GPS-Like Neuro-Navigation Technology Redefining Brain tumor Surgery with Greater Precision and Accuracy

Guwahati, Jan 16: When we think of brain surgery, many people imagine a highly risky procedure where the chances of damaging healthy brain tissue are high. While surgery for brain tumors remains one of the most delicate operations in medicine, advances in technology are making it far safer and more precise. One such breakthrough is neuro-navigation, often compared to a GPS for the brain.

Dr. Hrishikesh Chakrabartty

Neuro-navigation is a computer-assisted technology that allows surgeons to map and guide their way through the brain during surgery. Much like the GPS in a car helps drivers follow the safest and shortest route, neuro-navigation helps neurosurgeons plan the most accurate path to reach a brain tumor.

Dr. Hrishikesh Chakrabartty, Associate Director Neurosurgery, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali said

“Using MRI or CT imaging, neuro-navigation creates a detailed three-dimensional map of the patient’s brain, which is used to guide the surgeon in real time during surgery. This technology helps accurately identify the exact location of the tumor before any incision is made, enables selection of the safest surgical pathway with minimal disturbance to healthy brain tissue, and allows continuous tracking of surgical instruments to maintain precision throughout the procedure.”

By acting as a guide, neuro-navigation minimises guesswork. The surgeon can see where the tumor begins and ends, as well as nearby blood vessels and sensitive brain areas. This reduces the risk of complications such as speech difficulties, weakness, or vision loss after surgery. It also increases the chances of removing the tumor completely, which is crucial in preventing recurrence and improving long-term survival.

Dr. Hrishikesh further added

Neuro-navigation greatly reduces the risk of injury to healthy brain tissue, making brain tumor surgery safer and more controlled. By enhancing surgical precision, it leads to shorter operation times, reduced blood loss, quicker recovery, and better preservation of neurological function, resulting in improved overall outcomes for patients. Neuro-navigation is most useful for patients with tumors located deep within the brain or close to areas that control important functions. Not all cases require it, but for many patients, it provides a safer option and greater confidence in treatment.”

Neuro-navigation is transforming neurosurgery by acting like a GPS for the brain. It allows surgeons to plan their route, avoid critical structures, and reach the tumor with remarkable accuracy. For patients, this translates into safer surgeries and a better chance of recovery without loss of vital brain function.

Born With a Rare Heart Defect, Treated with Life-Saving Modern Surgery at BM Birla Heart Hospital

When a 32-year-old woman from Kolkata began experiencing worsening breathlessness and frequent palpitations over the past two years, she did not suspect a rare congenital heart condition affecting fewer than one per cent of patients worldwide. Despite undergoing a hole-in-the-heart closure in 2022, her symptoms persisted, prompting her to seek specialised care at BM Birla Heart Hospital.

WhatsApp Image 2026-01-02 at 10.44.39

A detailed cardiac evaluation revealed Ebstein anomaly, a complex congenital disorder marked by severe leakage of the tricuspid valve and enlargement of the right side of the heart. Given her young age and progressively limiting symptoms, surgical intervention became essential—not only to address the condition, but also to preserve long-term quality of life.

The cardiac surgery team, led by Dr. Amanul Haque, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, opted for the advanced Cone Repair procedure, a highly specialised technique that reconstructs the patient’s own tricuspid valve rather than replacing it with an artificial prosthesis. During the surgery, the abnormally positioned valve leaflets were carefully mobilised, reshaped into a cone-like structure, and reattached to the true valve annulus—restoring near-normal valve anatomy and function.

This approach successfully corrected the severe valve leakage while preserving the patient’s natural tissue, significantly lowering the risk of future reoperations and eliminating long-term complications often associated with artificial heart valves.

“The Cone Repair allows us to restore the valve almost anatomically while maintaining long-term durability, as the patient’s own valve tissue continues to function naturally over time. For young patients, this makes a critical difference to long-term outcomes,” said Dr. Haque.

Post-surgery, the patient has shown marked improvement in heart function, with a significant reduction in breathlessness and improved exercise tolerance. She is now recovering well and looks forward to resuming an active, unrestricted lifestyle.

This case highlights how advanced surgical expertise, combined with patient-centric clinical decision-making, can deliver transformative outcomes even in rare and complex congenital heart conditions reinforcing BM Birla Heart Hospital’s commitment to world-class cardiac care with a strong human touch.

Peerless Hospital enhances clinical exposure programme to prepare future-ready medical professionals

Guwahati, Jan 15: Peerless Hospital Guwahati, the city’s leading super-speciality hospital, has reinforced its Academic–Clinical Partnership with The Assam Royal Global University, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this year. With the region facing an urgent shortage of trained healthcare professionals and an increasing need for industry-integrated education, the collaboration has already begun generating impact.

Peerless Hospital (1)

Since the MoU, Peerless Hospital has facilitated multiple clinical exposure sessions, specialist-led lectures and structured industry experiences for students of the Royal School of Medical & Allied Sciences (RSMAS). These initiatives have provided students with hands-on learning in a real hospital environment, ensuring that medical education remains aligned with contemporary healthcare challenges.

Under the partnership, RSMAS students will continue to receive opportunities across clinical training, internships, research, and academic exchange—bridging classroom learning with real-world medical practice in Eastern India.

The MoU was signed by Dr Gautam Kr Das, CEO, Peerless Hospital Guwahati; Dr Pranab Barua, Medical Superintendent & Director, Emergency Department, Peerless Hospital Guwahati; Dr Diganta Munshi, Registrar (Administration), The Assam Royal Global University; and Dr Abhijit Dutta, Dean, RSMAS, The Assam Royal Global University.

“We are witnessing a transformative period in healthcare, where the demand for highly skilled professionals far exceeds supply—especially in northeastern India,” said Dr Gautam Kr Das, CEO, Peerless Hospital Guwahati. “This partnership is helping address that gap meaningfully. By ensuring structured, specialised clinical exposure for students, we are preparing a workforce that is confident, competent, and ready for the future.”

He added that Peerless Hospital is committed to driving knowledge exchange beyond its own infrastructure.

“The need for industry-integrated medical education has never been higher. Our teams have already conducted several sessions at the university, and we remain open to partnering with more institutions that share our vision for skill development and healthcare capacity building in the Northeast.”

Since its inauguration in July, Peerless Hospital Guwahati has undertaken several community initiatives, including speciality OPDs, health camps, preventive screening drives, and neighbourhood wellness programmes. These efforts, along with the hospital’s academic collaborations, reflect its broader mission to improve healthcare quality, awareness, and accessibility across the region.

The Great Indian Kitchen Transition: How “Quick & Easy” is Costing Our Health

Over the past two decades, the Indian kitchen has quietly transformed. The whistle of the pressure cooker and the aroma of hand-ground spices are increasingly drowned out by the crinkle of plastic packets. From “healthy” breakfast cereals to ready-to-heat parathas, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have shifted from occasional treats to daily staples.

Health experts warn that this isn’t just a shift in taste—it’s a silent rewriting of India’s public health story.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Most people think of processed foods as frozen peas or pasteurized milk. UPFs are very different. These are industrial formulations that home kitchens can’t replicate, made from substances extracted from real foods—hydrogenated fats, modified starches—and bound with cosmetic additives like emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and colors to make them last for months while tasting addictive.

“These foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable,” explains Dr. Arun Gupta, public health advocate. “They override the body’s natural signals of fullness. You don’t just eat them—you keep eating them.”

Hidden Health Risks

The visible rise in obesity is just the tip of the iceberg. Reports from The Lancet and ICMR show that regular consumption of UPFs drives chronic diseases, increasingly affecting younger Indians.

The Sugar Trap: “Healthy” products like fruit yogurts or brown bread often contain hidden sugars that spike insulin levels.

Gut Health: Additives that smooth packaged foods disrupt gut microbiota, affecting immunity, digestion, and even mental health.

The Health-Washing Mirage: Labels like “High Fiber” or “Zero Cholesterol” often mask long lists of chemicals on the back.

Government Intervention

The Indian Government is responding. The Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasized stricter food regulations, with Front-of-Pack Warning Labels set to roll out in 2026. Imagine a clear red symbol stating “High in Salt” or “Ultra-Processed”—helping parents make healthier choices in seconds.

Reclaiming the Thali: Intentional Swaps

Reversing the trend doesn’t mean abandoning modern life—it means making simple, informed swaps. The ICMR-NIN 2025-26 guidelines emphasize minimal processing and whole-food nutrition:

Instead of Try Why?
Instant oats/cereal Dalia, Poha, Upma Real grains provide sustained energy and natural fiber
Packaged fruit juice Whole fruit Fiber prevents sugar spikes
Flavored yogurt Home-made curd Avoids artificial thickeners and added sugars
“Healthy” biscuits Roasted chana or makhana Whole foods satisfy hunger without industrial fats

The Verdict

India is moving faster than ever—but our bodies are still tuned to slow, whole-food nutrition. The Great Indian Kitchen Transition has given convenience but at the cost of metabolic resilience.

The most powerful health tool isn’t a supplement or gym membership—it’s the simple act of choosing foods that look most like nature intended, reading labels, and reclaiming the tradition of the Indian thali.

ShardaCare Healthcity and GIFT Host Thalassaemia Awareness Program with Free HLA Testing Camp

ShardaCare Healthcity in Collaboration with GIFT Hosts Thalassaemia Awareness Program with a Free HLA Testing Camp: Giving Children a Chance at Cure

Greater Noida, Jan 13:  ShardaCare Healthcity, a leading super-speciality hospital in Greater Noida, renowned for its advanced clinical capabilities and patient-centric approach, is organising a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Awareness Program and Free Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Testing Camp in collaboration with the Globally Integrated Foundation for Thalassaemia (GIFT). The camp will be led by Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Senior Specialist in Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplantation. The awareness session will educate families about thalassaemia, available treatment options, such as bone marrow transplant, and the importance of early intervention. The free HLA testing camp will aim to identify suitable sibling donors – an essential factor for successful transplantation.

Free HLA Testing Camp

Thalassaemia is a serious paediatric blood disorder with far-reaching health implications. As a genetic condition, it often requires affected children to undergo lifelong, regular blood transfusions, placing a significant physical, emotional, and financial burden on families. India carries a substantial share of the global thalassaemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born with thalassaemia major every year. Despite this, limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and restricted access to advanced treatments – such as Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)- continue to pose major challenges. Encouragingly, medical advancements like BMT offer a curative option, holding the potential to free children from lifelong transfusions and dramatically improve their quality of life.

Dr Kousar Shah, Group CEO, Shardacare Healthcity, said,

“At ShardaCare Healthcity, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between advanced Healthcare and the people who need it most. Thalassaemia is a daunting challenge for any family, but with the right clinical expertise and timely intervention, it is a challenge that we can overcome. By hosting this HLA testing camp, we are not just providing a diagnostic service; we are providing a pathway to cure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to making high-end super-speciality treatments like Bone Marrow Transplants accessible and affordable, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a life free from the burden of chronic illness.”

Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Senior Specialist in Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplantation, said,

“Blood disorders such as thalassaemia is not just a complex medical condition – they place an immense emotional and financial strain on families. While Bone Marrow Transplant offers a life-changing and potentially curative solution, many children continue to remain undiagnosed or untreated due to limited awareness and access to resources. Through timely diagnosis, increased awareness, and improved access to care, we can give these children a real chance at a healthier and brighter future”.

Adding to this, Madan Chawla, Founder, GIFT, said,

“The very first and most critical step towards a bone marrow transplant is HLA testing. Unfortunately, this test is expensive and out of reach for many families. Without HLA testing, a transplant is simply not possible. Through this camp, our aim is to remove this barrier and offer free HLA testing to economically weaker families, enabling them to take the first step towards a cure.”

This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing the treatment gap for thalassaemia patients and reinforcing the commitment of GIFT and Sharda Care Health City towards inclusive and compassionate healthcare.

Biopeak Powers a Cultural Shift in Fitness and Health as Exclusive Longevity Partner at Peakst8 Festival 2026

Biopeak, India’s first full-stack precision health platform, participated as the exclusive longevity partner at the Peakst8 Festival 2026, anchoring the festival’s health and recovery narrative through the Longevity Lounge, a science-led, immersive experience designed to help individuals understand, optimise, and regenerate their bodies in real time.

Hosted at the Centre for Sports Excellence, Bengaluru, the day-long festival brought together over 2,500 participants, including founders, athletes, creators, and fitness-forward urban consumers, as part of Rainmatter Health’s growing movement-led ecosystem. With 20+ brands, multiple movement stages, races, recovery experiences, and honest conversations around long-term performance, Peakst8 positioned fitness and health not as isolated goals, but as shared cultural practices.

From Fitness as Activity to Health as Awareness

At the heart of Biopeak’s presence was the Longevity Lounge, a calm yet high-engagement zone that saw 500+ participants move through a guided Detect → Optimise → Regenerate framework, offering a clear snapshot of how their bodies respond to stress, effort, and recovery.

  • Detect helped participants understand baseline physiology through quick, non-invasive assessments related to cardiovascular readiness, oxygen delivery, stress handling, and body composition
  • Optimise focused on nervous system training and adaptability using biofeedback, reaction-based challenges, and controlled hypoxia experiences
  • Regenerate introduced targeted recovery protocols, including cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy, supporting recovery, downshift, and resilience.

By integrating precision health directly into a movement-first festival, Biopeak demonstrated how longevity can move beyond abstraction and become immediately experiential, personal, and actionable.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from fitness as effort to health as awareness,” said Rishi Pardal,  CEO and Co-founder, Biopeak. “People already train hard and show up consistently. What’s missing is depth, understanding how their bodies respond, recover, and adapt over time. When that understanding happens in a shared environment like Peakst8, health stops being a solo optimisation exercise and starts becoming part of collective culture. That’s the future we’re building toward.”

Reframing the Future of Health in India

As part of the festival’s thought leadership initiatives, Shiva Subramaniam, CIO and Co-founder, Biopeak, participated in a panel discussion titled “The Future of Your Health: Why Everything You Know Is Changing.” The panel also featured Jitendra Chouksey, Founder & CEO of Fittr and Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO, Curefit, bringing together perspectives from fitness, technology, and health entrepreneurship.

“In India, we’re at an inflection point where health is no longer just about access to care, but about interpretation,” said Subramaniam. “People are tracking more data than ever, yet still feel unsure about what truly matters. The next decade of health will be defined by our ability to translate signals into context, so individuals can make better decisions early, not reactively.”

Health as a Shared Cultural Practice

Peakst8 Festival brought together a diverse ecosystem of fitness, nutrition & wellness brands, reflecting a broader industry shift toward supporting everyday athletes and active communities. Biopeak’s presence at Peakst8 marks a step forward in its broader mission to bring precision health into everyday life, not just through clinics or programs, but by embedding deep health understanding into the environments where people already move, train, and connect. As interest in longevity, performance, and healthspan continues to grow, Biopeak plans to expand these experience-led formats, working closely with communities, athletes, and partners to help make informed, long-term health a practical norm.

Festive Indulgence Takes a Toll on Health, Warn CARE Hospitals Doctors

Hyderabad, Jan 12: Doctors at CARE Hospitals have reported a noticeable increase in patients seeking treatment for heart-related complaints, liver stress and metabolic disorders in the week following year-end celebrations. With major festivals such as Sankranti and Pongal, followed closely by the Republic Day long weekend, medical experts caution that prolonged and back-to-back festivities can have a cumulative impact on health.
Dr Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior Consultant – General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad
Physicians say outpatient visits for lifestyle-related issues tend to rise during the first few weeks of January, as the effects of excessive eating, alcohol consumption, irregular sleep and reduced physical activity begin to surface.
Dr Dr. Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior Consultant – General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad, said,
“After extended festive periods, many patients present with fatigue, acidity, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, elevated blood pressure and breathlessness. When celebrations continue without a break, the body does not get sufficient time to recover, increasing the risk of complications, particularly in people with diabetes, hypertension or obesity.”
High salt intake, dehydration, alcohol and sleep deprivation significantly increase stress on the heart. We often see such cases rise after festivals, and the risk becomes higher when celebrations extend over multiple occasions.
Highlighting the impact on digestive and liver health, Dr Dr. Karthikeya Raman Reddy, Senior Gastroenterologist, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, said,
“The liver is among the most affected organs during festive indulgence. Repeated consumption of alcohol and rich foods can worsen fatty liver disease, gastritis and other digestive disorders. Many patients seek medical attention only when symptoms persist well beyond the festive season.”
Doctors at CARE Hospitals advise people to approach the upcoming festive period with moderation, gradually return to routine eating habits, stay adequately hydrated, maintain some level of physical activity and monitor key health indicators such as blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Individuals experiencing persistent symptoms are encouraged to seek timely medical consultation rather than dismissing them as post-festival fatigue.
CARE Hospitals continues to focus on preventive healthcare and early intervention, emphasizing the importance of balanced celebrations and prompt medical attention to avoid long-term health complications.

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada Honors Ambulance Drivers & Owners on World Ambulance Day

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.

BioAsia 2026 to Be Held on February 17–18, Announces Minister Sridhar Babu

 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 TelanganaD. 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.

Manipal Hospitals Salutes Ambulance Heroes and Their Families for Lifesaving Service

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.”