Category health

Pune,  Dec 19: Doctors at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi successfully used the advanced minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal  technique to remove a difficult skull base tumour -pituitary macroadenoma. Patient was experiencing severe headaches and progressive vision loss in both eyes and consulted multiple eye specialists but her vision continued to deteriorate. Eventually she was referred to Dr. Sachin Patil, Neurosurgeon, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi. A thorough examination and a 3 Tesla MRI of the brain revealed a massive, non-functioning pituitary tumor pushing on both optic nerves in the center and base of the brain. After the surgery, there were early indications of eyesight restoration and symptom reduction.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Sachin Patil, Consultant  Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, said;

 “In the past, craniotomies, or open brain surgeries, were commonly performed to remove such tumors. In this case, our multidisciplinary team carried out the excision using the EETS technique, involving neuronavigational and high-definition endoscopic cameras to safely access and remove the tumor through the nasal cavity without making external incisions. We were able to remove  almost entire tumor with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue due to the endoscopic technique, which led to a quicker recovery time and a significantly higher quality of life for our patient.”

Mr. Parameswar Das, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune said;

 “Cases like these showcase our dedication in delivering advanced and less invasive treatments that improve patient outcomes. The EETS procedure offers significant advantages such as reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and a lower likelihood of reoperation compared to traditional methods. The patient’s successful recovery and positive initial progress underscore our commitment to cutting-edge, patient-centred care.”

The procedure was led by a multidisciplinary team at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, comprising Neurosurgeon Dr. Sachin Patil and Otolaryngologist Dr. Vijay Sharma.

Bengaluru, Dec 19:- Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences and Siemens Healthineers have entered a strategic clinical research collaboration titled, ‘Collaborative Clinical Research in Echocardiography.’ It brings together SSSIHMS’s commitment to free medical care and the leadership of Siemens Healthineers in cutting-edge ultrasound and cardiovascular imaging.

This effort will explore key research areas, which includes advancing 2D and 4D echocardiography capabilities, enhancing quantitative imaging and automated measurements, optimizing workflows and usability, and evaluating imaging performance across diverse patient groups to ensure consistent, high-quality diagnostic outcomes. The collaboration is designed to improve early detection and accurate assessment of cardiac diseases and supports the hospital’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare free of cost.

Dr. DC Sundaresh, director of SSSIHMS said;

“This collaboration aligns strongly with SSSIHMS’s mission of combining clinical excellence with compassionate service. By working closely with Siemens Healthineers on advanced echocardiographic research, we aim to generate meaningful clinical evidence that enhances early diagnosis, improves outcomes, and expands access to high-quality cardiac care for all, especially in resource-constrained settings.”

Kalavathi GV, executive director (India) and head of global Development Center, Siemens Healthineers said, “Expanding access to care is central to our purpose. This clinical research will help understand the region-specific customer challenges and support in developing AI-powered solutions which will improve workflows and enable increased access to cardiac care.”

Chaitanya Mehrotra, head of ultrasound  Asia Pacific region, Siemens Healthineers added;

“We believe that innovation must serve humanity. Our collaboration with SSSIHMS reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality cardiac care. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of echocardiography ensuring that innovation and compassion go hand in hand, while accelerating patient-focused R&D and clinical studies.”

This initiative builds on SSSIHMS’s long-standing association with Siemens Healthineers. The hospital has already integrated Siemens Healthineers technology to deliver advanced, high-precision cardiac and neurovascular interventions.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences was founded in 2001 by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Whitefield, Bengaluru. SSSIHMS is a premier 333-bedded tertiary care hospital established on the unique philosophy of providing world-class medical and surgical care completely free of cost to all patients, without distinction of caste, creed, religion, nationality, or economic status. This institution represents the fourth healthcare initiative of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, created to deliver the best in high-quality healthcare to the poorest of the poor, rooted in compassion and service. The hospital specializes in advanced cardiac sciences and neurosciences, offering comprehensive services including preventive cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, pediatric cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and allied specialties. Over the past 25 years of SSSIHMS and 50 years of SSSGH  the hospitals have provided free medical services with a very conservative valuation estimated at approximately INR 4500 crores, impacting the lives of over 60 lakh patients from across India and beyond. Through its unwavering commitment to service, clinical excellence, and ethical medical practice, SSSIHMS stands as a globally recognized model of compassionate, value-based healthcare.

Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 74,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €23.4 billion. Further information is available at siemens-healthineers.com.

By:- Ms. Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior  Clinical Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital.

Black coffee is among the easiest beverages you can prepare, that is, coffee powder and hot water only. No cream, no sugar, and no milk to be mixed in. What’s more, the drink that appears to be so simple is packed with a number of powerful benefits that have made it popular not only with fitness enthusiasts, office-workers but also with doctors who moderate its intake and recommend the drink. Since it contains neither sugar nor milk, it is low in calories and at the same time very rich in antioxidants. Hence, it is a better option for those who want to reduce their sugar intake, control their weight, or speed up their metabolism.

Energy and Focus Boost

Black coffee is the most common drink that instantly boosts energy and the main reason why people love it. The caffeine does wake you up, boosts the alertness and it is easier for you to focus. Drinking it in the morning or just before starting your work can make you feel more lively and mentally sharp. It is also a factor that improves one’s reaction time and concentration which is why lots of students and professionals depend on it.

A Great Help in Losing Weight

Black coffee has a very low-caloric content which renders it one of the best drinks for a weight loss diet. Besides, it has a metabolism-boosting effect which means that through the day your body will burn more calories. It also hastens the process of body fat being released. Many persons opt for a cup prior to workout since it gives more endurance and aids in burning the calories more efficiently.

Supports Heart Health 

 If taken in small amounts  which usually means one to two cups a day  black coffee may be able to lower the chances of heart disorders. It enhances the flow of blood, calms down inflammation and the cappillaries get more support. But bear in mind that overconsumption of coffee can actually lead to opposite effects, thus moderation is very important.

Might Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes 

Drinking coffee on a daily basis is, in fac, linked to lower diabetes risk. This is because coffee improves the body’s insulin sensitivity and thus, glucose is used more efficiently. However, this applies only to black coffee and that too, unsweetened. Otherwise, sugar would take the advantage away. 

Helps in Liver Health

Also, black coffee is known for its ability to protect the liver. Moderate and regular consumption is associated with a decreased risk of fatty liver, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. It helps in the control of anti-liver enzymes and the support of general detoxification by the liver system. Thus, black coffee is mainly beneficial for those who suffer liver problems due to their lifestyle. 

Enhances Mood and Brain Activity 

Caffeine boosts dopamine levels  the “hormone of happiness”  which means you feel better and less tired. Besides, black coffee also promotes longevity of the brain and lowers the chances of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The reason is that it not only eliminates the brain cells but also reduces nerve inflammation.

How Much Black Coffee Is Safe?

 1–2 cups daily are regarded as safe for most grown-ups. Over that may cause jitters, stomach upset, insomnia or faster heartbeat. It is advised not to have black coffee late evening or night, as it could disrupt your sleeping patterns.

Who Should Be Careful? 

The ones who are suffering from acidity, stomach ulcers, extreme anxiety or have blood pressure that is not controlled should be careful. Moreover, pregnant women are advised to see a doctor first before making it a habit of drinking caffeinated drinks.

When drinking black coffee at reasonable levels, it can be a great healthy asset to your daily regimen. Its energy-giving, weight loss, liver and heart support, mood enhancing and antioxidant providing properties are among its few benefits.

Delhi,  Dec 19:- iLive Connect, a groundbreaking healthcare innovation, announced its official launch in India, introducing a ‘Doctor-Led Continuous Care’ within the comfort of homes. Combining cutting-edge technology with doctor-led clinical expertise, the system enables continuous, proactive health monitoring and timely intervention.

India faces a growing healthcare challenge  ageing populations living alone, rising chronic diseases, sudden cardiac events, repeated preventable hospitalisations, and limited access to continuous medical oversight. iLive Connect directly addresses these gaps by ensuring expert care is always present, even when patients are not in hospitals.

iLive functions as a 24×7 continuous care platform that monitors health in real time and enables early medical action long before symptoms appear. The service integrates medical-grade, FDA and CE-approved wearable biosensor technology to track vital health parameters, an advanced digital platform that continuously analyses health trends and AI-powered predictive analytics capable of identifying early risk patterns before clinical symptoms become apparent. This is supported by a round-the-clock medical command centre staffed by specialised doctors who proactively respond to patient vitals, along with seamless access to doctors and a dedicated iLive Expert.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rahul Chandola, a leading cardiovascular and aortic surgeon, and Founder of iLive Connect said, “Health does not begin at the hospital door, and it certainly does not end when a patient leaves. Hospitals address only a small part of the health journey. The real determinants of health exist beyond hospital walls, unfolding every day. iLive was built to watch over those unseen moments  using predictive intelligence, continuous monitoring, and clinical supervision  so that we can act long before illness declares itself. This is how healthcare must evolve, not just in India, but across the world.”

Dr. Viveka Kumar, Leading Interventional Cardiologist and co-founder iLive further stated, “With iLive Connect, we are introducing India’s first truly integrated continuous care platform managed round-the-clock by super specialist doctors. Our mission is simple yet powerful  to create a safety net that combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate human expertise, ensuring timely care and peace of mind for families across India and abroad.

Key Benefits of iLive Connect;

• Redefine healthcare as proactive, preventive, and with 24×7 doctor access
• Detect health risks long before symptoms appear
• Reduce preventable emergencies and hospitalisations
• Improve outcomes in chronic and high-risk conditions
• Provides families with reassurance of doctor led round-the-clock care

iLive does not replace doctors or hospitals, it strengthens the healthcare ecosystem through smarter, timely and personalised care, redefining healthcare as a quiet, continuous safeguard beyond hospital walls.

For those who are living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD/ asthma or congestive heart failure, continuous tracking of vitals ensures better disease management and helps prevent sudden health issues. The platform also supports the elderly and individuals monitored remotely, offering caregivers peace of mind with reliable oversight and instant health updates.

IHLD MED TECH PVT. LTD

IHLD Med Tech Pvt. Ltd. is an innovative Medtech company with Headquarters in Gurugram, India. The company operates in the healthcare and health services space and is associated with the Institute of Heart and Lungs Diseases (IHLD) Research Centre. IHLD was founded by Dr. Rahul Chandola, a senior clinician with extensive experience in cardio-thoracic and vascular care, bringing strong clinical credibility to the organisation’s healthcare initiatives.

Neurological conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with the global burden of illness and disability rising substantially over the last few decades. In India, they account for about 10% of the total disease burden.

Gurugram-based Medanta The Medicity, named Best Private Hospital in India by Newsweek for six years in a row, is an internationally known destination for Deep Brain Stimulation therapy, also known as ‘Brain-Pacemaker surgery’ offering new hope to patients living with neurologically driven disabilities. This neurostimulation procedure, offered by Dr. Anirban Deep Banerjee, Director, Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurosciences at Medanta Gurugram, is known to bring relief to advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, refractory epilepsy (adult onset), essential tremor, and advanced obsessive-compulsive disorder

This comprehensive treatment combines cutting-edge technology with personalised care. Medanta, one of the largest private multi-specialty tertiary and quaternary care providers in the country, employs advanced imaging techniques for precise brain targeting and utilizes state-of-the-art innovations, such as directional leads for multi-dimensional neuromodulation and real-time brain-sensing biomarker feedback for symptom-responsive stimulation.

Dr. Anirban Deep Banerjee, Director, Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurosciences at Medanta Gurugram said;

“While we have recognised effective, advanced treatments like DBS surgery to help transform lives, access remains a significant challenge especially in the low- and middle-income countries. At Medanta, we are committed to improving access to state-of-the-art interventions like DBS and helping patients regain quality of life when medicines and other conventional treatments can no longer manage symptoms. DBS or Brain Pacemaker Surgery is a transformative therapy wherein electrodes are implanted in specific affected areas of the brain to regulate abnormal signals, restoring motor function, and greatly enhancing quality of life.”

Dr. Banerjee has performed well over 300 DBS procedures over the past decade-and-a-half with remarkable success rates, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most trusted neurosurgeons for DBS surgery in this part of the world. At Medanta, DBS also includes patient/condition-specific advanced AI-guided brain area targeting and remote programming capabilities.

Mumbai,  Dec 17: Dr Batra’s today announced the appointment of Deepak Pant as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 27th November 2025. In this role, he will focus on advancing the company’s mission of delivering holistic healthcare, expanding accessibility, and contributing to the vision of giving people a safer choice of medicine through Homeopathy.

Deepak brings over two decades of experience across Consumer Goods, Digital Commerce, and Technology-driven businesses. His career spans impactful leadership roles at Procter & Gamble Singapore, Marico, Zee Entertainment, Purplle.com, and most recently, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, where he led the Personal Care vertical and built digital-first brands from the grounds up, driving growth and profitability.

An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C), Deepak has deep expertise in Marketing, Brand Building, Digital Marketing, P&L Management, and Category Development.

At Dr Batra’s, Deepak Pant will drive strategic growth across Homeopathy, Aesthetics, Products, and Clinic Expansion, including over 200 clinics in India and abroad, Virtual Clinics, and international presence. He will lead initiatives to enhance patient services and digital outreach, while overseeing core operational functions to deliver an elevated patient experience and expand Dr Batra’s wellness offerings.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Akshay Batra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Batra’s  Healthcare, said;

“We are thrilled to welcome Deepak Pant to Dr Batra’s As we enter a new phase of growth, Deepak’s leadership will help enhance our operational excellence and scale our healthcare services within India and abroad. We look forward to him taking the mandate from the Board and delivering it with focus and professionalism.”

Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra’s Healthcare, added;
“His diversified operational and strategic background, combined with strong execution capabilities, will be instrumental as we enhance patient experience, strengthen our digital presence, and expand wellness offerings across Homeopathy, Aesthetics, Products, and Clinics in India and abroad.”

Speaking on his new role, Deepak Pant, Group COO, Dr Batra’s said;

“I am delighted to join Dr Batra’s, a brand making a real difference in people’s lives through safe homeopathic alternatives. I look forward to collaborating with the team to enhance service delivery, reinforce patient trust, and drive strategic expansion across Homeopathy, Aesthetics, Products, and Clinic Networks including Virtual Clinics in India and international markets.”

Dr Batra’s remains committed to its patient-first philosophy, prioritising accessible healthcare, community engagement, and social impact. The organisation continues to strengthen the well-being of individuals and communities it serves, readying itself for the next phase of growth.

Dec 17: The Department of Oncological Sciences at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, hosted the “Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025” on December 13, bringing together clinicians, NGOs, healthcare leaders, and community organisations to address India’s escalating cancer burden and the urgent need for accessible, affordable, and collaborative oncology care.

According to GLOBOCAN data, India reported an estimated 1.41 million new cancer cases and over 900,000 deaths in 2022, with one in nine Indians facing a lifetime risk of cancer. Annual treatment costs often exceed INR 3 lakh per patient, pushing families into debt, asset liquidation, and long-term financial distress. Against this backdrop, the conference provided a national platform to strengthen partnerships among doctors, NGOs, hospitals, and support networks for sustainable cancer care.

Smt. Parisha Sarnaik, President of Vihang Charitable Trust, along with actors Sakshi Tanwar and Ishtiyak Khan, highlighted the importance of cancer awareness and community engagement, commending KIMS Hospitals for building a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem with site-specific oncology teams under one roof.

The conference featured discussions on oncology sub-specialties, affordable diagnostic pathways, multidisciplinary care models, continuity of treatment, NGO-led intervention frameworks, and patient-centric rehabilitation and survivorship support. Over 45 NGOs participated, showcasing initiatives in early detection, patient navigation, financial assistance, and community-based preventive programs.

Mr. Saurabh Gupta, Regional COO of KIMS Hospitals, Thane, emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver world-class cancer treatment that remains financially accessible, highlighting collaboration as the foundation of a sustainable care framework.

Dr. Anil Heroor, Director of Oncological Sciences and Organising Chairman, noted that modern cancer care requires unified strategies integrating early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term follow-up. Dr. Vani Parmar, Head of Breast Oncosurgery, stressed the importance of women-centric cancer pathways through evidence-based care, counseling, and holistic rehabilitation. Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant Head and Neck Oncosurgeon and Organising Secretary, addressed India’s disproportionately high burden of head and neck cancers, emphasizing prevention, awareness, and integrated treatment systems to improve outcomes.

Led by Organising Chairman Dr. Anil Heroor and Organising Secretary Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi, the Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025 reaffirmed KIMS Hospitals Thane’s commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative oncology ecosystem. The event highlighted the collective resolve to make advanced cancer care accessible, humane, and affordable for every patient, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 17:Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar has successfully performed a highly complex Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation  on an elderly woman suffering from severe aortic stenosis, marking a significant milestone in advanced cardiac care in the region.

The procedure was carried out at the hospital’s cardiac unit by Dr. Dibya Ranjan Behera, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, along with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. The patient had presented with recurrent fainting episodes and chest pain and was diagnosed with critical narrowing of the aortic valve, necessitating urgent intervention. Given her advanced age and multiple comorbidities, conventional open-heart surgery posed substantial risks, making TAVI the safest and most effective minimally invasive option.

The case was particularly challenging due to severe calcification of the patient’s aorta and femoral arteries, a condition known as porcelain aorta, which ruled out standard transfemoral access for the procedure. Alternative access routes were carefully assessed but deemed unsuitable. To overcome this obstacle, the cardiology team employed intravascular lithotripsy  an advanced technique used to fracture calcium deposits within the artery successfully widening the calcified femoral artery and enabling safe passage of the catheter system.

Following adequate vessel preparation, a balloon-expandable valve was precisely implanted, restoring normal valve function. The patient’s post-procedure recovery has been remarkable, with complete resolution of symptoms and a swift return to daily activities.

Commenting on the success of the procedure, Dr. Dibya Ranjan Behera said;

“TAVI has transformed cardiac care for elderly and high-risk patients. Performing an IVL-assisted TAVI in such a complex scenario required meticulous planning, technical precision, and seamless teamwork. This achievement underscores our ability to manage even the most challenging cardiac conditions using advanced interventional techniques.”

With this landmark procedure, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar continues to set new benchmarks in cardiac interventions, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class patient care through innovation, expertise, and clinical excellence.

Kochi, Dec 16: Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, today announced the launch of Ozempic® (injectable semaglutide) in India. Ozempic® is a once-weekly GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist) indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults living with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The arrival of Ozempic® in India comes at a crucial time. According to the World Health Organisation’s 2023-24 estimates, India has 101 million (roughly 11.4 % of India’s population) people living with diabetes, making it the second largest diabetes-affected populations in the world after China. The country also has 136 million individuals with prediabetes and 254 million people living with generalised obesity, signalling an accelerating health challenge that requires effective, evidence-based therapies.

Clinical benefits of Ozempic®:

• Demonstrated powerful HbA1c reduction with compelling weight-loss benefits, supporting better metabolic health
• Suitable for adults with HbA1c ≥=7%, including those with high cardiovascular risk or established cardiovascular disease
• Provides additional lowering of cardiovascular events, a key concern for people with long-standing T2DM
• Offers protection against chronic kidney disease progression, supporting long-term health outcomes

“Bringing Ozempic® to India is a major milestone” said Vikrant Shrotriya – Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India. “Backed by global trust, proven clinical excellence & world class quality, reinforced by a robust supply chain, Ozempic® offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice. Our goal is to provide patients an innovative & accessible therapy that offers improved glycaemic control, meaningful weight management and long-term heart and kidney protection – all delivered through a simple, easy-to-use pen device. This once-weekly treatment demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s ongoing commitment to better health outcomes and chronic disease care.”

How does Ozempic® work?

Ozempic® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps:

• Improve glycaemic control and reduce HbA1c
• Regulate appetite and food intake by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger
• Support weight loss in people with T2DM
• Reduce risks of cardiovascular and kidney complications associated with diabetes

Its once-weekly administration and globally trusted safety profile make it a preferred treatment option in clinical practice across several countries.

Ozempic®, the original GLP-1 RA (semaglutide) therapy, has been researched and developed by Novo Nordisk for over 20 years and is backed by over 38 million patient-years of global clinical use. Semaglutide was recently included in WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines – highlighting the proven health benefits of this innovative treatment for people living with diabetes and obesity.

Ozempic® is now available in India as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg in FlexTouch® Pen – an easy-to-use, once-weekly pen device. The multiple dosing strengths support physician-guided titration and long-term diabetes management.