Category health

Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist, but experts say understanding and addressing that fear can make dental appointments far less stressful. According to a recent report published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, nearly 72% of American adults experience some level of dental anxiety, while about 27% report severe fear related to dental visits.

Dental specialists emphasize that anxiety surrounding dental procedures is common and manageable with proper communication and preparation. Christina Pastan, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Endodontics and director of mind-body wellness at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, notes that fear often stems from the vulnerability and sensitivity of the mouth.

“Fear is a real thing. The mouth is a very vulnerable and very sensitive part of our bodies, and people are afraid of the possibility of feeling pain,” Pastan explains.

Along with Edward Lahey, chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Pastan highlights several strategies that can help patients feel more comfortable during dental visits.

Open communication with your dentist
Experts stress the importance of discussing fears and concerns with dental professionals before treatment begins. Dentists can explain procedures step by step and discuss pain-management options, helping patients feel more confident and informed.

Prepare by noting concerns in advance
Patients who anticipate anxiety are encouraged to write down worries, past dental experiences, or medication concerns ahead of their appointment. This helps ensure important details are shared clearly with the dentist.

Share complete medical information
Providing a full medical history—including medications and existing conditions—is essential, particularly if anesthesia or sedatives are involved. This helps dentists avoid drug interactions and choose appropriate anxiety-management approaches.

Use simple relaxation techniques
Closing the eyes during procedures and practicing slow nasal breathing can reduce stress. Controlled breathing, especially exhaling longer than inhaling, activates the body’s calming response and may help patients relax during treatment.

Ask questions and discuss pain management
Experts emphasize that patients should never hesitate to ask questions—even during the procedure. Understanding what to expect, including post-treatment discomfort and medication options, can significantly reduce anxiety.

Both specialists stress that trust and communication are essential components of the dentist-patient relationship. When dentists acknowledge patients’ fears and adjust their approach accordingly, visits can become far less intimidating.

“Don’t feel that you’re the victim in the chair,” Pastan says. “The patient is the most important part of the interaction.”

Health professionals encourage individuals with dental anxiety to communicate openly with their providers and seek supportive dental care environments that prioritize comfort and reassurance.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Selecting the right health insurer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family’s well-being. With healthcare costs rising and insurance options expanding, it’s crucial to choose a provider that offers reliable coverage, excellent support, and smooth access to medical care. In 2026, several real-world factors can help you assess which health insurer is truly trustworthy.

1. Check the Network of Hospitals

A good health insurer should have an extensive network of hospitals in your city and across the country. Verify whether your preferred hospitals, both for emergencies and routine treatments, are included. A wide network ensures you have access to quality care without hassle or delays.

2. Cashless Facility

Cashless hospitalization is one of the most sought-after benefits. Check if the insurer provides cashless treatment options at network hospitals. This feature allows you to receive care without upfront payments, easing financial stress during medical emergencies.

3. Customer Support

Reliable insurers offer responsive customer support to assist with claims, policy details, and emergency guidance. Look for companies that provide multiple communication channels, including phone, chat, and mobile apps, so help is available whenever needed.

4. Claim Settlement Record

Research the insurer’s claim settlement ratio and customer reviews. High settlement ratios indicate a smooth and transparent claims process, while low ratios may signal delays or frequent disputes.

5. Coverage and Inclusions

Compare policies for coverage details, including hospitalization, pre-existing conditions, day-care procedures, and critical illness benefits. A trustworthy insurer clearly outlines what is included and excludes hidden clauses.

6. Flexibility and Portability

Choose a health insurer that allows policy portability, enabling you to switch plans without losing benefits. Flexible policies that accommodate changing health needs over time provide long-term security.

7. Premium Transparency

Ensure that premiums are transparent and aligned with the coverage offered. Avoid insurers who offer low initial premiums but have high deductibles or hidden charges.

8. Reviews and Recommendations

Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from family, friends, or healthcare providers. Real-world experiences often reveal strengths and weaknesses of insurers that official brochures may not highlight.

9. Value-Added Services

Many insurers now offer additional services such as teleconsultations, health check-ups, wellness programs, and mental health support. These value-added services can improve your overall healthcare experience and support preventive care.

Top Health Insurers to Consider in 2026

Some trusted health insurers in India in 2026 include HDFC ERGO Health Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Max Bupa Health Insurance, Star Health and Allied Insurance, and Aditya Birla Health Insurance. These companies are known for extensive hospital networks, reliable cashless facilities, and high customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a health insurer is not just about the cheapest premium—it’s about trust, reliability, and seamless support when you need it most. By evaluating hospital networks, cashless facilities, claim records, coverage, and real-world customer experiences, you can select a health insurer that gives you peace of mind and financial security in 2026 and beyond.

Pic Credit: Pexel

A new medical innovation called the “growing implant” is transforming the treatment of bone cancer in children. The technique allows surgeons to remove cancer-affected bone while preserving the limb and enabling it to grow normally, improving long-term mobility and quality of life.

Bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma often affect children and adolescents. Traditional treatments sometimes required amputating the limb or resulted in permanent differences in leg length, creating long-term physical and emotional challenges. Growing implants now offer a more effective solution.

How the Growing Implant Works

The growing implant, also called an expandable prosthesis, is placed after the tumor is removed. Unlike standard implants, it can lengthen gradually as the child grows. Many modern implants use magnetic technology, allowing doctors to extend the device during routine hospital visits without additional surgery.

The gradual lengthening helps muscles, joints, and tissues adjust naturally, reducing pain and complications compared with older surgical methods.

Benefits for Patients

The implant offers several advantages:

• Preserves the limb and improves mobility

• Reduces the need for repeated surgeries

• Maintains balanced limb growth

• Supports long-term function and quality of life

Lengthening procedures usually take only 15–20 minutes, allowing children to return to normal activities quickly.

Future Developments

While implants can be costly and occasionally require revision surgeries, advances in 3D printing, imaging, and customized surgical planning are improving their precision and durability.

Growing implants are helping doctors focus on both curing cancer and ensuring children can lead active, independent lives after treatment. This innovation provides families facing bone cancer with renewed hope for survival and a better quality of life.

 Researchers break decades-old bottleneck in chemotherapy drug manufacturing 

An international team of researchers has achieved a breakthrough in the production of doxorubicin, a vital chemotherapy agent. The study identifies and resolves molecular “bottlenecks” that have limited the natural production of this drug for over 50 years. 
 
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug that was first approved for medical use in the 1970s. It is a cornerstone in treating various cancers, including breast cancer, bladder cancer, lymphomas and carcinomas, with over one million patients receiving the treatment annually. However, bacteria naturally produce this important drug very inefficiently. Consequently, the pharmaceutical industry has relied on expensive, multi-step semi-synthetic processes.

“We have uncovered several independent factors that limit the formation of doxorubicin,” says Researcher, Keith Yamada, PhD, from the University of Turku in Finland, a lead scientist on the study. “By addressing these bottlenecks, we have harnessed rational strain engineering to pave the way for cost-effective manufacturing that can meet growing global demand”.

Researchers develop new strain of bacteria that enhances drug production
The study was the result of an extensive international collaboration involving a total of six research laboratories: the University of Turku in Finland, three laboratories in the United States, and two in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Together, the teams identified three primary constraints that prevent the high-yield production of doxorubicin.

Firstly, the team identified the specific natural “biological power supply” — redox partners named Fdx4 and FdR3 — that provide the necessary electron flow to power the drug-producing enzyme.

Secondly, they discovered that a protein called DnrV acts as a drug-binding “molecular sponge”. It sequesters (binds and holds) doxorubicin so the drug does not shut down the enzyme’s own production machinery.

Last, using X-ray crystallography, the team visualized the enzyme for the first time, revealing that the drug molecule sits in an unfavorable position within the enzyme, explaining the slow reaction rate.

By combining these discoveries, the researchers engineered a new strain of bacteria that produces 180% more doxorubicin than current industrial standards.

To bring these findings to the real world, the spin-out company Meta-Cells Oy was formed last year at the University of Turku. The company aims to commercialize these advanced technologies for the sustainable manufacturing of essential antibiotics and anti-cancer agents. This shift toward fully biosynthetic production promises a cleaner, more reliable supply of life-saving medicines.

The study was published in the renowned journal Nature Communications.

> Read the research article

Mar 13 – The Lurie Autism Institute, a joint initiative of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine created to drive discovery, develop new treatments, and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism, is proud to announce that geneticist Huda Y. Zoghbi, MD, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Nancy Lurie Marks Prize for Autism Research, the Institute’s highest honor recognizing transformative contributions to autism research.

 Zoghbi is a Distinguished Service Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Pediatrics, Neuroscience, and Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, and Director of Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI). She is also an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. A pioneering pediatric neurologist and physician–scientist, Zoghbi has fundamentally reshaped understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of neurological disease – including autism spectrum disorder – by integrating human genetics, animal models, and systems-level neuroscience to define how disruptions in gene regulation, neuronal maturation, and circuit function drive disease.

 “When thinking of an appropriate inaugural recipient of the Nancy Lurie Marks Prize for Autism Research, we wanted to consider the pre-eminent minds whose long history of incredible work in autism research continues to have a lasting effect,” said prize committee chair Frances E. Jensen, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology and Professor of Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and co-director of the Penn Translational Neuroscience Center. “Dr. Zoghbi’s record speaks for itself, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving inaugural recipient who exemplifies the pioneering work in autism research that the Lurie Autism Institute wants to make possible.”

 The Prize Selection Committee recognized Zoghbi for her landmark discovery that mutations in the MECP2 gene cause Rett syndrome, an autism-related neurodevelopmental disorder. This breakthrough transformed Rett syndrome from an enigmatic clinical condition into a foundational model for understanding autism genetics and neurobiology. Her work established core principles that have guided modern autism research; these principles now underpin contemporary large-scale genomic studies of autism and have shaped how investigators conceptualize risk, penetrance, and phenotypic variability across neurodevelopmental disorders.

 “I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural Nancy Lurie Marks Prize for Autism Research,” said Zoghbi. “Nancy’s dedication to autism research and to the families she so passionately championed has left an indelible mark on our field. The Lurie Autism Institute’s continued commitment to advancing impactful autism research benefits us all.  I share this recognition with the patients and families who inspire our work every day, and with the remarkable trainees and collaborators whose insight, creativity, and dedication have advanced our understanding of how genetic disruptions alter brain function.” She continued, “I hope that continued progress in this field will lead to better insights and treatments, ultimately improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. This honor serves as a powerful reminder of the promise rigorous science holds for truly transforming lives.”

 By demonstrating that de novo mutations underlie Rett syndrome, Dr. Zoghbi helped catalyze study designs that enrich for de novo variation. These studies served as an important basis for projects such as the Simons Simplex Collection, a core project and resource of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) that establishes a permanent repository of genetic samples of families of children with autism. This framework was then later adopted by the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) and the Autism Sequencing Consortium. This paradigm led to the discovery of dozens of de novo variants and hundreds of autism-related genes, many of which encode chromatin regulators, firmly establishing epigenetic and chromatin-mediated mechanisms as central pathways in autism.

 “Dr. Zoghbi’s incredible discoveries of some key biological mechanisms underlying autism are important steps in the journey we’re on with the Lurie Autism Institute to provide patients with more answers,” said Daniel Rader, MD, Interim Director, Lurie Autism Institute and Chief of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Penn Medicine and CHOP. “Her central role in advancing our understanding of neurobiology and translating that basic science into clinical progress makes her an extremely deserving recipient of the inaugural Nancy Lurie Marks Prize for Autism Research.”

 The Nancy Lurie Marks Prize for Autism Research honors the legacy of Nancy Lurie Marks, whose visionary philanthropy has played a pivotal role in advancing autism research and improving the lives of individuals with autism. The Prize includes a $100,000 award and recognizes a single individual whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on the field.

 “The Lurie Autism Institute was established to usher in a new era of scientific discovery in autism, and the work of extraordinary talents like Dr. Zoghbi exemplifies the kind of breakthrough discoveries we hope to make possible,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles and founder of the Eagles Autism Foundation.

 Zoghbi will be formally honored at the 2026 Lurie Autism Institute Symposium, to be held on May 7, 2026, in Philadelphia, where she will deliver a featured lecture.

 The Lurie Autism Institute, which reflects the combined strength of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, was made possible through the generosity of the Lurie Family Foundation and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation. Launched in June, 2025, the Institute is dedicated to advancing autism science and care, while aiming to accelerate discovery, deepen understanding of autism’s complexities and improve outcomes for individuals and families.

By- Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Founder and Director, Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” and for good reason. Unlike many other eye conditions, glaucoma progresses quietly, often without noticeable symptoms until significant vision damage has already occurred. It gradually damages the optic nerve—the crucial pathway that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. By the time a patient notices vision loss, the damage is usually irreversible. This makes glaucoma one of the most dangerous yet overlooked eye diseases worldwide.

Glaucoma Awareness Week, observed from March 8 to 14, serves as an important reminder that protecting vision begins with awareness. The most powerful weapon against glaucoma is not just treatment—it is early detection. A simple, regular eye check-up can mean the difference between preserving sight and losing it forever.

Globally, glaucoma is among the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It is estimated that more than 76 million people are living with glaucoma worldwide, and this number is projected to exceed 110 million by 2040 due to aging populations and increasing life expectancy. The challenge lies in the fact that nearly half of the people with glaucoma globally remain unaware that they have the disease because early stages rarely produce symptoms.

India carries a particularly heavy burden of glaucoma. Current estimates suggest that around 11–12 million Indians are living with the condition, making it one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness in the country. Alarmingly, nearly 70–90 percent of glaucoma cases in India remain undiagnosed, primarily because people do not undergo routine eye examinations. In fact, approximately 1.2 million Indians have already lost their vision due to glaucoma, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and early screening.

What makes glaucoma particularly concerning is its silent progression. In most cases, especially the common form known as primary open-angle glaucoma, the disease initially affects peripheral vision. Because central vision remains intact during the early stages, patients often do not realize that their field of vision is narrowing. By the time symptoms such as tunnel vision or blurred vision appear, a substantial portion of the optic nerve may already be damaged.

The good news is that blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented if the disease is detected early. While lost vision cannot be restored, timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow or even halt the progression of the disease. Regular comprehensive eye examinations—especially for individuals above the age of 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, high myopia, or long-term steroid use—are crucial for early detection.

Proactive glaucoma screening and management rely on advanced diagnostic technologies and comprehensive eye evaluations. Early detection typically includes tests such as intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve assessment, visual field analysis, and imaging techniques like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). These technologies enable ophthalmologists to detect even subtle structural changes in the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, often before any noticeable symptoms develop, allowing timely intervention to slow the progression of the disease and protect vision.

Modern glaucoma management has evolved significantly in recent years. Treatment options now include highly effective medications in the form of eye drops, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), advanced laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and precision microsurgical techniques. These interventions are designed to reduce intraocular pressure—the most important modifiable risk factor for glaucoma—thereby protecting the optic nerve from further damage.

Glaucoma management today increasingly follows a personalized, patient-centric approach. Patients typically undergo detailed evaluation and risk assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy based on the stage and type of glaucoma. Many advanced eye care centres across India are now equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic systems and surgical technologies that enable early detection and comprehensive management of the disease, helping doctors monitor progression closely and initiate timely interventions to preserve vision.

Vision once lost cannot be regained, but with timely screening and expert care, it can certainly be protected. Let this week inspire us all to prioritize eye health and encourage our families and communities to undergo regular eye examinations. In the fight against glaucoma, awareness truly saves sight.

Paris, 9 March, 2026 – kyron.bio, a biotechnology company pioneering precision glycoengineering for antibody therapeutic development, today announced a strategic partnership with Servier, an international pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation.

Under the terms of the agreement, kyron.bio will use its technology to glycoengineer an antibody selected by Servier, who will fund the associated research activities. Servier will have the option to further explore antibody engineering and development opportunities based on the outcomes. Financial details are not disclosed.

kyron.bio’s proprietary glycoengineering platform can enhance therapeutic performance of antibodies by enabling precise control of the glycan structures to improve efficacy, safety, and scalability. In this partnership kyron.bio will seek to demonstrate clear glycan control on the Servier antibody of interest for a specific pre-determined N-glycoform.

To date, engineering of glycans have been under-exploited, due to technical challenges, limiting the use of glycan engineering in drug design. kyron.bio is changing that. The company has developed a scalable, proprietary method to achieve comprehensive control over glycosylation, unlocking the possibility to use precision glycosylation in next generation drug design.

Dr. Emilia McLaughlin, founder and Chief Executive Officer of kyron.bio said,

“We are delighted that Servier has chosen to explore the potential of our glycoengineering platform. Servier has deep expertise in therapeutic development and combined with our precision glycosylation technology, this partnership provides a powerful opportunity to unlock new levels of antibody performance and deliver better outcomes for patients.

“Precision glycosylation represents a transformative approach in biologics development. By engineering defined glycan profiles, therapeutic antibodies can be optimized for improved immune engagement, pharmacokinetics, and reduced variability.”

In 2024, kyron.bio was the winner of the Servier Golden Ticket award which has provided invaluable support and mentorship through the company’s early translational phase and has developed a foundation for understanding the potential of kyron.bio’s technology.

Dr. Emmanuel Nony, Director of External Innovation Europe at Servier said,

“Meeting kyron.bio as a winner of Servier’s Golden Ticket award has enabled our scientists to develop an understanding of the kyron.bio glycan engineering technology and its exciting possibilities in antibody drug design. This collaboration is opening new frontiers for antibody derivatives as well. Together, we are exploring innovative pathways to optimize drug design and production, with a shared commitment to bringing safer and more effective therapies to patients.”

kyron.bio’s strategy is to form strategic drug design partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies working on next-generation antibody therapeutics, alongside in house therapeutic development programs.

A successful company creation from the French Entrepreneur First Scheme, in 2025 kyron.bio raised €5.5m in a seed round from an experienced syndicate of venture investors including HCVC, Verve Ventures, Entrepreneurs First and Saras Capital, as well as private angel investors and the European Innovation Council. It has established an R&D base at the biotech hub Paris Biotech Santé in the Cochin Hospital.

Innovative glycobiology platform aimed at enhancing the efficacy, safety, and scalability of next-generation antibody therapeutics across multiple disease areas

Paris, Mar 09 – kyron.bio, a biotechnology company pioneering precision glycoengineering for antibody therapeutic development, today announced a strategic partnership with Servier, an international pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation.

Under the terms of the agreement, kyron.bio will use its technology to glycoengineer an antibody selected by Servier, who will fund the associated research activities. Servier will have the option to further explore antibody engineering and development opportunities based on the outcomes. Financial details are not disclosed.

kyron.bio’s proprietary glycoengineering platform can enhance therapeutic performance of antibodies by enabling precise control of the glycan structures to improve efficacy, safety, and scalability. In this partnership kyron.bio will seek to demonstrate clear glycan control on the Servier antibody of interest for a specific pre-determined N-glycoform.

To date, engineering of glycans have been under-exploited, due to technical challenges, limiting the use of glycan engineering in drug design. kyron.bio is changing that. The company has developed a scalable, proprietary method to achieve comprehensive control over glycosylation, unlocking the possibility to use precision glycosylation in next generation drug design.

Dr. Emilia McLaughlin, founder and Chief Executive Officer of kyron.bio said,

“We are delighted that Servier has chosen to explore the potential of our glycoengineering platform. Servier has deep expertise in therapeutic development and combined with our precision glycosylation technology, this partnership provides a powerful opportunity to unlock new levels of antibody performance and deliver better outcomes for patients.

“Precision glycosylation represents a transformative approach in biologics development. By engineering defined glycan profiles, therapeutic antibodies can be optimized for improved immune engagement, pharmacokinetics, and reduced variability.”

In 2024, kyron.bio was the winner of the Servier Golden Ticket award which has provided invaluable support and mentorship through the company’s early translational phase and has developed a foundation for understanding the potential of kyron.bio’s technology.

Dr. Emmanuel Nony, Director of External Innovation Europe at Servier said,

“Meeting kyron.bio as a winner of Servier’s Golden Ticket award has enabled our scientists to develop an understanding of the kyron.bio glycan engineering technology and its exciting possibilities in antibody drug design. This collaboration is opening new frontiers for antibody derivatives as well. Together, we are exploring innovative pathways to optimize drug design and production, with a shared commitment to bringing safer and more effective therapies to patients.”

kyron.bio’s strategy is to form strategic drug design partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies working on next-generation antibody therapeutics, alongside in house therapeutic development programs.

A successful company creation from the French Entrepreneur First Scheme, in 2025 kyron.bio raised €5.5m in a seed round from an experienced syndicate of venture investors including HCVC, Verve Ventures, Entrepreneurs First and Saras Capital, as well as private angel investors and the European Innovation Council. It has established an R&D base at the biotech hub Paris Biotech Santé in the Cochin Hospital.

Hyderabad, Mar 9: Marking International Women’s Day, Omega Hospitals launched the Omega Cancer Foundation and hosted the Omega Women’s Wellness Summit 2026, bringing together policymakers, healthcare experts, and community leaders to highlight the importance of women’s health, cancer awareness, and preventive care.

 The event was attended by  Seethakka Garu, Minister for Women & Child Welfare, Telangana, who formally launched the Omega Cancer Foundation. Appreciating the initiative, she emphasised the importance of strengthening preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and access to quality cancer care.

Addressing the gathering, Seethakka Garu highlighted the important role women play in families, workplaces, and society, and stressed the need to prioritise women’s health and wellbeing. She noted that prevention is better than cure and underscored the importance of regular health check-ups and greater awareness. She also emphasised the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and encouraged women and families to adopt preventive healthcare practices.

Emphasising the message “Stand with Her,” she called on families and communities to support women in prioritising their health through timely screening and preventive care. She also appreciated the efforts of the Omega Cancer Foundation in expanding cancer awareness and screening initiatives in rural areas, panchayats, and grassroots communities, and conveyed her best wishes for the foundation’s initiatives.

As part of the initiative, Omega Hospitals announced dedicated infrastructure support for the foundation’s activities. At its Banjara Hills facility, a 230-bed comprehensive cancer hospital, 60 beds—over 25 percent of the total capacity—will be dedicated to the Omega Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Mohana Vamsy, Chief Surgical Oncologist & Managing Director, Omega Hospitals, said the hospital’s focus goes beyond treatment to strengthening awareness, early detection, and preventive healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

A highlight of the event was the Astha Shakti Honours – “Daughters of the Soil,” recognising eight women for their contributions to society.

The honourees included: • Kalpana Ramesh garu – Jala Shakti, for her leadership in urban water conservation and sustainable water management.

• Dr. Shiva Ranjani Santosh garu – Arogya Shakti, for advancing public health awareness and responsible healthcare initiatives.

• NSK Kumari garu – Karuna Shakti, for over three decades of dedication to animal rescue and welfare.

• Sailaja Kiran garu – Dhana Shakti, for leadership and entrepreneurial contributions in industry.

• Roopa Maganti garu – Udyama Shakti, for empowering rural communities through sustainable development initiatives.

• Lakshmi Manchu garu – Kala Shakti, for using art, cinema, and philanthropy to inspire social change.

• Lalitha Raghuram garu – Jeevana Shakti, for advancing organ donation awareness and strengthening India’s organ donation movement.

 • Sunitha Krishnan garu – Nyaya Shakti, for her work in combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Following the launch and felicitation ceremony, Omega Hospitals, in association with the Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Hyderabad (OGSH), also conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session for young doctors on advancements in cancer care.