Category health

Bangalore, Dec 8: Bandhan Bank, as part of its CSR initiatives, has donated 10 fully equipped ambulances across India, including two in Bangalore, to strengthen emergency medical access and improve healthcare delivery across diverse communities. Announced during the Bank’s 10th Foundation Day celebrations, the initiative has now been implemented with the donation of ambulances. The initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to improving the reach and responsiveness of healthcare services, ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention during emergencies. The fully equipped ambulances were donated to the CBCI Society for Medical Education and the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Bangalore.

The ambulances have been donated to reputed medical institutions and healthcare organizations across the country, including those in Bengaluru, Ahmednagar, Vadodara, Delhi, Jaipur, Akbarpur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Secunderabad and Murshidabad. By enhancing healthcare infrastructure and supporting hospitals across multiple states, the Bank is contributing to building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. By enhancing healthcare infrastructure and supporting hospitals across multiple states, the Bank is contributing to building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Mr. Partha Pratim Sengupta, MD & CEO, Bandhan Bank, said “At Bandhan Bank, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen emergency medical response and support hospitals serving diverse communities. Our commitment to inclusive development goes beyond banking, it’s about enabling healthier, more resilient communities across India. With this initiative, we aim to make a difference in people’s lives, ensuring that timely medical assistance is accessible when it is needed the most.”

Bandhan Bank’s CSR programs have reached over 25 lakh families in 82 districts across 14 states, with a strong focus on women and rural communities in healthcare, education, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Through these initiatives, Bandhan Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and community development.

“Medanta’s patient-first approach allows teams of super specialist doctors to collaborate seamlessly and arrive at the best possible treatment, customized for each patient in line with our guiding philosophy ‘Har Ek Jaan Anmol’, meaning ‘Every Life Is Invaluable’. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Medanta, and this Mediclinic demonstrates our resolve to make quality healthcare accessible beyond metro cities.”

“According to the Global Burden of Disease report, nearly one-fourth of all diseases in India stem from cardiovascular conditions, primarily driven by the “4 Hs” Heart attack, Hypertension, Heart failure, and heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy). These interconnected conditions often act as both causes and consequences of one another. With India witnessing a surge in heart attacks among young adults—now a leading cause of death in the 40–69 age group there is an urgent need to address this growing crisis. Through ‘Mission Save Heart,’ Medanta aims to raise awareness, empower individuals to take preventive action, and ensure communities have access to timely, quality cardiac care.”

Hyderabad, Dec 08:  FootDoctor Hospital organized a walkathon in Hyderabad to raise awareness on diabetic foot care an increasingly critical health concern as India continues to hold the highest number of diabetes cases in the world. The event was inaugurated by former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, along with Tollywood actor Sushant, KIMS Hospitals Chairman & Managing Director Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, and Delhi Public School Chairman Ramesh Gorantla.

Experts highlighted that 15–25% of diabetics are at risk of developing foot ulcers, and many may eventually require amputation if early symptoms are ignored.

Key Messages from Dignitaries

Shri Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the silent onset of diabetes, stating that many people remain unaware until complications develop.
He urged citizens to adopt an active lifestyle through walking, yoga and physical exercise, warning that dependence on gadgets and smartphones has reduced physical activity significantly. He further stressed the importance of timely treatment for foot ulcers, loss of vision, and injuries, to prevent severe outcomes including amputation.

Ramesh Gorantla, Chairman, Delhi Public School, expressed concern over the rising incidence of diabetes among younger individuals. He said minor injuries in diabetics take longer to heal, and if untreated, can lead to amputations. He added that early foot screening for children, especially those involved in sports, can prevent long-term complications such as flat feet.

Tollywood actor Sushant highlighted that awareness about foot-care specialists is still limited. He urged the public to seek specialized foot clinics at the earliest signs of abnormalities, especially given the growing prevalence of diabetes.

Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, CMD, KIMS Hospitals, noted that nerve damage in diabetics often masks pain, leading to neglected ulcers. He stated that 85% of diabetic amputations occur due to untreated foot ulcers, and timely treatment is crucial to prevent such outcomes.

Dr. Narendranadh Meda, Director & CEO, The Foot Doctor Hospital, stressed that even small wounds can turn severe if ignored due to neuropathy. Regular diabetes check-ups, including dedicated foot examinations, can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. He added,“Our goal through this walkathon is awareness timely care saves feet, saves lives.”

App Launch & New Technology for Personalized Foot Protection

During the walkathon, FootDoctor Hospital launched the Dr. Wound App, enabling patients to receive safe at-home wound care with real-time monitoring by specialists reducing hospital visits, time, and cost.

Additionally, the hospital introduced a custom footwear technology that creates personalized shoes based on precise foot measurements, offering enhanced protection and helping diabetic patients prevent injuries.

By:-  Dr. Meghana Nyapathi, Cluster Head – Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertilityl, Bengaluru

Fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant,it also reflects your hormones, nutrition, and overall well-being. But, many women often ignore or miss simple signs of their body.  At times , women find it difficult to identify when they ovulate or recognize the natural cues of their reproductive health. A 2023 study published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine revealed that over 60% of Indian women had low fertility awareness.

Understanding the subtle signs that the human body gives out on a regular basis is crucial.  The following are the six main indicators that you might be naturally fertile.

• Women having regular menstrual cycles:

The physiological process by which one of your ovaries releases an egg is called ovulation, and it usually happens 14 days before to your next period.  Following its release, the egg passes through the fallopian tube, where sperm can fertilise it and this leads to pregnancy.  The egg disintegrates 24 hrs post ovulation if fertilisation is unsuccessful, and your menstrual cycle continues with the onset of the period. The menstrual cycle normally lasts between 26 and 35 days, with ovulation usually taking place approximately 14 days before the next period.  Regular cycles indicate that your hormones are in balance and that the ovaries are regularly releasing eggs.  About 20% of Indian women experience irregular cycles, which might be a sign of PCOS, thyroid imbalance, or stress, all of which can disrupt ovulation.

• Understanding possible ovulation symptoms:

Around the middle of the  cycle, you might notice a dull ache in your lower belly, a bit of bloating, or even a sudden burst of energy. These are your body’s gentle hints that ovulation is happening,  a phase doctors call mittelschmerz, which simply means “middle pain” in German. It’s your ovary releasing an egg, and a key moment if you’re trying to conceive. Nearly 8 in 10 women experience these subtle signs.

• The changes in Cervical mucus

As you get closer to ovulation, you might notice a change in your vaginal discharge, it becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, almost like egg whites. This is your body’s way of helping sperm move easily and stay alive longer, making it the perfect time for conception. If your discharge feels dry or sticky instead at all times, or discolouredit could be your body’s signal that you’re not in your fertile phase yet, or that your hormones need a little attention.

• What healthy skin and hair describes

If your skin feels clear and your hair looks healthy and shiny, it’s often a sign that your hormones are well balanced. But if you’re struggling with frequent breakouts, hair loss, or noticing extra facial hair, your body might be trying to tell you something. These changes can happen when male hormones (androgens) rise, which is common in PCOS, a condition that affects about one in five Indian women and can make it harder to get pregnant.

• What does stable weight and active metabolism tell you about

Keeping your weight in a healthy range helps your hormones stay balanced and supports regular ovulation. If you’re underweight, your body might not produce enough reproductive hormones. On the other hand, carrying extra weight can affect insulin levels and make ovulation less regular. Studies show that even a small weight gain, about five BMI points can lower your chances of getting pregnant by nearly 25%.

• Minimal Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Menstrual Pain

It’s normal to feel a little discomfort before your period, but very painful cramps or heavy bleeding can be a warning sign. Conditions like endometriosis , fibroids,or even endometrial polyps which affect about 1 in 10 women, can make it harder to conceive. Smooth, manageable cycles usually mean your hormones are in good balance.

When a couple tries to conceive for 12 months but fails, and most importantly ,after trying for even just 6 months , if the woman is over 35 years, they should consult a fertility specialist. Because, early intervention can help to identify underlying issues quickly and help to get improved outcomes.

Fertility is also one of the factors that decides your body’s internal equilibrium.  Therefore, by understanding these signs women can safeguard their reproductive health and make educated decisions by being aware of these covert indicators and getting prompt medical attention before it’s too late.

Hyderabad, Dec 4: Grace Cancer Foundation (GCF), one of India’s leading non-profit organisations dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection, treatment support, rehabilitation and research, celebrated its 12th Anniversary on Thursday at Forum Hall, Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Founded by Dr Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Senior Consultant Surgical & Robotic Oncologist and Clinical Director – Surgical Oncology at Yashoda Hospital, the Foundation has evolved into a global movement committed to reducing the cancer burden through scientific innovation, technology-driven outreach and community-based healthcare initiatives.

On this occasion, Dr Chinnababu Sunkavalli announced that the Grace Cancer Foundation has entered into two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Governments of Meghalaya and Tripura to roll out free cancer screening programmes from February 2026. He said the Foundation began with a noble mission to alleviate the burden of cancer by offering Cure, Care & Compassion to the needy, and over the years, this has transformed into a holistic health campaign striving to create freedom from cancer through education, early detection, timely treatment, rehabilitation and cutting-edge research. Over the past 12 years, Grace Cancer Foundation has touched the lives of 1.4 crore individuals across 130 countries, reflecting its expanding global footprint.

The celebrations were graced by Shri A. V. Ranganath, IPS, Commissioner of HYDRA, Government of Telangana, as Chief Guest, and Dr Shailendra Kumar Joshi, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary of Telangana, and Shri Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner, Hyderabad, as Guests of Honour.

Addressing the 200-plus gathering, Shri A.V. Ranganath, referring to Prof. Arun Tiwari, who spoke before him, remarked that just as Dr Chinnababu works as a surgical oncologist for a cancer-free society, “we too are no less than surgeons. We at HYDRA are also surgeons, removing tumours from society, saving public property from encroachers. We are working to protect public property for a safe, secure and sustainable city.”

He said HYDRA has reclaimed public property worth ₹60,000 crore in the past 15 months since it came into existence and, buoyed by overwhelming public support, has set an ambitious target of reclaiming property worth ₹1 lakh crore in the next one year. “When we reclaim public property, we derive a lot of satisfaction—it is a feel-good factor,” he added, noting that he draws inspiration from Dr Chinnababu and feels recharged by his work.

Dr Shailendra Kumar Joshi and Shri Gareth Wynn Owen lauded the efforts of the Grace Cancer Foundation in taking cancer awareness and screening to the masses.

Prof. Arun Tiwari explained why the HYDRA Commissioner was chosen as Chief Guest, drawing a parallel between Dr Chinnababu, who is working towards a cancer-free society, and Shri A.V. Ranganath, who is working towards encroacher-free public properties.

Their presence underscored the growing recognition of GCF’s work at a time when India faces an alarming rise in cancer cases—over 1.6 million in 2023, with a projected 12.8% increase by 2025.

Early detection continues to be the strongest scientific intervention for improving survival outcomes, and GCF’s model demonstrates the power of accessible and technology-enabled cancer care. In 2024 alone, GCF screened more than 61,000 individuals, leading to over 1,000 early detections.

Its goal for 2025 is to reach one lakh lives through free mobile screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular risk profiling. The anniversary event brought together medical experts, dignitaries, public health professionals, volunteers and supporters to spotlight the innovations, research collaborations and community initiatives that continue to drive the Foundation’s impact.

An annual report was presented, and an annual newsletter was unveiled on the occasion.

Mumbai, Dec 04:  vTitan Corporation, a MedTech company focused on innovative healthcare solutions, today announced the launch of vCardio, a single-lead, wearable point-of-care cardiac monitor. The device is entirely designed and manufactured in India, making vTitan one of the first companies in the country to deliver an end-to-end solution from hardware to cloud-based AI analytics in the health-tech space.

vCardio has been engineered to provide smart, continuous monitoring for early detection of cardiac events and vigilant post-surgery care. With this launch, the company aims to make point-of-care services more accessible for patients and clinics.

“The cardiac monitoring market faces a critical gap,” said Prasad Maganti, CEO, vTitan. “There is an unmet need for point-of-care cardiac screening at ambulatory clinics, for continuous monitoring in pre-and-post-surgical step-down environments, and for prolonged home-based monitoring in cardiac risk patients. When we built vCardio, an edge-AI-enabled cardiac monitor, from ground up keeping clinical work flows in mind, , our aim was to meet this market need, and make cardiac care safer, smarter, and more accessible.”

vCardio is a lightweight, compact point-of-care cardiac monitor designed for remote patient monitoring in homecare, geriatric care, and clinical settings. With Bluetooth connectivity, the device integrates seamlessly with the vCardio mobile app and software platform. Its lightweight construction ensures patient comfort during extended wear periods, supporting continuous monitoring throughout post-care recovery.

With vCardio, patient registration and monitor activation can be done easily, enabling continuous ECG capture and real-time analysis. The system detects abnormalities and alerts clinicians instantly. In clinics, vCardio offers quick 5-10 minute recordings with on-device edge-AI processing. For 7-10 day home monitoring, data is securely uploaded to the cloud for in-depth analysis. It generates cardiac event-based snapshots along with hourly and daily summaries for physician review. Hospitals and clinics can also manage patient records securely while monitoring patients remotely.

vCardio employs AI-powered algorithms to detect and classify over 20 clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias in real-time as well as in the post-recording analysis of cardiac data over the course of a week. With clinically-validated accuracy, and beat-to-beat analysis, vCardio empowers healthcare professionals with faster, more precise rhythm insights, enhancing diagnostic confidence, streamlining clinical workflows, and improving patient outcomes.

In rural areas, where access to medical specialists is limited, vCardio aims to plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery. By utilising baseline data to flag potential health issues through screening, vCardio helps with prevention and mitigation strategies for heart health, providing a vital point-of-care solution for outpatient services in underserved areas.

“By combining patient-friendly design with advanced remote monitoring capabilities, we are aiming to transform cardiac care delivery by eliminating traditional barriers to remote patient monitoring. Our platform empowers healthcare systems to extend clinical-grade cardiac surveillance beyond the hospital walls, driving better outcomes while reducing the cost and complexity of care coordination, no matter where the patient is located,” he added.

Established in 2010, vTitan today offers a wide range of med-tech solutions across infusion, radiology, urology, monitoring, and cardiology, all developed, designed, and manufactured in-house. The company remains committed to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

Noida,  Nov 20:-Medanta Hospital, Noida has successfully treated a 65-year-old patient from Turkmenistan suffering from debilitating right-hand tremors through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, offering him a renewed sense of independence and quality of life.

The patient, who had battled severe tremors for years, struggled with essential daily activities such as eating, writing, and dressing. Despite medical therapy, the tremors progressed to the point where he became dependent on his family for even basic tasks.

After a detailed multidisciplinary evaluation by the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology, the patient was recommended DBS an advanced, FDA-approved surgical therapy for movement disorders.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Yashpal Bundela, Director Neurosurgery; Dr. Anil Dhar, Associate Director, Neurosurgery, and Dr. Namita Kaul, Director Neurology, using state-of-the-art stereotactic navigation and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring to precisely implant electrodes in the movement-regulating areas of the brain.

Within days of the procedure, the patient showed a dramatic reduction in tremors, regained fine motor control, and was able to perform daily tasks with minimal support — a significant milestone after years of struggle.

“DBS is more than a procedure  it is a transformation for patients whose lives are restricted by movement disorders. Seeing such outcomes, especially in international patients who travel with hope, reinforces our commitment to precision care,” said Dr. Yashpal Bundela, Director Neurosurgery

The patient is currently undergoing post-surgical DBS programming sessions and rehabilitation, showing sustained improvement in movement and confidence.

SMT’s Hydra TAVR Valve Demonstrates Sustained Safety, Durability, and Hemodynamic Performance at 5 Years

Sahajanand Medical Technologies’ (SMT) TAVR product Hydra’s 5-year follow-up results from the pivotal Hydra CE Study were presented by Dr. Vilhelmas Bajoras at PCR London Valves 2025. The long-term data reaffirm Hydra’s durable valve performance, sustained hemodynamic improvement, and favourable safety profile in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

The Hydra CE Study, led by Prof. Audrius Aidietis (Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Lithuania) and Prof. Adam Witkowski (National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland), was a prospective, multicenter clinical trial that enrolled 157 patients across Europe. Of these, 54 patients from Lithuania and Poland were followed for up to 5 years, providing valuable long-term evidence on valve durability and clinical outcomes.

At 5 years, Hydra demonstrated high overall survival, low rates of disabling stroke, and durable valve performance with stable gradients and effective orifice area. Importantly, the data confirms favorable valve durability with no cases of structural valve deterioration requiring reintervention, underscoring Hydra’s consistent long-term performance.

The primary endpoint of the long-term cohort was all-cause mortality at 5 years.

Secondary endpoints included cardiovascular mortality, stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation, paravalvular leak, hemodynamic performance (mean gradient and effective orifice area), NYHA functional class improvement, and the absence of structural valve deterioration, endocarditis, or thrombosis.

The all-cause mortality was 24.3%, with cardiovascular mortality of 6.0%. The stroke rate was 12.2%, including two disabling and four non-disabling strokes or transient ischemic attacks. Permanent pacemaker implantation occurred in 16.7% of patients, and notably, no moderate or severe paravalvular leak was observed, at 5 years.

Hydra demonstrated sustained valve function, with effective orifice area increasing from 0.68 ± 0.15 cm² at baseline to 2.09 ± 0.57 cm² (p < 0.001) and mean transvalvular gradient decreasing from 53.4 ± 14.24 mmHg to 8.0 ± 3.14 mmHg (p < 0.001).

In addition, 65% of patients showed an improvement of at least one NYHA class, reflecting sustained symptomatic relief. Importantly, no valve endocarditis, thrombosis, or structural valve deterioration was reported through 5 years.

Commenting on the study results, Prof. Audrius Aidietis, Principal Investigator of the Hydra CE Study, Senior Consultant at Cardiology and Angiology Centre and Cardiac Surgery Centre of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Lithuania said,

“The 5-year results highlight Hydra Valve’s sustained safety, durability and consistent clinical performance. We observed durable valve function, survival and stable hemodynamics through 5 years. These findings underscore the long-term reliability of Hydra in treating patients with severe aortic stenosis.”

Dr. Vilhelmas Bajoras, Co-Investigator of the Hydra CE Study, Clinic of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania added, 

“The absence of structural valve deterioration or significant paravalvular leak at 5 years is an achievement. Hydra continues to demonstrate that self-expanding TAVR technology can deliver durable outcomes and sustained clinical benefits over the long term.”

Dr. Krishna Sudhir, Chief Medical Officer at Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT), added

 “These consistent 5-year outcomes of Hydra showing excellent survival, sustained valve function, and stable hemodynamics, reaffirm our commitment to advancing cardiovascular care through engineering and evidence-based medicine. The valve’s enduring performance underscores our commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and durable TAVR solutions that advance patient outcomes across the globe.”

The 5-year Hydra CE results stand as a testament to SMT’s unwavering commitment to advancing quality-driven, research-based cardiovascular care. Guided by clinical and evidence-based medicine, SMT strives to deliver transformative solutions that address evolving patient needs worldwide. With quality at its heart, the company remains dedicated to its mission of saving millions of lives and improving long-term health outcomes globally.

Mumbai, November 14, 2025:- On World Diabetes Day 2025, the theme “Diabetes and Well-being,” with a special focus on “Diabetes and the Workplace,” brings overdue attention to the need for healthier and more supportive work environments. With India now home to one of the world’s largest populations of people living with diabetes, the condition has become a national health emergency — one that is hitting the working population the hardest.

Diabetes affects more than 100 million Indians, and the number continues to climb. Sedentary office routines, long hours, poor sleep, stress, and irregular meals are pushing younger and middle-aged adults into the high-risk zone at alarming rates. Early-onset diabetes is now increasingly common, leading to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. Without timely management, diabetes can silently erode an individual’s health, productivity, and overall quality of life. This year’s World Diabetes Day campaign calls on organizations to step up and take responsibility. Regular health screenings, access to nutritious food, flexible work timings, stress-relief programs, and simple changes like promoting short activity breaks can significantly reduce diabetes risk and help employees already living with the condition manage it better.

Dr. Mayur Mehta, Endocrinologist at Apex Group of Hospitals, underlined the need for workplace-driven awareness: “Diabetes management extends far beyond medicines. It’s a balance of daily movement, mental resilience, and mindful nutrition. When workplaces support employees with practical health initiatives, they empower them to lead productive, healthier lives. A positive work culture can prevent complications long before they start.”

To mark World Diabetes Day, Apex Group of Hospitals organized awareness drives, free check-ups, and counseling sessions for employees and the community. Participants received guidance on lifestyle habits, early detection, stress management, and mental health support — all crucial pillars of long-term diabetes care.

Apex Group of Hospitals is a leading healthcare provider in Mumbai, known for its advanced infrastructure, specialized departments, and expert medical team. For over 25 years, it has delivered world-class, affordable care while promoting preventive health. With 350+ beds and state-of-the-art facilities across Borivali, Kandivali, and Mulund, Apex Hospitals continue to set high standards in patient-centered, quality healthcare.