Category health

New Delhi, Delhi, India  On World Thalassemia Day, Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) proudly announces its collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the growing burden of thalassemia in India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat thalassemia and ensure the well-being of individuals affected by this inherited blood disorder.

Thalassemia, a condition characterized by insufficient production of hemoglobin, poses a significant health challenge in India, with an estimated 100,000 patients and an alarming annual incidence of 10,000–15,000 children born with thalassemia major. Recognizing the urgent need for action, TPAG and CII have united under the Safe Blood Campaign to organize a series of voluntary blood donation camps tailored specifically for thalassemia patients.

Anubha Taneja-Mukherjee, Member Secretary of TPAG, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Under Safe Blood Campaign, CII and Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) have come together to organize a series of voluntary blood donation camps for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in government hospitals in Delhi.” She emphasized the significance of these camps, timed to coincide with World Thalassemia Day (8th May) and World Blood Donor Day (14th June), in promoting safe blood practices and preventing transfusion-transmitted infections.

To further enhance the safety of donated blood, TPAG urges the government to prioritize the implementation of Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) screening nationwide. This advanced screening method can detect HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, ensuring that only safe blood is transfused to patients. TPAG advocates for the establishment of stringent blood laws to enforce these vital screening protocols across the country.

While acknowledging India’s potential for groundbreaking research in thalassemia treatment, TPAG emphasizes the need for regulatory evolution to align with international standards. Despite recent advancements, hemoglobinopathies continue to strain the healthcare system, highlighting the importance of ongoing research, improved accessibility to screening methods, and the exploration of curative options like gene therapy.

As the fight against thalassemia progresses, TPAG calls for collective action from healthcare professionals, policymakers, NGOs, and the public. Early detection through genetic testing, modernization of healthcare infrastructure, and increased access to blood banks are crucial steps towards reducing the burden of thalassemia and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

TPAG remains committed to advocating for the prevention and treatment of thalassemia and invites stakeholders from all sectors to join in this vital mission.

11th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  OMRON Healthcare India, the Indian arm of the Japanese global leader in medical equipment for home health monitoring and treatment, has announced its collaboration with AliveCor India, the Indian subsidiary of the global leader in FDA-cleared, CE marked and CDSCO approved personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology. With this partnership, OMRON Healthcare India now offers AI-based handheld ECG technology besides being a top blood pressure monitor player in India.

This collaboration, marking a significant milestone in OMRON’s “Going for Zero” vision to enhance cardiovascular health awareness and prevent incidents, brings forth devices including the first home BPM+ECG Monitoring FDA cleared Device (blood pressure monitor with AliveCor ECG capability in a single device) for early CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) detection and management and AliveCor’s FDA-cleared world’s most clinically-validated and pocket-sized personal ECGs. These devices instantly detect various arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (Afib), bradycardia, tachycardia, and more.

OMRON Healthcare has been at the forefront of hypertension management for almost half a century, pioneering innovative solutions to tackle this silent threat. However, as time has advanced, OMRON has come to realize the necessity of expanding its scope beyond hypertension. With a deeper dive into cardiovascular health, the company has unearthed the crucial role of Afib as a significant contributor to stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. Furthermore, hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for the development of AFib.

Afib disrupts the normal heartbeat and causes small & irregular vibrations in the heart, leading to the collection of blood inside. This can create a clot in the heart, which can travel to the brain, and cause a stroke. “Stroke risk is 3.4 times higher with hypertension, but it is 5 times higher with Afib, and so if people frequently have Afib, they may face a stroke shortly. This signifies that monitoring both ECG and blood pressure at home and keeping the doctor informed is crucial for the early management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health conditions like stroke, “says Tetsuya Yamada, Managing Director, OMRON Healthcare India.

India has more than 220 million people who suffer from high blood pressure, but a WHO study showed that only 15% of them receive treatment and 5% of them use a digital BP monitor. This implies that most of them are unaware of their condition, or they don’t get the proper treatment. If this is the case for hypertension monitoring, one can estimate that the gap for ECG monitoring will be enormous.

Elaborating on the collaboration with AliveCor, Tetsuya Yamada further added, “Guided by our vision” – “Going for Zero,” to eliminate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease episodes, we are collaborating with like-minded organizations such as AliveCor to provide new technologies that enhance accuracy, quality, and accessibility of home as well as remote patient monitoring, empowering individuals to manage their conditions effectively. The collaboration will also help to answer one of the underlying social issues which is the limited number of cardiologists in the country. With these innovative devices, we can cut down on the waiting period for ECG measurement and also enhance accessibility which will help the patients keep their doctors and caregivers informed in a convenient and real-time manner to make them make more informed and better decision-making for cardiovascular health management.”

Anuj Seth, Managing Director, of AliveCor India said on the occasion, “At AliveCor, delivering cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes cardiac care through mobile technology is ingrained in our ethos. We are dedicated to expanding access to remote patient care to reach as many individuals as possible. Partnering with OMRON Healthcare India allows us to extend the reach of our products to more patients, thereby saving more lives.”

Products

OMRON COMPLETE – ECG Machine + BP Monitor

• First FDA-cleared home monitoring device integrating both blood pressure monitoring and ECG capabilities into a single unit, aimed at early detection and management of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). It features advanced technology for accurate and reliable readings, as well as a user-friendly interface and compact design for easy use at home or on the go for both individuals and professionals.

KardiaMobile®

• A single-lead personal ECG monitoring product that records a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG) on smartphone in 30 seconds anytime, anywhere.
• It is FDA-cleared, CE marked & CDSCO approved. It has been clinically validated to be an accurate and reliable device to monitor the electrical activity of the heart with AI technology.
• AliveCor’s Kardia technology is the first FDA-cleared AI-enabled determinations of the heart rhythm to aid patients and clinicians in the early detection of atrial fibrillation (Afib), the most common arrhythmia and Afib associated with a highly-elevated risk of stroke.
• The report can be saved and shared safely and easily over the phone with the doctor.

KardiaMobile® 6L

• A Bluetooth-enabled ECG device that captures 6 times the heart data as compared to single-lead ECG giving you and your doctor a more detailed view of your heart.
• Easy to record an ECG in 30 seconds anytime, anywhere, it is the first and only FDA-cleared six-lead personal ECG. Also, CE-marked and CDSCO approved, it can fit inside a pocket and detect more arrhythmias than any other personal ECG device.
• It offers physicians six views into a patient’s heart instead of one and can detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, sinus rhythm with supraventricular ectopy, sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions, and sinus rhythm with wide QRS, in addition to normal heart rhythm.
• One can record, save, and share the report easily and safely over the phone with one’s doctor for better and informed disease management. Apt for professional use too.

Thane- Individualswith diabetes, especially when it is uncontrolled, are at a higher risk ofdeveloping neuropathic pain. Diabetes damages blood vessels, causing them tonarrow, which slows down the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.This poor blood flow can harm the nerves, leading to neuropathic pain. Consistentlyhigh blood sugar levels can disrupt the cells of the nerves, impairing theirfunction. This increases the likelihood of nerve damage, making it harder forthe nerves to repair themselves. Peoplewith diabetes may also be deficient in certain vitamins, such as vitamin B,which are crucial for nerve health. Inadequate levels of these vitamins canworsen the symptoms of neuropathy. Diabetic individuals face an elevated risk of developingdiabetic neuropathic pain. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerves,particularly affecting the peripheral nervous system, which lies outside thebrain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system helps with sensations andmovements in the arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Indiabetic neuropathy, high levels of triglycerides in the blood can alsocontribute to nerve damage. Symptomsof diabetic neuropathy include tingling, cramps, burning, pain, and weakness,often starting in the hands and feet and spreading to the arms. Ifa person with diabetes has a wound on their feet that isn’t healing,experiences weakness, tingling, pain in their hands or feet, or notices changesin digestion or other bodily functions, it is crucial to consult a doctorpromptly. Accordingto Dr. Vyankatesh Bolegave from Nector Hospital Thane, controlling diabetes can helpreduce neuropathic pain. Proper management of the condition can prevent furthernerve damage and provide effective treatment for neuropathic pain. For anypain-related concerns, seek medical advice from a doctor.

5th July 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India  A first-of-its-kind clinical trial in India shows remarkable results for people with diabetes. The trial was conducted using BugSpeaks, a flagship technology of Leucine Rich Bio, India’s first microbiome-based company. BugSpeaks is a gut microbiome profiling test that provides nutritional recommendations based on the individual’s gut microbiota profile. With India being called the diabetes capital of the world housing more than 101 million people with diabetes, the results of this study are groundbreaking for the prevention and management of diabetes.

The clinical trial included 30 Indian adults in the age group 42-65, both male and female, with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). Study subjects were divided into two groups: one received the BugSpeaks-based personalized diet and the other a regular diet for 3 months. The patients who were given a BugSpeaks-based personalized diet showed excellent results across various parameters when examined on day 90 of the study. Their average HbA1c levels were brought down from 8.30 to 6.67, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 14%, and CRP levels, a marker of inflammation, were decreased by 20%. The study has been uploaded onto a preprint server MedRxiv and is undergoing peer review in an International scientific journal.

Speaking on the promising results of the clinical trial, Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder & Director (Business Development and Innovation), Leucine Rich Bio, and the lead author of the study says, “In this study, we have highlighted the positive effect of gut microbiota based personalized nutrition on hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and inflammation markers. This “proof of concept” clinical trial shows that BugSpeaks based nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota can impact the health positively and can supplement medication for diseases like type 2 diabetes.”

He adds, “We plan to conduct more such trials in the coming months for other diseases for which we have anecdotal evidence. Gut microbiota modulation through nutrition can provide a new dimension in the precision or personalized healthcare paradigm and this study is a step towards that direction.”

The study also found that the number of beneficial microorganisms like Phascolarctobacterium succinates, Bifidobacterium angulatum, and Levilactobacillus brevis, increased two-fold and a similar decrease was observed in non-beneficial species like Alistipes finegoldii and Sutterella faecalis. Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota is important as an imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can cause or aggravate different diseases including but not limited to digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and menstrual problems.

Dr. Dhar has previously published two research reviews in renowned peer-reviewed scientific journals: one on the possible link between the gut microbiota and COVID-19 (Virus Research Journal) and another one on the potential impact of nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota in dealing with mental health issues during COVID-19 (Frontiers of Neuroscience journal).

4th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Happiest Health announced the appointment of Dr Sreenivasan Narayana as President & Chief Executive Officer of the knowledge, health, and wellness enterprise’s new division – Healthcare Services. This will help Happiest Health to strengthen its offerings in the healthcare services sector.

Dr. Sreenivasan Narayana is an ENT surgeon who has worked in renowned healthcare organizations such as the Apollo Hospitals Group and Narayana Health. He also founded Doctree Health, a start-up aimed at affordable treatments. Dr Sreenivasan completed his postgraduate program in management at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, where he undertook a full semester exchange MBA program at The Wharton School, USA.

Speaking on the appointment, Davis Karedan, co-chairman of Happiest Health, said, “We are pleased to welcome Dr Sreenivasan (Sreeni) to the Happiest Health team. His appointment represents a significant milestone as we expand our presence in the health and wellness sector. With the appointment of Sreeni, we have filled all our 4 division head positions at Happiest Health: knowledge, diagnostics, healthcare, and wellness.”

Dr Sreenivasan Narayana expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am delighted to be a part of the Happiest Health family. The company’s goals and vision for healthcare in the country resonate strongly with my own, and I believe we can accomplish a lot together. I look forward to working with the fantastic team and taking Happiest Health to greater heights.”

Ashok Soota, Chairman of Happiest Health, said, “Dr. Sreenivasan joins Happiest Health with a wealth of expertise, experience, and ideas. The synergy between our knowledge, diagnostics, healthcare, and wellness businesses will help Happiest Health to progress towards its goal of doing an IPO in 6 years.”

4th July 2024 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  Be Well Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., a pioneer in innovative advanced healthcare solutions, proudly announces the successful completion of its third “Inter-Unit Sports Gala Meet 2024” held at Chennai YMCA Ground, Nandhanam, Chennai.

This event, marking the 13th anniversary of Be Well Hospitals, saw enthusiastic participation from 200 players representing various units across the Be Well Group. The day was filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and celebration, reinforcing the spirit of unity and teamwork among the group of hospitals.

Be Well conducts inter-unit sports meet within a hospital group to bring forth numerous positive outcomes like Promoting Team Spirit and Unity, Improving Physical and Mental Health, Boosting Morale and Motivation, Promoting Work-Life Balance, Building a Positive Organizational Image, Encouraging Healthy Competition, Fun and Enjoyment. Participating in sports meets offered all Be Welliansa chance to have fun and enjoy themselves outside of their regular duties and as a stress buster.

The two-day Sports Gala Meet has become a highly anticipated event in the Be Well Hospitals calendar, fostering a sense of community and promoting a healthy lifestyle among its employees. This year’s event featured a range of sports and activities, Badminton, Carrom Board, Chess, Cricket, Ring Ball, Volleyball, and Relay providing a platform for employees to showcase their athletic skills and enjoy a day of fun and fitness.

As a special gesture, many special guests graced the event and inaugurated every game to motivate and inspire Be Williams.

• Mr. K.B. Arun Karthik – Wicket Keeper, Batsman, Ranji Trophy, IPL & TNPL Cricketer – Highlighted the importance of sports in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. K. Anbarasi – MD, DMRT, CCEPC, Senior Consultant – Oncology- Appreciates the strong Women Be Wellians representation in all games
• Dr Santhosh Jacob MBBS., DNB., Mch, DABRM. Phd., Orthopedic Surgeon & Internet Personality- Gave an overview of how to avoid sports injury and what’s to be done as first aid for any sports injury
• Mr. A. Manoharan – International Volleyball Player, Manager, Indian Bank- Gave his high regards to Be Well for making Be Wellians encourage to play Volley Ball and keep this sports glory high.
• Mr. L.M. Manoj – National Team Volleyball Player, Asian Games Player- Appreciated the enthusiasm shown by Be Wellians
• Ms. Nithya K – Motivational Speaker & Trainer for UPSC Students, Shankar IAS Academy- Encouraged all participants to give it their best and advise on living a healthy life

On Day 2 Be Well launched a Tree Plantation Initiative for the 13th Anniversary of Be Well Hospitals symbolizing its commitment to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and a healthier future for all. This was done in association with Vidhaikalam Trust- which conducts tree plantation activities every Sunday in various places across Chennai, Pudukottai, and the entire Tamil Nadu.

Be Well Hospital Group’s Third Inter-Unit Sports Gala Meet 2024 concluded with a grand closing ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Actor Prashanth. The event featured a prize-giving ceremony to honor the winners of the sports competition.

Actor Prashanth, Prashanth Thiagarajan, often hailed as the “Top Star” and “KathalIlavarasan” (Prince of Love), is a renowned figure in the Tamil film industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Prashanth has demonstrated remarkable versatility and skill, earning him a special place in the hearts of moviegoers.

Beyond his on-screen achievements, Prashanth is also known for his humility and professionalism, qualities that have earned him respect within the industry. The “Top Star” is truly a gem in the crown of Indian cinema.

Be Wellians were inspired and so happy to receive the prizes from Mr. Prashanth. He gave a very eloquent speech to all Be Wellians to take good care of their health. He was impressed and said he would like to come and participate as a player in the next year sports meet.

Dr. C.J. Vetrievel – Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director – Be Well Hospitals quoted “As Be Well Hospitals continues to grow and innovate in the healthcare sector, events like these highlight the organization’s commitment to employee well-being and engagement. The Sports Gala Meet not only celebrates the achievements of the past year but also looks forward to future successes and milestones.”

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Among the various AI applications, voicebots are emerging as transformative tools. These AI-driven assistants are revolutionizing the way healthcare providers interact with patients, manage medical records, and streamline administrative tasks. By leveraging natural language processing and machine learning, voicebots offer personalized patient engagement, 24/7 support, and accurate data handling, significantly reducing the burden on human staff. This integration of AI voicebots is not only improving patient outcomes but also ensuring a more efficient and responsive healthcare system. The following explores the top four AI voicebots that are at the forefront of this transformation, showcasing their innovative capabilities and the impact they are making in the healthcare industry.

Superbot

Superbot is an intelligent, AI-powered voice agent startup based out of Gurugram. It was started in
2018 and was founded by Mr. Sarvagya Mishra and Mr. Ankit Ruia. It is bridging the communication
gap between organizations and their clients. The Co-founders envision a future where every local
business or shop will be equipped to operate a full-fledged customer support center,
notwithstanding any delays or lags in communication and the consequent loss of revenue.

Yellow.ai

Bengaluru-based Yellow.ai (Yellow Messenger) is an enterprise AI channel for customer engagement. The proprietary technology enables seamless orchestration between bots, applications, and humans; enabling enterprise-ready implementation for managing HR, Sales and Marketing, Customer Support, and ITSM Automation across industries. Yellow Messenger’s portfolio includes Telephony Smart Assistant, Chat Smart Assistant, WhatsApp for Business Automation, and Omni-Channel Digital Assistant with an integrated engagement suite consisting of AI-enabled ticketing, notifications, user management to drive enterprise adoption. Some of its clients include BYJU, Flipkart, Udaan, 1mg, and TATA Power to name a few.

Gnani.ai

Gnani.ai develops voice assistants and speech analytics products for multiple languages including Indic languages. It aims to empower enterprises with the power of voice. Gnani. Ai’s speech-to-text engine is currently available in Indian English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Punjabi, Nepali & Urdu. Their domain-specific speech-to-text engines can be tuned according to the requirements. Their engines can be deployed across industries ranging from contact centers to E-commerce. Gnani’s solutions include Enterprise Customer Care Automation, Voice Assistants, and Voice biometrics.

Observe AI

Observe AI is a California-based startup that empowers call center agents guiding them with real-time feedback on customer sentiment and guiding them on the next best action during a customer call. The artificial intelligence-based platform listens to the call in real time uses deep learning and natural language processing to understand the context and generates suggestions. Observe AI has been funded by Scale Venture Partners, 01 Advisors, Steadview Capital, and Nexus Venture Partners, amongst others.

GenieTalk.ai

Indore-based GenieTalk.ai is an AI-first CPaaS provider empowering enterprises to deliver an effortless experience to their customers across several mediums, including chat, voice, call, and email. Their delivery model is a SaaS platform through which the customer can use the chatbot by embedding a small script into their services. This can be purchased as a plan or pay-as-you-go service. They have developed their in-house and IATA Certified Travel application OGenie available on the Play Store and App Store, with an inbuilt voice-activated virtual travel assistant (Virtual Travel Buddy) Genie, which is intended as a travel concierge service.

A Deep Dive into the Panacea of Modern Cosmetology and Dermatology

Beautyesthetics by Dr. Priya Parekh stands as a testament to the fusion of beauty and aesthetics, setting an unparalleled standard in the fields of Cosmetology and Dermatology in Pune. This article marks our second coverage of Dr. Parekh’s transformative work, and it delves deeper into how her unique approach and unwavering dedication have positioned Beautyesthetics as a frontrunner in the industry.

Dr. Priya Parekh, a distinguished TEDx speaker, has built a name that resonates with excellence and innovation in medical aesthetics. Her clinic, situated on the prestigious Bhandarkar Road, has become a haven for those seeking bespoke beauty solutions. Dr. Parekh’s philosophy revolves around a personalized elixir vitae, tailored to bring a radiant glow and renewed confidence to her patients. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of treatments, from complete makeovers and Botox to cosmetic surgeries and lip augmentations.

The Vision and Mastery of Dr. Priya Parekh

With over 15 years of rich experience, Dr. Parekh had a vision to create a sanctuary where clients would feel pampered, well-facilitated, and at ease. She envisioned a place that offered an all-encompassing answer to beauty concerns, and today, her dream stands realized. Beautyesthetics is a culmination of her dedication to integrating aesthetics with beauty in a grandiose manner.

Her clientele is a testament to her skill and reputation, ranging from eminent socialites, fashion models, and politicians to the general populace of Pune and neighboring cities. Her clients seek her out for her unparalleled ability to blend medical expertise with an artist’s touch, transforming their appearance and boosting their self-esteem.

Challenges and Triumphs in the Realm of Cosmetic Medicine

Dr. Priya Parekh candidly speaks about the challenges inherent in her role as a Cosmetic Physician and Surgeon. Patients often approach her with insecurities and low self-confidence. Dr. Parekh’s approach involves making her patients comfortable, understanding their concerns, and explaining the procedures in a way that fosters trust and reassurance. The aesthetic setup of her clinic further enhances the patient experience, making each visit a step towards a more confident self.

The journey of addressing each patient’s unique needs is met with deadlines and challenges. However, Dr. Parekh and her team tackle these with finesse, continuously raising the bar for excellence. Their success stories are reflected in the morale and dedication of the team, making Beautyesthetics the go-to clinic for cosmetology solutions.

Comprehensive Solutions for Every Need

Beautyesthetics is renowned for its wide array of treatments, including Medifacials, wrinkle treatments, wart and mole removals, microblading, micro pigmentation, and a host of tribological solutions for hair growth, dandruff, and hair fall. Dr. Parekh’s commitment to proper counseling and guidance ensures that every patient receives a solution that is as effective as it is uplifting.

Her accolades are numerous, with awards recognizing her achievements as an Occupational Therapist and as a Woman of Substance. Titles such as “I Inspire Woman” are among the many laurels she holds, reflecting her profound impact on the field.

Beyond Professional Achievements: A Heart for Social Change

Dr. Priya Parekh’s dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has committed a significant part of her life to her NGO, MeToWe Mission 2034, which has focused on men’s empowerment and gender neutrality since 2019. Her work in this area emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in men, pre-marriage counseling, and creating a gender-neutral environment for children. Her workshops for teenage boys and their parents regarding puberty have been groundbreaking.

Notably, Dr. Parekh takes pride in being the first to celebrate International Men’s Day in Pune, underscoring her commitment to social change and gender equality.
A Legacy of Beauty, Confidence, and Social Impact

In conclusion, Beautyesthetics by Dr. Priya Parekh is more than a clinic; it is a beacon of beauty, confidence, and social impact. Her state-of-the-art facility rejuvenates physical appearance and instills a renewed sense of self in her patients. Dr. Parekh’s holistic approach, combining aesthetic expertise with a genuine concern for her patients’ well-being, is what sets Beautyesthetics apart. Her journey from a dream to a recognized name in medical aesthetics is an inspiring tale of dedication, innovation, and social responsibility.

New Delhi, Delhi, India BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today announced a strategic partnership with Healthians, India’s premier diagnostics service provider, to advance cervical cancer screening by offering an innovative option for women in India to self-collect a sample in the privacy of their own homes.

For women in India, social stigma around getting a pelvic examination, lack of time, embarrassment, fear, and inconvenience are among the key barriers to screening. At-home self-collection can help address the urgent public health challenge of reaching women who do not attend routine cervical cancer screening. The objective of this partnership is to improve the access of cervical cancer screening in India, where less than 2% of women are currently being screened.

Mr. Deepak Sahni, Founder & Chairman, Healthians said, “At Healthians, we envision a world where we’re not just fighting diseases but preventing them. With our HPV self-testing initiative, we’re providing a path to early detection of cervical cancer, levelling the playing field in a battle where time is of essence. With our strong foothold in the market as a Direct-to-Consumer player since our inception in 2014, we believe we are in the best position to bring about substantial awareness on cervical cancer risk screening, offering women a convenient platform to get tested from the privacy of their homes. We stand together in this journey with BD, for a future where the screening of ‘cervical cancer’ becomes a routine affair.”

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, recognizing the potential to virtually eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. The strategy established clear targets to achieve by 2030 for HPV vaccination coverage (>90%), screening coverage (>70%) and access to treatment (>90%).

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer, however, is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer if detected early. The key to prevention and patient safety lies in timely screening. Our at-home self-collection, in partnership with Healthians aims to provide women exactly that – increased access to HPV testing by enabling them to collect a sample in the privacy of their homes. This is aligned with BD’s purpose of advancing the world of health by expanding access to healthcare for superior patient outcomes.”

As per IARC Information Center on HPV and Cancer, current estimates indicate that every year 123907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 77348 die from the disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in India and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Almost all cervical cancer cases (more than 95%) are caused by persistent genital high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai

Scleroderma happens when one’s body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Hence, one sees an overproduction of collagen, causing thickening and hardening of the skin and other connective tissues. However, the exact cause behind this condition is not fully understood yet. Those detected with this condition will notice symptoms such as skin changes, joint pain, digestive issues, lung complications, and damage to internal organs. This condition can be embarrassing, and distressing and lead to low self-esteem. People with this condition will often be stressed, anxious, or depressed.

The different types of it are localized scleroderma, which impacts only one part of the body that is the skin. It won’t spread to other body parts. Systemic sclerosis takes a toll on the respiratory system and digestive tract. Another is diffuse sclerosis which spreads throughout the body and causes thickening of the skin on the chest, abdomen, arms, legs, and even face. CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) syndrome is another form of scleroderma. The “C” stands for calcinosis, where calcium deposits are seen under the skin on the fingers or other body parts. “R” means Raynaud’s phenomenon, wherein one has a spasm of blood vessels in the fingers or toes because of cold or stress. The “E” is esophageal dysmotility, causing difficulty in swallowing. The “S” is for sclerodactyly, tightening of the skin causing the fingers to bend. “T” for telangiectasia is dilated vessels on the skin of the fingers and face.

The complications of this condition: Scleroderma syndrome (strikes when the immune system damages the glands that tend to produce and control moisture in your body). The other worrisome problems linked to this condition are kidney failure, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, congestive heart failure, and gastrointestinal disease.

The diagnosis: Various blood tests, CT scans, X-rays, endoscopy, pulmonary function test, or a biopsy can be conducted to determine if one is suffering from this condition. The doctor will initiate treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed.

The treatment: One will be advised of creams, moisturizers, immunosuppressants, medication, or phototherapy to deal with the symptoms of this condition. It is better to follow the instructions of an expert and manage his condition to be able to improve your quality of life and do daily activities with ease.

The last word: To prevent this condition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle via balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quitting tobacco and alcohol, and going for regular check-ups with the doctor can prevent this condition.