Category health

Haridwar, Feb 12: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, India’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), recently engaged with acid attack survivors at its Haridwar facility to build workplace skills and professional readiness, in collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation. The engagement took place over three days and focused on strengthening confidence and preparing participants for professional environments.

Planned with care and sensitivity, the three-day engagement focused on building practical capabilities. Participants took part in guided sessions on workplace etiquette, personal grooming, communication skills, interview preparation and basic digital tools. They were also introduced to real corporate and industrial environments through plant walkthroughs and interactions with teams across the facility, helping them gain a clearer understanding of professional settings and expectations.

Informal conversations with Akums’ leadership and employees created a warm and supportive atmosphere, encouraging openness and helping participants feel at ease as they prepared for future work opportunities. The engagement closed with a focused discussion on employability readiness and a formal acknowledgement of participation, reinforcing the importance of continued learning and self-belief.

Speaking on the engagement, Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, said,

“At Akums, we believe that meaningful inclusion begins with sharing skills and opening doors to real workplaces. This was about helping participants rebuild confidence and see themselves as professionals again. Working closely with the Chhanv Foundation allowed us to create an experience that respected individual journeys while staying closely aligned with the realities of the workplace. We hope this time here strengthens both capability and belief in what lies ahead.”

The Chhanv Foundation has been at the forefront of supporting acid attack survivors across India, working to restore dignity, confidence and independence through rehabilitation, education and livelihood-focused initiatives. Known for its survivor-centric approach, the Foundation goes beyond immediate care to enable long-term social and economic reintegration. 

Mr. Alok Dixit, from the Chhanv Foundation, said,

“Rebuilding life after trauma is about more than healing — it is about regaining confidence, independence and a professional identity. Experiences like this give survivors the chance to step back into the world of work with clarity and dignity. We are grateful to Akums for creating a respectful space where learning felt natural and encouraging.”

For many participants, the experience marked an important turning point. One survivor shared,

“Before coming here, I was nervous about entering a workplace again. But everyone treated us with so much kindness and respect. It helped me believe that I can work, grow and support myself with confidence.”

Another participant said,

“Learning how to communicate better and prepare for interviews has changed how I see my future. I am leaving with new skills and the feeling that I still have many possibilities ahead.”

The collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation ensured that the engagement remained survivor-focused and grounded in practical workplace readiness. Through efforts like this, Akums continues to combine its leadership in healthcare manufacturing with a sustained commitment to building skills, inclusion and long-term opportunity.

Five state-of-the-art ACLS ambulances are strategically positioned across the Marathahalli-Mahadevapura IT corridor. Emergency physicians onboard to begin treatment en route, ensuring patients reach the hospital within the golden hour.

Bangalore, Feb 12: Kauvery Hospital Marathahalli today launched Bangalore’s largest and most advanced ambulance fleet, dedicating five fully equipped Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ambulances exclusively to serve the Marathahalli and Mahadevapura constituencies.

Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister and Mahadevapura Task Force Chairman, and Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, MLA (Mahadevapura Constituency), formally handed over the fleet to the RWA community stakeholders at a ceremony held at New Horizon College of Engineering, Kaadubeesanahalli, as part of ‘Ayushmaan Bhava’, a scommunity health initiative.

The ambulance service introduces a 180-second (3-minute) emergency call-to-dispatch protocol. Ambulances are strategically positioned across the IT corridor and neighbouring residential areas. This deployment ensures residents access emergency medical care within minutes of a distress call.

Mobile ICUs Bring Treatment to Patients

These ambulances operate as mobile intensive care units with emergency physicians, trained paramedics, and nursing staff onboard. Treatment begins the moment paramedics pick up a patient. This matters for time-sensitive conditions.

“In emergency medicine, we measure outcomes in minutes, sometimes seconds,” said Dr. Surendar Sambath, Head of Emergency Medicine, Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli. “The golden hour begins the moment a cardiac arrest or stroke occurs. With this fleet stationed strategically across Marathahalli and an emergency physician onboard each ambulance, we compress the critical window between a medical distress call and advanced medical intervention. For conditions like myocardial infarction or stroke, every minute of delay increases mortality risk. We bring ICU-level care to the patient’s doorstep.”

Each ambulance carries Advanced Life Support medical equipment including cardiac monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, and emergency medications. The service covers head injuries, heart attacks, stroke, road accidents and trauma, labor pain, and pediatric emergencies.

Ambulances positioned across the IT corridor and residential neighbourhood’s mean patients in critical condition reach the hospital facility well within the golden hour. Treatment starts during transport.

Addressing Infrastructure needs in High-Density Urban Corridor

The launch addresses to fulfil the needs in emergency medical infrastructure in Marathahalli-Mahadevapura, one of Bangalore’s most densely populated corridors. Home to major IT parks and residential complexes, the constituency has witnessed exponential population growth without proportionate emergency medical services. Traffic-related delays during peak hours have historically impacted emergency response times. The decentralized fleet positioning directly addresses this challenge.

The service offers free emergency pickups for all residents and operates on GPS real-time tracking for optimized dispatch. Residents now have medical help nearby.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Aravind Limbavali said, “Marathahalli and Mahadevapura are home to hundreds of apartment complexes with thousands of families. This ambulance fleet, strategically positioned in our high-density residential areas, ensures that emergency care reaches our residents’ doorsteps within minutes. I appreciate Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to our community’s safety. When you have 400 to 500 apartments in proximity and an ambulance stationed nearby, you save precious lives during the golden hour. This is the kind of healthcare infrastructure our growing constituency needs.”

Speaking at the launch, Amaresh Lakshminarayana, General Secretary of the Mahadevapura Task Force and President of the Green Glen Residents Association thanked Kauvery Hospital for their collaboration. He highlighted Kauvery Hospital’s close partnership with the Mahadevapura Task Force’s initiative to station an ambulance within every 2.5-kilometer radius will save precious lives during golden hour. Mahadevapura is an IT corridor and experiences significant traffic congestion, which makes reaching an ambulance during critical emergencies a major challenge. This initiative will ensure prompt arrival and save precious lives.

Residents access the ambulance service nearby via the dedicated emergency number 080-6801-6901, available 24/7.

Community Health Initiative Alongside Launch

The event also featured a mega blood donation camp organized in association with the Karnataka Voluntary Blood Donors Association and free health checkups for over 500 residents, with distribution of privilege discount health cards to beneficiaries as part of the birthday celebration of Shri Aravind Limbavali.

New Delhi, India, Feb 09 : A new evidence-based Viewpoint published online in  Lancet Regional Health: Southeast Asia highlights that the widely used glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, as available in India, may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels for millions of Indians, particularly in regions with high prevalence of anemia, hemoglobinopathies, and red blood cell enzyme (G6PD) deficiency. Led by Professor Anoop Misra and collaborators, the review questions reliance on HbA1c as a sole diagnostic or monitoring tool for type 2 diabetes in South Asia. HbA1c measurements primarily reflect the glycation of hemoglobin. Any condition that affects the quantity, structure, or lifespan of hemoglobin—such as anemia, hemoglobinopathies, or other red blood cell disorders—can distort HbA1c values and lead to misleading estimates of average blood glucose.

“Relying exclusively on HbA1c can result in misclassification of diabetes status,” said Professor Anoop Misra, corresponding author and Chairman of Fortis C-DOC Center of Excellence for Diabetes. “Some individuals may be diagnosed later than appropriate, while others could be misdiagnosed, which may affect timely diagnosis and management. Similarly, monitoring of blood sugar status may be compromised.”

Shashank Joshi, co-author from Joshi Clinic, Mumbai, added:

“Even in well-resourced urban hospitals, HbA1c readings can be influenced by red blood cell variations and inherited hemoglobin disorders. In rural and tribal areas, where anemia and red cell abnormalities are common, the discrepancies may be greater.”

Dr. Shambho Samrat Samajdar, co-author from Kolkata, emphasized a comprehensive approach:

 “Combining oral glucose tolerance test, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and hematologic assessments provides a more accurate picture of diabetes risk. This approach can help refine public health estimates and guide resource allocation.”

Key findings from the review include:

• HbA1c may under- or overestimate blood glucose in populations with high rates of low blood counts (anemia), inherited blood disorders (abnormal hemoglobin), or enzyme problems like G6PD deficiency anemia, hemoglobinopathies.
• In some regions of India ( more than 50% population in some regions, data from 2025), people are nutritionally challenged with widespread have iron deficiency anemia, which can distort HbA1c readings.
• This would affect both diagnosis and monitoring thus misleading clinicians.
• Reliance on HbA1c alone could delay diagnosis by up to 4 years in men with undetected G6PD deficiency, potentially increasing risk of complications.
• In addition, inconsistent quality control across laboratories can further affect HbA1c accuracy, making interpretation challenging
•  Public health surveys based solely on HbA1c may misrepresent India’s diabetes burden.

Feb 09: Motorica, a leading MedTech company specializing in assistive technologies and medical cybernetics, participated in the 29th National Conference of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Association of India OPAI, held at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Ahmedabad. The three day national conference aims to highlight the growing importance of innovation and collaboration within India’s assistive technology ecosystem.

The conference brought together prosthetists, orthotists, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, researchers and technology providers from India and overseas to discuss the future of orthotic and prosthetic care, with a focus on digital technologies, clinical outcomes and accessibility across diverse healthcare settings. As part of its participation, Motorica India showcased its portfolio of advanced prosthetic solutions aimed at improving mobility, independence and quality of life for individuals with limb loss. The company presented real world case studies from metro, tier two and tier three regions, demonstrating how reliable prosthetic solutions can significantly enhance daily functionality and long term rehabilitation outcomes.

Motorica also presented an overview of its Premium Educational Program at its booth, a structured professional training initiative launched in Russia to develop specialised prosthetics engineers for upper and lower limb solutions. The program integrates online theoretical learning with intensive hands-on clinical and manufacturing exposure, reflecting Motorica’s long term commitment to strengthening clinical education and skill development globally.

Commenting on the participation, Mr. Kavinder Beniwal, Chief Operating Officer, Motorica India, said,

“Our presence at the OPAI National Conference reflects Motorica India’s commitment to advancing prosthetic care through innovation and clinical collaboration. As we expand our footprint across the country, our focus remains on improving access to advanced and reliable prosthetic solutions while contributing to stronger mobility outcomes for individuals with limb loss.”

Motorica’s clinical expertise was further highlighted on the inaugural day through a dedicated session by Dr. Andrey Shumaev, Director of Rehabilitation at Motorica, titled Reactivating the Brain Body Connection: The PNF Reboot in Upper Limb Rehabilitation. Part of the key speaker program, the session focused on structured neurorehabilitation approaches that support effective prosthetic adaptation and long term functional recovery.

The inaugural day agenda also included expert led discussions on low cost neurorehabilitation technologies for emerging markets, the future of digital prosthetics, the role of digital manufacturing and three dimensional printing in orthotics and prosthetics, and long term clinical outcomes of advanced bracing systems in India. In addition, Motorica India conducted a specialised masterclass led by Dr. Shumaev, focusing on real life rehabilitation scenarios and personalised therapy programs before and after prosthetic fitting.

Sharing his perspective Dr. Andrey Shumaev, Director of Rehabilitation at Motorica said,

 “India is at a pivotal stage in the evolution of prosthetic and rehabilitation care. Platforms such as the OPAI National Conference enable meaningful exchange between clinicians and technology providers, which is essential for improving real world patient outcomes. At Motorica, we combine advanced prosthetic technologies with structured rehabilitation frameworks to help individuals with limb loss regain confidence, functionality and independence.”

Having established its India presence in 2025 with the launch of its New Delhi office, Motorica India continues to collaborate with hospitals, rehabilitation centres and industry stakeholders to strengthen clinical education and expand access to advanced prosthetic technologies across the country.

Against the Backdrop of India’s approx 1.77 Lakh Road Deaths yearly, KIMS Hospital Trains Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Life-Saving CPR, First Aid as First Responders 

Thane, Feb 07: KIMS Hospitals, Thane, has launched a community-focused, community-led initiative to strengthen emergency response during the critical golden hour by training auto-rickshaw drivers as first responders. As part of the program, over 100 auto-rickshaw drivers from the Thane–Ghodbunder Road belt*are receiving hands-on training in CPR and basic first aid to help stabilize patients before ambulances arrive along with a first aid kit which they can keep in their auto rickshaws.

As road crashes and lifestyle-related cardiac arrests continue to claim hundreds of lives daily, KIMS Hospital is empowering auto-rickshaw drivers in Thane with CPR training and basic first aid. With traffic congestion often delaying emergency vehicles, auto-rickshaw drivers are frequently the first to reach accident sites and medical emergencies. This initiative equips them with life-saving skills and first-aid kits, enabling immediate support and early stabilization until professional medical care takes over.

The training includes live CPR demonstrations and hands-on training on mannequins, basic trauma care, and early patient stabilisation techniques, conducted by expert doctors from KIMS Hospital. Each trained driver is also being provided with a First-Aid Kit, strengthening on-ground emergency response.

The initiative is being carried out by KIMS Hospital in association with Amar Gharat Foundation, which is supporting community mobilisation and outreach among auto-rickshaw drivers in the region.

Speaking on the broader vision behind the initiative, Saurabh Gupta, Regional Director, KIMS Hospitals, said,

“Care during the golden hour often starts on the road. By training auto-rickshaw drivers as first responders and also offering them Oral cancer screenings, we are extending critical care beyond hospital walls and into the community.”

Highlighting the medical importance of early action, Dr. Anil Heroor, Director – Oncological Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said,

“Many auto-rickshaw drivers are at higher risk of oral cancer due to tobacco use. Simple screenings like these can catch early signs and make a real difference.”

Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant – Head & Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals , Thane, added,

“Oral cancer often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. Bringing screening closer to people helps with early detection and better outcomes.” 

Emphasising emergency preparedness, Dr. Ankit Biyani, HOD – Emergency Medicine, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, added,

“The first few minutes after an accident or medical emergency are critical. Training auto drivers helps bridge the gap between an emergency and ambulance care.”

Alongside the training program, KIMS Hospitals Thane is also conducting oral health screenings for participating auto-rickshaw drivers, with a focus on early detection of oral health issues among those who consume tobacco, reinforcing the hospital’s focus on preventive and community healthcare.

Through this initiative, KIMS Hospitals continues to extend care beyond hospital walls, empowering everyday citizens, strengthening emergency response systems, and building a safer, more prepared community in Thane.

In a resounding celebration of leadership, innovation, and impact, the 16th MT India Healthcare Awards 2026 concluded successfully at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, emerging as one of India’s most authoritative and internationally aligned healthcare recognition platforms. Presented by MedGate Today International Magazine, in association with Medical Fair India and Medicare Asia, the awards ceremony unfolded on a grand scale with distinguished participation from India and overseas, reaffirming India’s growing stature in global healthcare leadership.

Hosted on a world-class stage and attended by policymakers, eminent clinicians, hospital leaders, global industry captains, researchers, and international dignitaries from Germany, the evening went beyond celebration—positioning itself as a convergence of purpose, policy, and progress. The awards honoured excellence across Doctors, Hospitals, Individual Personalities, and Organisations, recognising contributions that are shaping resilient, ethical, and future-ready healthcare systems.

A Platform Rooted in Credibility and Global Vision

The MT India Healthcare Awards are anchored in a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation framework governed by defined assessment parameters and validated by an independent Grand Jury comprising nationally respected healthcare leaders, policy experts, and global industry veterans. Each recognition reflects measurable outcomes, ethical leadership, innovation, and patient-centric impact.

The ceremony opened with reflections on MedGate Today’s 16-year journey of shaping healthcare dialogue, followed by the formal launch announcement of the MT Global Healthcare Leadership & Innovation Forum & Awards, scheduled for 26 March 2026 in Dubai, marking a decisive global expansion of the platform.

Distinguished Jury and International Participation

The credibility of the awards was reinforced by an eminent jury including Dr. (Prof.) D.S. Rana, Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Mr. Rajiv Nath, Dr. Ashoo Grover, Dr. (Prof.) Mohsin Wali, Mr. Rudi Gall, and Mr. Falgun Jani. The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of international dignitaries from Germany, including Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of Düsseldorf, Mr. Marius Berlemann, COO, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Mr. Andreas Schmitz, President, Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Lars Wismer, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia, underscoring the awards’ global relevance.

Mr. Afzal Kamal

Editor-in-Chief & Managing Director, MedGate Today International Magazine

“The MT India Healthcare Awards are not about applause; they are about accountability, impact, and purpose. Each award recognised tonight represents leadership that translates vision into outcomes stronger systems, ethical innovation, and better patient care. As we step onto the global stage with the MT Global Healthcare Leadership & Innovation Forum, our commitment remains clear: to champion credibility, collaboration, and conscience in healthcare worldwide.”

Mr. Rajiv Nath
Forum Coordinator, AiMeD & Managing Director, Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Pvt. Ltd.

“The MT India Healthcare Awards recognise excellence that cannot be bought – it is earned through innovation, indigenous capability, and strong governance. As India strengthens its global healthcare footprint, such recognition reinforces quality, self-reliance, and responsible leadership.”

Dr. Stephan Keller
Mayor, City of Düsseldorf, Germany

“Healthcare is a powerful bridge between nations. The MT India Healthcare Awards reflect India’s impressive progress in innovation and leadership, while fostering the trust and cross-border collaboration needed to build sustainable, future-ready healthcare systems globally.”

Mr. Marius Berlemann
Chief Operating Officer, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

“The MT India Healthcare Awards bring together excellence, innovation, and international collaboration on one platform. India’s rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem has clear global relevance, and partnerships like these enable lasting impact through knowledge exchange and technology advancement.”

Awardees  Celebrating Excellence Across the Healthcare Spectrum

CATEGORY I: DOCTORS

Category I: Doctors

• Most Promising Doctor in Cardiology – Dr. Neeraj Awasthy

• Best Doctor in Physician & Internal Medicine – Dr. Manju Rajpa

• Best Doctor in Gynaecology – Dr. Ranjana Sha

• Best Doctor in Gastroenterology – Dr. Rajesh Upadhyay

• Best Doctor in Dentistry – Dr. Tarun Kumar Giroti

• Most Promising Doctor in ENT – Dr. Pranshu Mehta

• Most Promising Pediatric Surgeon – Dr. Niyaz Ahmed Khan

• Most Promising Doctor in Neurology – Dr. Manjari Tripathi

• Most Promising Doctor in Medical Oncology & Haematology – Dr. Nagendra Sharma

• Most Promising Doctor in Medical Oncology – Dr. Manish Singhal

• Most Promising Clinical Leader of the Year – Dr. Amarinder Singh Malhi

• Most Promising Physiotherapy Professional of the Year – Dr. Mayuk Singhal

• Best Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon – Delhi NCR – Dr. Amite Pankaj Aggarwal

• Best Liver Transplant Surgeon – Delhi NCR – Dr. Ashish George

• Best Neurologist & Stroke Specialist – Delhi NCR – Dr. Jaideep Bansal

• Outstanding Contribution in Oral Health – Hony. Brig. Dr. Anil Kohli

• Outstanding Contribution in Oral Health – Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Vimal Arora

• Outstanding Efforts in Science & Technology – Dr. Mahesh Verma

Category II: Hospitals

• Best Hospital of the Year (Children) – Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital

• Single Specialty Hospital of the Year (Cardiology) – U. N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre

• Multispecialty Hospital of the Year – Jeewan Hospital & Nursing Home Pvt. Ltd.

• Outstanding Patient Safety & Quality Improvement – Marengo Asia Hospitals

• Excellence in Staff Wellbeing & Workforce Innovation – Pranaam Hospitals

• Most Preferred Medical Tourism Hospital in India – Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad

• Most Trusted Hospital – Delhi NCR – Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh

• Most Emerging Multispecialty Hospital (Non-Metro, North India) – Amandeep Hospital (in partnership with Ujala Cygnus)

• Most Promising Multi-Specialty Hospital with a Non-Profit Ethos – Saifee Hospital

• Leading Multi-Specialty Hospital of the Year – Delhi NCR – PSRI Hospital

Category III: Individual Personalities

• Healthcare Personality of the Year – Women – Neha Lal (Adani Healthcare)

• Most Promising Leader in Healthcare Management Excellence – Dr. Jasjit Singh (Ujala Cygnus)

• Healthcare Personality of the Year – Men – Dr. Kousar Shah (ShardaCare Healthcity)

• Trailblazer Women Entrepreneur in Healthcare – Rashi Kapoor (Sachin Sarcoma Society)

• Young Entrepreneur in Healthcare – Piyush Gupta (Medisys)

• Most Inspiring Woman in Social Impact – Women’s Hygiene & Wellness – Jigisha A. Gandhi (Ami Polymer)

• Most Promising Leader in Healthcare Marketing – Jai Deep Singh (Sun Narula Group)

• Excellence in Healthcare Quality & Management Leadership – Rohit Singh Tajpuria (SFRI Medical Diagnostics)

• Most Promising Personality in Research & Innovation – Clinician – Dr. Varun Khandelwal (AIIMS Jodhpur)

• Most Promising Leader in Healthcare Management Excellence – Gunjan Arya (Psych Therapy)

• CEO of the Year – Cdr. Navneet Bali (ClearMedi Healthcare)

Category IV: Organisations

• India’s Most Trusted IVD Diagnostics Brand – Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd.

• Most Promising Company in Healthcare Infrastructure – Hospitech Healthcare Consultancy

• Most Promising Medical Devices Company – Shalya – Xcellance Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

• Most Promising Healthcare Technology (IT) Company – Cipla Digital Health Limited

• Most Promising Infection Control Company – Raypure LEDchip Indus Pvt. Ltd.

• Most Promising Company in Radiology & Imaging Devices – Sequoia Healthcare Limited

• Most Ambitious Organisation in IVD & Diagnostics – T&D Diagnostics India Pvt. Ltd.

• Most Promising Healthcare Start-up of the Year – Emsensing Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

• Manufacturing Excellence in Customised Silicone Healthcare Products – Ami Polymer

• Most Promising Company in Training & Capacity Building – Medical Plastics Data Service

• Best in Radiology Equipment Service Excellence – Radscan Systems Pvt. Ltd.

• Most Promising Company in Genomic Science & Regenerative Medicine – Cryoviva Life Sciences

• Most Promising Dental Brand of the Year – Unicorn Denmart Pvt. Ltd.

• Most Promising Digital Healthcare Infrastructure Company of the Year – RJ Group of Companies

Lifetime Achievement in Healthcare

• Dr. Bishnu Prasad Panigrahi, Group Head – Medical Strategy & Operations, Fortis Healthcare Limited, Gurgaon, was honoured for over four decades of transformational contribution to clinical governance, institutional scaling, public–private healthcare delivery, and national health preparedness.

Advancing India’s Healthcare Narrative Globally

The 16th MT India Healthcare Awards 2026 concluded with a strong message of collaboration, innovation, and global alignment. As MedGate Today advances towards its international chapter, the platform continues to stand as a trusted bridge between healthcare leadership, policy, industry, and society championing excellence with credibility and conscience.

MNJ Institute of Oncology performs over 250 robotic-assisted surgeries strengthening gynaecological cancer care and surgical training

Hyderabad, Feb 06: MNJ Institute of Oncology, a government-run tertiary cancer centre with more than five decades of service, has conducted over 250 robotic-assisted cancer surgeries during the past 30 months, delivered free of cost to patients from economically weaker and middle-income backgrounds.

A significant proportion of these procedures have been performed for gynaecological cancers, which account for a substantial share of the institute’s surgical workload. Over 150 robotic-assisted gynaecological cancer surgeries have been carried out in the last 2 years, primarily for cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovary—conditions that often require surgery in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces where precision is critical.

According to India’s National Cancer Registry Programme, cervical cancer continues to be among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Indian women, contributing to a considerable share of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. While cervical cancer remains a major focus, uterine cancer is another condition where robotic-assisted surgery gives surgeons a clear advantage in delivering good outcomes.

Commenting on the institution’s approach, Dr Ramesh Maturi, HOD, Surgical Oncology, MNJ Cancer Hospital said,

“Our experience with the da Vinci surgical system has supported our ability to deliver complex gynaecological cancer surgeries within the public healthcare system. In gynaecological cancers, where surgery is often performed in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces, the robotic platform provides greater control and precision, including the ability to perform nerve-sparing procedures that can help reduce post-surgical sexual and urological complications. As a publicly funded cancer hospital, its use is guided by careful clinical judgement, with robotic-assisted surgery adopted selectively across gynaecological, urological, and upper and lower gastrointestinal cancers to ensure meaningful benefit and sustainable use of resources for the population we serve.”

At MNJ Institute, robotic-assisted surgery has been adopted selectively for complex pelvic procedures, including radical hysterectomies and staging surgeries, especially in cases where standard laparoscopic approaches may be technically challenging. 

Dr Joseph Benjamen, Director, MNJ Cancer Hospital said,

“As a public institution providing specialised cancer care, the responsibility extends beyond introducing advanced technology to ensuring it is used in a manner that strengthens access, consistency, and accountability in patient care.” 

Dr Umakanth Goud and Dr Murlidhar, Professors and Unit Heads, Department of Surgical Oncology at MNJ Institute of Oncology, have been instrumental in the adoption and clinical integration of robotic-assisted surgery, strengthening both patient care and surgical practice at the institute.

Alongside being at the forefront of patient care, MNJ Institute is a premier teaching institution with a strong national reputation that attracts surgical trainees from across India. As a centre of excellence in surgical education, the institute integrates advanced technology to help public hospitals set the tone and standards for the responsible use of modern devices in patient care.

MNJ Institute said its experience reflects how advanced surgical platforms, when applied judiciously within the public sector, can contribute to expanding access to minimally invasive cancer care while strengthening training and institutional readiness.

Left to right: Dr. Raju Sivaswamy, Vice President, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SRM Group, President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Dr Patrick Herminie, Mrs. Veronique Herminie, First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Marvin Nolan Fanny, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Seychelles, Mr. Paul Robin, CEO, SIMS International.

Chennai, Feb 6: His Excellency Dr. Patrick Herminie, Honourable President of the Republic of Seychelles and Dr. Marvin Nolan Fanny, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Seychelles, met Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SIMS Hospital, India, to discuss a collaborative roadmap aimed at strengthening healthcare services in Seychelles through sustainable and long-term healthcare solutions such as super-specialty medical outreach, hospital infrastructure development, digital health integration, workforce support, affordable medicines, and dialysis expansion.

A team of specialists from SIMS Hospital, will be travelling to Mauritius and Seychelles next week to evaluate the existing healthcare systems in Seychelles and assess the way forward in coordination with the Ministry of Health. As part of the discussion, it was also proposed to establish a periodic super-specialty medical camps for patients accessing the Seychelles Government Healthcare System, aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving clinical outcomes through advanced medical technology, while building local capacity and strengthening the Ministry of Health’s clinical capabilities to position Seychelles as a regional healthcare leader within the East African zone.

The discussion focused on key areas including the development of an integrated, real-time national digital healthcare network connecting all health centres and hospitals nationwide to improve patient data management, referrals, clinical decision-making, transparency, and service delivery. It also covered the supply of high-quality, cost-effective pharmaceuticals and medical products, supported by the implementation of a cloud-based, real-time inventory management system across pharmacy stores to reduce stock-outs, wastage, and procurement inefficiencies, along with periodic outreach super-specialty medical camps, hospital infrastructure development, healthcare workforce strengthening through nurse recruitment, and the expansion of dialysis services to improve accessibility and continuity of care for renal patients.

The meeting also focused on providing technical advisory support for modernisation of existing government hospital infrastructure, planning and development of new hospitals and primary healthcare facilities, and adoption of global best practices in hospital design, patient safety, and operational efficiency.

In addition, healthcare workforce support was highlighted through the recruitment and deployment of qualified nursing professionals, leveraging SRM’s proven education ecosystem, while supporting skills transfer and long-term capacity building for local healthcare staff.

The meeting also included discussions on expansion of dialysis services through strengthening of the existing dialysis unit with satellite support services, ensuring round-the-clock specialist assistance and improving accessibility and continuity of care for renal patients.

In his comments, H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles said, “Our focus is to strengthen public healthcare services and ensure access to quality care for all citizens. Partnerships that support infrastructure, digital health, trained workforce, and specialised services such as dialysis are important steps towards long-term healthcare capacity building in Seychelles.”

Speaking about the meeting, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SIMS Hospital, India said, “Healthcare collaboration must focus on strengthening systems from infrastructure and trained professionals to digital networks and affordable access to medicines. We are honoured to engage with the Honourable President and explore opportunities that can contribute to sustainable healthcare capacity for Seychelles.”

Paras Health Highlights Rising Cancer Burden in India; Treats Over 20,000 Cancer Patients Across Its Network in a Year

Delhi NCR, Feb 5: In the wake of World Cancer Day, Paras Health released consolidated oncology data revealing that over 20,000 new cancer patients were diagnosed and treated between January 2025 and January 2026 across its hospitals in Delhi NCR, Patna, Panchkula, Kanpur, Udaipur, Srinagar, Ranchi, and Darbhanga. The data underscores the growing cancer burden in India and highlights the urgent need to expand access to specialised, high-quality oncology care beyond metropolitan centres to emerging regions.

Over the past three years, hospitals across the Paras Health network have recorded a steady year-on-year rise in cancer cases, with a sharper increase observed post-2024. While larger centres continue to manage higher patient volumes, hospitals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations have also reported consistent growth, driven by improved diagnostic capabilities, stronger referral pathways, and rising public awareness around early cancer detection. Cancer remains most prevalent in the 40–70 year age group, with the average patient age ranging between 50 and 60 years. Clinicians are also increasingly observing cancer diagnoses among younger adults.

In terms of cancer types, breast cancer has emerged as the most commonly treated cancer among women over the past decade, overtaking cervical cancer, while tobacco-related head and neck cancers continue to remain disproportionately high in India, reflecting ongoing public health challenges linked to tobacco consumption.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Dharminder Nagar, Co-Chair, FICCI Health and Services and Managing Director, Paras Health, said,

“The rising number of cancer cases reflects a combination of changing lifestyles and improved detection. While risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, pollution, and sedentary habits continue to drive cancer incidence, greater awareness and timely diagnosis are enabling cancers to be identified earlier, when treatment outcomes are significantly better. This underscores the importance of preventive screening and early intervention.”

Doctors across the Paras Health network attribute the increase in cancer cases to a range of lifestyle and environmental factors, including tobacco use in smoked and smokeless forms, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution, chemicals, and pesticides, as well as infections such as HPV and Hepatitis.

Despite persistent misconceptions that cancer is incurable or that diagnostic procedures such as biopsy or surgery cause the disease to spread, medical experts emphasise that many cancers detected at an early stage are highly curable. Advances in cancer care—including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and improved chemotherapy protocols—have significantly enhanced survival outcomes and quality of life.

Paras Health continues to strengthen its multidisciplinary, patient-centric oncology services across its hospitals, reinforcing the critical role of early detection, evidence-based treatment, and sustained public awareness in addressing India’s growing cancer burden.

Hyderabad, Feb 05: In observance of World Cancer Day, Arete Hospitals officially launched Cyclothon – Edition 1, a cause-led initiative designed to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and healthy living. All proceeds from the Cyclothon will be directed towards cancer care charity initiatives, supporting awareness, screening, and patient support programs.

The announcement was made at a press conference held today, during which the Cyclothon poster was unveiled, official merchandise was introduced, and participant registrations were formally opened.

The Cyclothon is scheduled to take place on February 22, with a reporting time of 5:00 AM. This will be an annual event going forward. Through this initiative, Arete Hospitals aims to reach and engage with the community beyond the hospital, sparking conversations about cancer awareness in a way that is both approachable and engaging.

Dr. Vijay Karan Reddy, HOD & Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology and Director of Oncology, Arete Hospitals, said,

“World Cancer Day gives us an opportunity as oncologists to spread awareness on cancer. We at Arete Institute of Oncology embrace this year’s theme, ‘United by Unique’, and acknowledge that every patient’s journey is unique, but we are all united in our fight against cancer. This Cyclothon is a collective movement to place people—and not just cancer—at the centre of cancer treatment.

Our goal is to drive the importance of screening, early detection, timely and appropriate treatment. It’s a statement of our commitment towards making cancer care personalised, compassionate, accessible, and equitable. We also stand in solidarity with cancer survivors and their families, celebrating resilience, strength, and life beyond cancer.”

Dr. Vijender Reddy T, Chairman, Arete Hospitals, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to community-centric healthcare, saying,

“At Arete, we believe healthcare extends beyond treating illness—it also involves educating, engaging, and empowering the community. The Cyclothon reflects this philosophy. By bringing people together for a common cause, we hope to foster a culture where awareness and prevention become part of daily life.”

Ms. Aishwarya Rajesh, Indian Actress and Chief Guest, encouraged citizens to actively participate in the event and support the cause.

“Public participation is key to making awareness initiatives meaningful. Events like this not only promote fitness but also spark important conversations around health. I urge people across the city to take part in the Cyclothon and help spread awareness about cancer prevention and early detection,” she said.

Mr. P. Venkatraman, Race Director for the Cyclothon and Founder of YouTooCanRun, spoke about the transformative power of physical activity.

“Movement is medicine. Regular exercise not only improves physical fitness but plays a critical role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases and supporting long-term health. Arete Hospitals has taken a commendable step by linking physical activity with cancer awareness through this Cyclothon,” he said.

The cycling partners for the event include Hyderabad Cycling Revolution, Happy Hyderabad, and Hyderabad Cyclists Group, with YouTooCanRun as the organising partner, ensuring professional execution and a safe, inclusive experience for all participants.

With Cyclothon – Edition 1, Arete Hospitals reinforces its focus on preventive care, early intervention, and sustained community engagement, laying the foundation for an annual platform that blends health awareness with collective action.