Asia-Pacific Project on Tissue Banking by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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Director, ROTTO-SOTTO: First Director of the Regional (Western) cum State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO-SOTTO), Government of India.
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Member of the Advisory Committee to the Appropriate Authority, THOTA, Government of Maharashtra.
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Elected as the first Indian President of the Asia Pacific Association of Surgical Tissue Banking.
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Hosted India’s only international conference on tissue banking.
2004
1994
1988 - 2014
Achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification for TMH Tissue Bank, making it the first tissue bank in Asia to receive this recognition.
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Cited in the Limca Book of Records for introducing gamma radiation for the sterilization of biological tissues in India.
Led TMH Tissue Bank to become the first in India to be registered under The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA).
Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala set up India's first ever bone and tissue bank at the TATA Memorial Hospital (TMH).
Additional Partner
Ashutosh Lobo G
Partner
Education:
Masters in Public Policy (healthcare), Certified Transplant Co-ordinator
Areas of Expertise:
Operations, Law, Logistics, Brand & Marketing
Base:
Mumbai, India (GMT +5:30)
Years in Tissue Banking:
4
How We Operate
The firm once hired works by integrating seamlessly within the client's larger workforce while working closely with the department heads to deliver the project milestones on a pre-determined timeline.