Category health

Vijayawada, Jan 9: On the occasion of World Ambulance Day, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada organized a special appreciation program to honor ambulance drivers and owners. The event recognized their vital role in emergency healthcare services. Ambulance personnel are often the first responders during medical emergencies and play a crucial role in saving lives through timely action. The event was graced by Sri S. V. Rajashekhar Babu, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada and senior officials from Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, including Mr. J. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, Dr. Utham Sharma, Medical Superintendent, and Dr. Sri Charan, Casualty Medical Officer. 

Ambulance drivers and owners play a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem. They are often the first point of contact during medical emergencies and act as a bridge between patients and hospitals. Their ability to navigate traffic, respond promptly, and remain calm under pressure significantly improves patient outcomes. Recognizing their contribution helps strengthen emergency preparedness and highlights the need for continued support and respect for their profession.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri S. V. Rajashekhar Babu, IPS, Commissioner of Police said,

“Ambulance drivers are among the most critical links in the emergency response system. Their alertness, road discipline, and commitment ensure that patients reach hospitals on time. They truly serve the community during its most vulnerable moments.”

The programme was held at the Police Commissioner Office, Vijayawada, symbolizing the strong coordination between healthcare institutions and law enforcement in emergency response systems. Observing World Ambulance Day through this initiative highlighted the importance of recognizing ambulance drivers and owners, who form the backbone of pre-hospital emergency care. The event served as a platform to acknowledge their dedication, promote awareness about timely emergency response, and reinforce the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in saving lives.

Mr. J. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, said,

“Emergency care does not begin at the hospital it begins in the ambulance. Ambulance drivers and owners are true lifesavers who work tirelessly, often under challenging conditions. This programme is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our partnership with them.”

Dr. Utham Sharma, Medical Superintendent, and Dr. Sri Charan, Casualty Medical Officer, also highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency services and the crucial role ambulance personnel play in ensuring timely and effective treatment.

Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening emergency medical services and fostering collaboration with ambulance service providers to enhance patient safety and save more lives.

 Jan 9: The official announcement for BioAsia 2026, the 23rd edition of Asia’s premier life sciences and health-tech forum, was released by Minister D. Sridhar Babu  in the presence of Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS  Mr Shakthi M Nagappan  and other dignitaries. The poster release marks the ceremonial commencement of preparations for the upcoming summit scheduled to be held from 16–18 February 2026 in Hyderabad.

Over the past two decades, BioAsia has emerged as Asia’s foremost platform for life sciences, biopharma, health-tech, and medical innovation, consistently bringing together global leaders, investors, innovators, researchers, and policymakers. Each edition has showcased cutting-edge science while reinforcing Hyderabad and Telangana’s position as a global hub for biopharma, vaccines, medtech, and digital health innovation, supported by world-class infrastructure and a deep pool of scientific talent.

The 23rd edition of BioAsia is themed ‘TechBio Unleashed: AI, Automation & the Biology Revolution.’ The theme reflects the pivotal convergence of biology, data, and deep technology that is reshaping drug discovery, diagnostics, manufacturing of therapies, and healthcare delivery globally. TechBio is transforming how diseases are understood, how therapies are designed, and how care is delivered making healthcare more predictive, personalized, and accessible while strengthening a resilient and inclusive global health system.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, D. Sridhar Babu said, 

“As Telangana embarks its journey towards becoming a USD 3 Trillion Economy by 2047, Lifesciences sector will play a critical role in shaping the growth of the state. Marquee event like BioAsia showcases Telangana’s leadership in life sciences and healthcare innovation and acts as a pivotal platform to foster new partnerships and explore opportunities for growth in this segment. With the release of the BioAsia 2026 poster, we begin yet another exciting journey that will bring together the world’s brightest minds to advance the TechBio revolution and build a healthier future for all.”

Adding to this Mr. Sanjay Kumar  Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce and ITE & C Departments, Government of Telangana), added,

 “BioAsia 2026 will provide a powerful platform for collaboration among startups, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. We look forward to welcoming global stakeholders to Hyderabad to explore opportunities, form partnerships, and accelerate investment in the rapidly evolving TechBio ecosystem.”

Adding to this Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation), said,

 “BioAsia 2026 comes at a pivotal moment when TechBio is redefining the very foundations of healthcare and life sciences. As biology converges with AI, automation and data, we see unprecedented opportunities for innovation, investment and impact. This edition of BioAsia will not just be a forum for discussions, but a platform to translate ideas into action by bringing together startups, global companies, researchers and policymakers to collaboratively shape the future of healthcare from Hyderabad to the world.”

The summit is expected to deliver strategic value for startups, researchers, investors, policymakers, and global organizations. BioAsia 2026 will connect innovators with investors, act as a bridge between laboratory breakthroughs and market adoption, and provide a forum for policymakers to co-create regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while safeguarding patient safety and public interest.

All stakeholders are invited to participate in BioAsia 2026 from 16–18 February 2026 in Hyderabad to explore investment opportunities, foster collaborations, and contribute to the TechBio revolution shaping the future of global healthcare.

Mumbai, Jan 8: Every life saved begins with a race against time and at the heart of that race are ambulance drivers who navigate chaos, uncertainty and urgency to deliver hope. Honouring these unsung heroes and their families, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata organised ‘Salute the Real Heroes Family’, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to ambulance drivers and their families, in the presence of Dr. Kishen Goel, Consultant and Head of Emergency, Manipal Hospital; Broadway, Kolkata; Dr. Indranil Das, Senior Consultant and In-Charge, Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass,  Dr. Saurav Das, Consultant  Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass; Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur, Consultant & In-Charge  Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur,  Dr. Subhasish Deb, Consultant  Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur; Dr. Osama Ashfaque, Consultant -Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria and Prof (Dr.) Rakhi Sanyal Dutta Sarma, Senior Consultant  Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Broadway and other eminent specialists in observance of World Ambulance Day. The event was conceptualised to recognise the selfless dedication of ambulance drivers who serve as the first responders during medical emergencies, often becoming the crucial link between life and death. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospitals aimed to extend gratitude to the drivers and to their families who stand by them through demanding and unpredictable schedules.

The programme began with a warm welcome and formal introduction, setting the tone for the day, followed by the launch of a specially curated Wellness Plan and Privilege Card for ambulance drivers and their families. A felicitation ceremony thereafter recognised exemplary drivers for their unwavering commitment and dedicated service. The event also featured Basic Life Support (BLS) training sessions led by doctors from Manipal Hospitals, equipping drivers with vital life-saving skills. An informative session on Manipal Hospitals’ healthcare services further enhanced awareness around emergency care, after which an ambulance rally was flagged off, symbolising speed, preparedness, and the urgency that defines lifesaving response. The day concluded on a celebratory note with engaging family games and fun activities, fostering togetherness and honouring the families who stand as the silent strength behind these frontline heroes.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kishen Goel said,

“Ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact in moments of distress, and their calm presence and swift response save countless lives every day. Through this initiative, we aim to recognise their contribution and reaffirm their vital role within the healthcare ecosystem. In India, delayed medical care significantly affects outcomes, with over 50% of cardiac arrest patients reaching hospitals late. Timely intervention in emergencies like accidents or cardiac arrest can be lifesaving. By providing BLS training, we are empowering individuals to act as immediate responders. Manipal Hospitals remains committed to building a skilled force to effectively manage life-threatening situations.”

Dr. Indranil Das stated,

“In medical emergencies, a trained individual can mean the difference between life and death. Through the ‘Salute the Real Heroes’ initiative, we are equipping ambulance drivers with essential BLS training to strengthen emergency response. We also recognise that their contribution goes beyond their professional role. Through family engagement programmes and health cards, we are focusing on their overall well-being. By supporting both their professional skills and personal lives, we aim to empower them to continue their invaluable service with confidence and pride.”

Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur said,

“Ambulance drivers are often the first responders during critical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. Their quick decisions during the golden hour can directly impact patient survival. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospitals seeks to equip these unsung heroes with essential skills while also extending meaningful support to their families. By recognising both the drivers and their loved ones, we acknowledge the unseen strength behind emergency care one that helps lifesaving begin long before a patient reaches the hospital.”

Speaking on the occasion, MARS ambulance driver Sarjit Yadav, age 34, who has been serving as an ambulance driver for the past eight years, shared,

“As ambulance drivers, it is our duty to bring patients to the hospital on time during the most critical moments. We are deeply grateful to Manipal Hospitals for this initiative and for giving us this platform to recognise our tireless 24/7 service. It is truly an honour to be here.”

Sarika Saha, wife of an ambulance driver present at the event, said,

“My husband has been an ambulance driver since a very young age, and with two daughters aged 8 and 5, they often miss spending time with their father because of his service. Today, thanks to Manipal Hospitals’ initiative, our children truly understood how crucial his role is in saving patients’ lives, we are really having to be here.”

During his address, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals  said,

“With accidents and medical emergencies being a daily reality, ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact for patients in distress. Their calmness and quick response save countless lives, every day. Through this initiative, we recognise their vital contribution and reaffirm that they are valued members of the healthcare ecosystem. By providing BLS training and supporting their families, Manipal Hospitals aims to empower these unsung heroes and strengthen emergency care from the very first response.”

Mumbai, Jan 8: In a strong show of community-led preventive healthcare, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, conducted a two-day men’s health awareness campaign on 6th and 7th January 2026. The initiative saw over 500 dabbawalas wearing blue jackets to raise awareness on men’s health and early cancer detection, using their daily citywide presence to spread the message.

The campaign, titled “Delivering Hope Together,” symbolised the shared commitment of HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai and the Mumbai Dabbawala Association to take preventive healthcare beyond hospital walls and into the heart of the community. By leveraging the dabbawalas’ unmatched reach and trust across Mumbai, the initiative aimed to deliver not just meals, but also lifesaving messages on early cancer detection, reinforcing the belief that timely awareness and screening can significantly reduce the cancer burden among working men.

The campaign focused on creating awareness around head and neck cancer and prostate cancer, which are among the most commonly detected cancers in men. Through the trusted and extensive network of Mumbai’s dabbawalas, the initiative ensured that the message of preventive care reached every corner of the city in an organic and impactful manner.

To further extend its gratitude to the lifeline of the city  the dabbawalas  HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai set up a dedicated mobile medical van to provide free cancer screening. This van was exclusively dedicated to the dabbawalas and stationed at key locations across the city, including Churchgate, Borivali, Grant Road, and Mira Road. The screenings were conducted by HCG’s medical team, who also counselled participants on early warning signs, risk factors, and the critical role of timely diagnosis in improving treatment outcomes.

The initiative received an overwhelming response, with a large number of dabbawalas voluntarily coming forward for check-ups over the two days. More than 500 dabbawalas participated in the screenings, reflecting growing awareness and acceptance of preventive healthcare among working communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Avik Chauhan, Cluster Chief Operating Officer at HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, said, 

“This initiative with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association reflects our belief that awareness and early detection must reach people where they are. Dabbawalas are the backbone of Mumbai’s daily life, and by engaging with them, we were able to take the message of men’s health and cancer prevention directly to the community. The enthusiastic participation over the last two days reinforces the importance of such grassroots initiatives in saving lives through early detection.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Ulhas Muke. President, Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust, said,

 “We appreciate the efforts and recognition extended to the dabbawalas by HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai. We are proud to be part of this awareness drive that focuses on reducing cancer cases through early detection. We are grateful to HCG for providing free screenings and medical guidance to our community and for empowering us with knowledge that encourages preventive healthcare and timely action.”

The two-day campaign concluded with meaningful interactions between healthcare professionals and participants, reinforcing HCG’s commitment to accessible, community-centric cancer prevention efforts. Through initiatives like Delivering Hope Together, HCG continues to work towards building healthier communities and reducing the burden of cancer through awareness, early screening, and timely intervention.

Pimpri, Pune  Jan 8: As the new year begins with renewed hope for patients waiting for transplant care, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune enabled a time critical lung transfer that reached Pune from Jalna through a successful green corridor, allowing a transplant pathway to move forward for a patient under the authorised allocation process. The transfer followed the organ donation of Dhananjay Anant Kale, a 25 year old BHMS student from Jalna. After his untimely demise following a two wheeler accident on December 29, 2025, his family consented to organ donation. The donation is reported to have helped save six lives through organ donation across cities.

The green corridor that came into Pune on January 1, 2026 was a demanding and tightly managed movement under real world traffic conditions. The transfer was carried out with tight police deployment and route control and the ambulance was flagged off with a salute by the police department as it proceeded towards Pune. The transfer was supported by the transplant and critical care doctors who ensured protocol based handling and clinical readiness at the receiving end. The operation required continuous on ground coordination and swift clearances so that precious time was protected through the route and into the city.

“A green corridor is efficiency in action. It is built on minutes, coordination and disciplined execution across every checkpoint. When institutions and administration align with clarity, time becomes capability and capability becomes outcomes. We recognise the collective effort that enabled safe passage into Pune and ensured the transfer moved with the urgency a time critical organ requires,” said Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 

“This donation reflects the highest form of human courage. In a moment of personal grief, the family chose to help others live and that choice deserves the deepest respect. We also acknowledge the doctors, critical care teams, transplant coordinators and on ground support staff who worked with quiet precision to ensure every handover remained time sensitive and safe. We honour every authority and frontline team that supported this challenging green corridor, because organ donation succeeds when compassion is matched by coordination and responsibility,” said  Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, Pro Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune .

“In a time critical transfer, accuracy is the difference between possibility and outcome. From controlled handling to seamless handovers, every step must be precise and every update must be timely. We place on record our sincere thanks to the police department for enabling the green corridor from Jalna to DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune and for supporting safe passage into the city. This corridor reflects what can be achieved when the system treats every minute like a patient safety commitment,” said Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune .

DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune reiterates its respect for donor families whose consent makes transplant care possible and strengthens the larger cause of organ donation across Maharashtra.

Park Medi World Limited Sets Sights on Becoming North India’s Largest Hospital Chain, Eyeing Nationwide Impact with Accelerated Growth Toward 5,000+ Beds by FY28

With a clear ambition to emerge as North India’s largest and most integrated hospital chain, Park Medi World Limited is accelerating a well-structured national growth strategy designed to build meaningful scale, deepen clinical capabilities, and deliver consistent, high-quality healthcare across diverse geographies. The Group’s expansion is anchored in a long-term vision of creating a cohesive, national healthcare network that combines operational efficiency with strong clinical governance and patient-centric care.

As part of this broader vision, the Company has recently strengthened its footprint across Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab through the acquisition of KP Institute of Medical Sciences in Agra, Febris Multispeciality Hospital in New Delhi, and Krishna Super-speciality Hospital in Punjab. Together, these additions have expanded Park Medi World’s network by approximately 810 beds through strategic, all-cash transactions, advancing the Group’s clearly articulated roadmap to scale beyond 5,000 beds by FY28.

Importantly, these acquisitions are not viewed as standalone transactions, but as deliberate execution milestones within a clearly defined national growth framework. Each asset has been evaluated through the lens of market relevance, clinical depth, integration readiness, and long-term value creation, ensuring that expansion remains both ambitious and disciplined.

Park Medi World’s growth strategy is anchored in building a nationally integrated hospital platform, enabling the Group to scale efficiently by creating continuity and operating depth across priority healthcare markets. This approach supports faster operational integration, stronger utilisation of clinical talent and infrastructure, standardisation of clinical and operating protocols, and tighter cost control at scale. By replicating proven operating models across its expanding national footprint, the Group is able to pursue rapid growth while maintaining uniform standards of care, strong governance, and financial prudence.

In Western Uttar Pradesh, the integration of a large, multi-super-specialty facility strengthens Park Medi World’s ability to deliver advanced tertiary care closer to patients in a high-potential market. In Delhi NCR, expansion within dense urban and peri-urban catchments deepens access to organised, affordable healthcare in one of the country’s most competitive healthcare corridors. In Punjab, the transition to full ownership of an already stabilised hospital enables sharper execution, faster decision-making, and deeper integration within the Group’s expanding network.

Together, these expansions underscore Park Medi World’s intent to scale decisively yet responsibly, combining ambition with structure and speed with operating discipline, as it advances toward leadership in North India’s organised healthcare sector.

Commenting on the Group’s growth trajectory, Dr. Ankit Gupta, Managing Director, Park Medi World Limited, said:

“Our vision is unambiguous: to build the most trusted, scalable, and clinically strong hospital network in North India. We are pursuing growth with intent and structure, not simply for size. Our expansion is guided by a clear national roadmap that allows us to scale efficiently while maintaining consistent clinical standards and strong governance across geographies.Every acquisition and expansion decision is anchored in long-term value creation by strengthening clinical depth, investing in medical talent, improving utilisation, and embedding operating discipline from day one. This enables us to grow aggressively, yet responsibly.As we move decisively toward a 5,000-plus bed platform by FY28, our focus is on building institutions that are resilient, outcome-driven, and deeply trusted by patients, clinicians, and communities. We believe this combination of scale, structure, and clinical excellence will define the next phase of healthcare leadership in North India.”

Park Medi World’s expansion roadmap combines targeted acquisitions, greenfield developments, and operational optimisation, allowing the Group to scale rapidly while maintaining governance rigor, financial prudence, and patient-centric care delivery.

Thiruvananthapuram,  Dec 7:- A 63-year-old patient from the Maldives presented at the OP with difficulty in swallowing for the past three years. On evaluation by way of an endoscopy, she was diagnosed with Zenker’s Diverticulum, a rare condition with a prevalence of only 0.01% to 0.11% in the general population, usually affecting individuals between 60 and 80 years of age. This  condition constitutes the formation of a pouch or bulge at the upper part of the esophagus, leading to difficulty in swallowing, and food getting accumulated in the pouch leading to aspiration and pneumonia.

The medical team spearheaded by Dr. Madhu Sasidharan, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, KIMSHEALTH, opted for  Z-POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy), a breakthrough minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves making a small incision in the esophageal lining and creating a tunnel in the submucosal layer. Through this tunnel, an  endoscope is advanced to separate the septum, the muscular wall between the esophagus and the diverticulum. The septum is then carefully divided using an endoscopic knife to fully expose and release the tight muscle to restore smooth swallowing.

Z-POEM is a  safe and effective treatment modality  for managing Zenker’s Diverticulum. It allows complete septum division, offering faster recovery, and is suitable for patients with varying diverticular sizes and multiple comorbidities, said Dr. Madhu Sasidharan.

The procedure was completed in two hours, after which the patient experienced immediate relief from  symptoms. She  was  discharged the very next day.

Dr. Ajith K Nair, Dr. Harish Kareem, Senior Consultants, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Simna L, Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. ArunP, Dr. Devika Madhu, Associate Consultants, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Hashir A and Dr. Gopan G,  Consultants, Department of Anesthesia were also part of the procedure.

India, Jan 06: In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, is shining a spotlight on empowering Indians to have a greater awareness of thyroid disorders, conditions that often go undiagnosed despite their widespread prevalence. 

Thyroid diseases, particularly hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), are among the most underdiagnosed health conditions in India. It is estimated that over 42 million Indians live with some form of thyroid disorder, making the country one of the highest-burden markets globally. Despite this prevalence, a significant proportion of cases remain undetected due to the subtle and often nonspecific nature of symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair thinning, menstrual irregularities, and mood fluctuations. As a result, many individuals continue for years without realising they have an underlying thyroid condition, delaying diagnosis and appropriate management.

Early Detection in Thyroid Disease Diagnosis

Timely diagnosis of thyroid disorders can make a profound difference. When detected and treated promptly, patients can avoid serious complications from thyroid disorders, including infertility, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic imbalance.

Healthcare professionals recommend that adults, especially those over age 35 or with a family history of thyroid disease, include thyroid function tests as part of their annual health screenings. These simple blood tests measure hormone levels and allow doctors to spot potential dysfunction before it progresses.

Preventive steps may include:

• Scheduling regular thyroid screening

• Maintaining balanced iodine intake

• Monitoring persistent or unexplained symptoms

• Managing stress levels

• Following a healthy diet and staying physically active

• Avoiding excessive or unregulated supplement use

Kurnool,  Jan 5 :- Brain tumors are rarely life-threatening. Usually, such tumors grow over a period of two to three weeks, and symptoms appear gradually thereafter. However, in rare instances, certain tumors can develop suddenly and become life-threatening within a short time. In one such uncommon case, doctors at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, saved the life of a young man by performing an advanced endoscopic brain surgery. The details of the case were shared by Dr. N. Sumanth Kumar, Consultant Neurosurgeon at KIMS Hospital.

A 24-year-old man named Balaram, a resident of Kurnool, was perfectly normal until the previous night and had even attended a family function with his relatives. Suddenly, about six hours before being brought to the hospital, he developed progressive symptoms including vomiting, seizures, severe headache, memory loss, and partial loss of consciousness. His family immediately rushed him to the Emergency Department of KIMS Hospital, Kurnool.

Upon evaluation, doctors performed investigations including a CT scan of the brain, which revealed a tumor located in the anterior region of the third ventricle. Due to this tumor, the patient developed hydrocephalus, leading to obstruction of normal cerebrospinal fluid circulation and increased pressure within the brain.

Normally, the human brain contains four ventricles, which hold cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord. This fluid continuously flows through narrow connecting channels. Among the four ventricles, the third ventricle is very narrow. Unfortunately, in this young man, a tumor developed precisely at the junction of the frontal part of the brain and the third ventricle. As a result, CSF accumulated rapidly, causing acute hydrocephalus.

This sudden rise in intracranial pressure can lead to seizures, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, even death. Fortunately, the patient was brought to the hospital within a very short time after the onset of symptoms.

“We performed an emergency minimally invasive endoscopic surgery using the most advanced techniques, through a very small opening in the skull. Such complex procedures are usually performed only in major metropolitan cities. However, due to the availability of advanced infrastructure and experienced specialists at KIMS Hospital, we were able to successfully save the patient’s life here in Kurnool,” said Dr. N. Sumanth Kumar.

The surgical team first created a small opening of about one inch in the skull. Through this opening, the brain layers were carefully accessed using an endoscope, and the surgeons reached the tumor site. The entire tumor was meticulously removed without causing damage to the surrounding brain tissue. Following removal, the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid was restored.

 The patient recovered rapidly after surgery, and due to his stable condition and good recovery, he was discharged on the third postoperative day, Dr. Sumanth Kumar added.

By:-  Dr. Sabia Mangat, Consultant – Gynaecologist, Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Milann Fertility Hospital, Chandigarh

India is witnessing a striking paradox: even as medical technology advances, more young couples are struggling to conceive. Fertility specialists across the country report a steady rise in infertility cases often in couples in their late 20s and early 30s. While medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, and poor sperm quality remain important causes, a growing body of evidence suggests that infertility today is increasingly shaped by modern lifestyle choices. From stress and screen addiction to delayed childbirth and dietary habits, infertility is rapidly emerging as a lifestyle disorder.

According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data, the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1. Eighteen states and union territories including Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, and West Bengal are now below replacement fertility. For the first time, even rural India has touched a TFR of 2.1, while urban areas have dipped to 1.5, reflecting shifting social patterns. Fertility is declining most sharply among younger women (15–29 years), while increasing marginally among women aged 30 and above, clear evidence of delayed parenthood making it the biggest contributor.

An increasing number of couples are choosing to postpone pregnancy while they build careers, achieve financial stability, or pursue personal goals. Although empowering, this trend collides with biological reality. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and both egg quality and egg quantity begin to decline sharply after the age of 32. For men, long working hours, erratic meals, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress are linked to reduced sperm count and motility. Together, these factors are pushing infertility into the mainstream as a lifestyle-driven phenomenon.

The urban lifestyle is another major catalyst. Long workdays, high-pressure environments, sedentary habits, and chronic screen exposure are now common across age groups. Stress has become a new normal in today’s life. And, stress triggers hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation in women and testosterone levels in men. Again, the increase in desk jobs has also led to an epidemic of obesity, and other other risk factors for ovulatory issues, insulin resistance, erectile dysfunction, and poorer IVF outcomes.  Even the non-uniform working hours lead to sleep deprivation, excessive social media use, or irregular routines, disrupting hormonal cycles essential for fertility.

Diet, too, plays an increasingly important role. The growing dependence on processed foods, sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, and high-salt snacks fuels inflammation and metabolic disorders that interfere with reproductive health. According to fertility experts, a Mediterranean-style diet, supports better hormonal balance and improves both egg and sperm quality. However, for many urban Indians, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Environmental factors have also been linked to declines  in fertility. Air pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics, pesticides in food, and everyday exposure to cosmetics and household products containing harmful chemicals have been linked to declining fertility rates globally. These disruptions mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, affecting menstrual cycles, sperm development, and embryo implantation.

What makes infertility particularly complex is the emotional landscape surrounding it. Modern lifestyles leave little room for rest, reflection, or interpersonal connection, creating a sense of isolation among couples facing fertility challenges. The added pressure of societal expectations, competitive careers, and financial commitments only intensifies the emotional burden. Mental health issues such as anxiety, burnout, and depressive symptoms, create a vicious cycle, further affecting hormonal and reproductive health.

Recognising infertility as a lifestyle disorder is the first step toward prevention. Time has come to take proactive approaches, such as: regular health screenings, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, managing stress through yoga or mindfulness, and prioritising 7–8 hours of sleep. For couples planning to delay pregnancy, fertility preservation options such as egg or sperm freezing offer greater reproductive flexibility. 

Infertility is caused by genetic and biological factors, but the rise in number reflects a deeper lifestyle shift. As work pressures intensify, diets become more processed, and stress becomes a constant companion, reproductive health inevitably takes a hit.