Category health

Neurological conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with the global burden of illness and disability rising substantially over the last few decades. In India, they account for about 10% of the total disease burden.

Gurugram-based Medanta The Medicity, named Best Private Hospital in India by Newsweek for six years in a row, is an internationally known destination for Deep Brain Stimulation therapy, also known as ‘Brain-Pacemaker surgery’ offering new hope to patients living with neurologically driven disabilities. This neurostimulation procedure, offered by Dr. Anirban Deep Banerjee, Director, Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurosciences at Medanta Gurugram, is known to bring relief to advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, refractory epilepsy (adult onset), essential tremor, and advanced obsessive-compulsive disorder

This comprehensive treatment combines cutting-edge technology with personalised care. Medanta, one of the largest private multi-specialty tertiary and quaternary care providers in the country, employs advanced imaging techniques for precise brain targeting and utilizes state-of-the-art innovations, such as directional leads for multi-dimensional neuromodulation and real-time brain-sensing biomarker feedback for symptom-responsive stimulation.

Dr. Anirban Deep Banerjee, Director, Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurosciences at Medanta Gurugram said;

“While we have recognised effective, advanced treatments like DBS surgery to help transform lives, access remains a significant challenge especially in the low- and middle-income countries. At Medanta, we are committed to improving access to state-of-the-art interventions like DBS and helping patients regain quality of life when medicines and other conventional treatments can no longer manage symptoms. DBS or Brain Pacemaker Surgery is a transformative therapy wherein electrodes are implanted in specific affected areas of the brain to regulate abnormal signals, restoring motor function, and greatly enhancing quality of life.”

Dr. Banerjee has performed well over 300 DBS procedures over the past decade-and-a-half with remarkable success rates, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most trusted neurosurgeons for DBS surgery in this part of the world. At Medanta, DBS also includes patient/condition-specific advanced AI-guided brain area targeting and remote programming capabilities.

Mumbai,  Dec 17: Dr Batra’s today announced the appointment of Deepak Pant as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 27th November 2025. In this role, he will focus on advancing the company’s mission of delivering holistic healthcare, expanding accessibility, and contributing to the vision of giving people a safer choice of medicine through Homeopathy.

Deepak brings over two decades of experience across Consumer Goods, Digital Commerce, and Technology-driven businesses. His career spans impactful leadership roles at Procter & Gamble Singapore, Marico, Zee Entertainment, Purplle.com, and most recently, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, where he led the Personal Care vertical and built digital-first brands from the grounds up, driving growth and profitability.

An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C), Deepak has deep expertise in Marketing, Brand Building, Digital Marketing, P&L Management, and Category Development.

At Dr Batra’s, Deepak Pant will drive strategic growth across Homeopathy, Aesthetics, Products, and Clinic Expansion, including over 200 clinics in India and abroad, Virtual Clinics, and international presence. He will lead initiatives to enhance patient services and digital outreach, while overseeing core operational functions to deliver an elevated patient experience and expand Dr Batra’s wellness offerings.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Akshay Batra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Batra’s  Healthcare, said;

“We are thrilled to welcome Deepak Pant to Dr Batra’s As we enter a new phase of growth, Deepak’s leadership will help enhance our operational excellence and scale our healthcare services within India and abroad. We look forward to him taking the mandate from the Board and delivering it with focus and professionalism.”

Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra’s Healthcare, added;
“His diversified operational and strategic background, combined with strong execution capabilities, will be instrumental as we enhance patient experience, strengthen our digital presence, and expand wellness offerings across Homeopathy, Aesthetics, Products, and Clinics in India and abroad.”

Speaking on his new role, Deepak Pant, Group COO, Dr Batra’s said;

“I am delighted to join Dr Batra’s, a brand making a real difference in people’s lives through safe homeopathic alternatives. I look forward to collaborating with the team to enhance service delivery, reinforce patient trust, and drive strategic expansion across Homeopathy, Aesthetics, Products, and Clinic Networks including Virtual Clinics in India and international markets.”

Dr Batra’s remains committed to its patient-first philosophy, prioritising accessible healthcare, community engagement, and social impact. The organisation continues to strengthen the well-being of individuals and communities it serves, readying itself for the next phase of growth.

Dec 17: The Department of Oncological Sciences at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, hosted the “Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025” on December 13, bringing together clinicians, NGOs, healthcare leaders, and community organisations to address India’s escalating cancer burden and the urgent need for accessible, affordable, and collaborative oncology care.

According to GLOBOCAN data, India reported an estimated 1.41 million new cancer cases and over 900,000 deaths in 2022, with one in nine Indians facing a lifetime risk of cancer. Annual treatment costs often exceed INR 3 lakh per patient, pushing families into debt, asset liquidation, and long-term financial distress. Against this backdrop, the conference provided a national platform to strengthen partnerships among doctors, NGOs, hospitals, and support networks for sustainable cancer care.

Smt. Parisha Sarnaik, President of Vihang Charitable Trust, along with actors Sakshi Tanwar and Ishtiyak Khan, highlighted the importance of cancer awareness and community engagement, commending KIMS Hospitals for building a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem with site-specific oncology teams under one roof.

The conference featured discussions on oncology sub-specialties, affordable diagnostic pathways, multidisciplinary care models, continuity of treatment, NGO-led intervention frameworks, and patient-centric rehabilitation and survivorship support. Over 45 NGOs participated, showcasing initiatives in early detection, patient navigation, financial assistance, and community-based preventive programs.

Mr. Saurabh Gupta, Regional COO of KIMS Hospitals, Thane, emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver world-class cancer treatment that remains financially accessible, highlighting collaboration as the foundation of a sustainable care framework.

Dr. Anil Heroor, Director of Oncological Sciences and Organising Chairman, noted that modern cancer care requires unified strategies integrating early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term follow-up. Dr. Vani Parmar, Head of Breast Oncosurgery, stressed the importance of women-centric cancer pathways through evidence-based care, counseling, and holistic rehabilitation. Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant Head and Neck Oncosurgeon and Organising Secretary, addressed India’s disproportionately high burden of head and neck cancers, emphasizing prevention, awareness, and integrated treatment systems to improve outcomes.

Led by Organising Chairman Dr. Anil Heroor and Organising Secretary Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi, the Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025 reaffirmed KIMS Hospitals Thane’s commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative oncology ecosystem. The event highlighted the collective resolve to make advanced cancer care accessible, humane, and affordable for every patient, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 17:Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar has successfully performed a highly complex Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation  on an elderly woman suffering from severe aortic stenosis, marking a significant milestone in advanced cardiac care in the region.

The procedure was carried out at the hospital’s cardiac unit by Dr. Dibya Ranjan Behera, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, along with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. The patient had presented with recurrent fainting episodes and chest pain and was diagnosed with critical narrowing of the aortic valve, necessitating urgent intervention. Given her advanced age and multiple comorbidities, conventional open-heart surgery posed substantial risks, making TAVI the safest and most effective minimally invasive option.

The case was particularly challenging due to severe calcification of the patient’s aorta and femoral arteries, a condition known as porcelain aorta, which ruled out standard transfemoral access for the procedure. Alternative access routes were carefully assessed but deemed unsuitable. To overcome this obstacle, the cardiology team employed intravascular lithotripsy  an advanced technique used to fracture calcium deposits within the artery successfully widening the calcified femoral artery and enabling safe passage of the catheter system.

Following adequate vessel preparation, a balloon-expandable valve was precisely implanted, restoring normal valve function. The patient’s post-procedure recovery has been remarkable, with complete resolution of symptoms and a swift return to daily activities.

Commenting on the success of the procedure, Dr. Dibya Ranjan Behera said;

“TAVI has transformed cardiac care for elderly and high-risk patients. Performing an IVL-assisted TAVI in such a complex scenario required meticulous planning, technical precision, and seamless teamwork. This achievement underscores our ability to manage even the most challenging cardiac conditions using advanced interventional techniques.”

With this landmark procedure, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar continues to set new benchmarks in cardiac interventions, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class patient care through innovation, expertise, and clinical excellence.

Kochi, Dec 16: Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, today announced the launch of Ozempic® (injectable semaglutide) in India. Ozempic® is a once-weekly GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist) indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults living with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The arrival of Ozempic® in India comes at a crucial time. According to the World Health Organisation’s 2023-24 estimates, India has 101 million (roughly 11.4 % of India’s population) people living with diabetes, making it the second largest diabetes-affected populations in the world after China. The country also has 136 million individuals with prediabetes and 254 million people living with generalised obesity, signalling an accelerating health challenge that requires effective, evidence-based therapies.

Clinical benefits of Ozempic®:

• Demonstrated powerful HbA1c reduction with compelling weight-loss benefits, supporting better metabolic health
• Suitable for adults with HbA1c ≥=7%, including those with high cardiovascular risk or established cardiovascular disease
• Provides additional lowering of cardiovascular events, a key concern for people with long-standing T2DM
• Offers protection against chronic kidney disease progression, supporting long-term health outcomes

“Bringing Ozempic® to India is a major milestone” said Vikrant Shrotriya – Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India. “Backed by global trust, proven clinical excellence & world class quality, reinforced by a robust supply chain, Ozempic® offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice. Our goal is to provide patients an innovative & accessible therapy that offers improved glycaemic control, meaningful weight management and long-term heart and kidney protection – all delivered through a simple, easy-to-use pen device. This once-weekly treatment demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s ongoing commitment to better health outcomes and chronic disease care.”

How does Ozempic® work?

Ozempic® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps:

• Improve glycaemic control and reduce HbA1c
• Regulate appetite and food intake by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger
• Support weight loss in people with T2DM
• Reduce risks of cardiovascular and kidney complications associated with diabetes

Its once-weekly administration and globally trusted safety profile make it a preferred treatment option in clinical practice across several countries.

Ozempic®, the original GLP-1 RA (semaglutide) therapy, has been researched and developed by Novo Nordisk for over 20 years and is backed by over 38 million patient-years of global clinical use. Semaglutide was recently included in WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines – highlighting the proven health benefits of this innovative treatment for people living with diabetes and obesity.

Ozempic® is now available in India as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg in FlexTouch® Pen – an easy-to-use, once-weekly pen device. The multiple dosing strengths support physician-guided titration and long-term diabetes management.

Hyderabad, Dec 15: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s healthcare workforce, Ebekmed, in collaboration with the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) launched AHPI SHiNE Labs in Hyderabad — the country’s first stand-alone Co-Skills Hub dedicated exclusively to hospital workforce training.

The Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) is India’s largest and most representative body of private healthcare providers. It is a national, not-for-profit apex association that represents hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and healthcare institutions across India, ranging from small clinics to large multi-speciality hospital chains.

It was launched formally by Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) virtually on Monday morning at Punjagutta.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Girdhar Gyani said, “Hyderabad city has about 126 private hospitals with over 100 beds, and total hospital bed spaces (all sizes combined) of around 12,000, including smaller facilities. Nursing is the backbone of healthcare, and nursing care contributes significantly to patient safety.”

Mr. G. Sreekanthan, Managing Director, Ebekmed, said, “We are skill partners for hospitals. Our research, including a skill hackathon involving 2,400 students, revealed a significant gap in the knowledge levels of graduating students, highlighting the need for a specialised training partner. Confidence and competence are critical. India has nearly 3,000 nursing colleges, with about 2 lakh nursing students graduating each year. Upskilling is the need of the hour to create a job-ready nursing workforce.”

He added, “Hyderabad has 297 NABH-accredited hospitals, indicating strong demand for the services we offer. If required, we may expand further within the city. We are also keen on expanding to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.”

Through Certified Clinical Competency Courses, online programs, and structured learning bundles aligned with NABH essential procedures, AHPI SHiNE Labs will enable nurses and allied health professionals to develop competencies required in modern hospitals. The offering includes essential certification courses and advanced procedures across multiple specialties, ensuring hospitals have access to a pipeline of skilled, assessment-ready professionals said R Govind Hari.

Equally significant are the hands-on workshops and the establishment of Co-Skills Hubs—state-of-the-art simulation facilities equipped with modern resources. This ensures learning goes beyond theory and is rooted in real-world clinical practice under qualified clinical educators, shared Mr. Govind Hari.

Conceptualised as a shared, professional training ecosystem, AHPI SHiNE Labs aims to support hospitals with structured hands-on practice, standardised learning frameworks, and adoption of best clinical practices, without disrupting hospital operations. The initiative is designed to equip, upskill, and empower healthcare professionals across a wide spectrum of hospitals.

The Hyderabad AHPI SHiNE Lab features state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced simulation and skills-training facilities, essential manikins, consumables, and clinical equipment. Hospitals will be supported through qualified clinical educators, digital pre-learning modules, certification pathways, and outcome-based assessments — ensuring measurable learning outcomes and improved workforce readiness.

Ebekmed plans to replicate the AHPI SHiNE Labs model across major cities in India, creating a national network of co-skills hubs for healthcare training.

The launch was held in the presence of eminent healthcare leaders: Chief Guest, Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI and the launch of Simulation Rooms by Shri R. Govind Hari, Chairman, PVRI Group of Eye Hospitals, Shri Raghunath Reddy, Managing Director, Continental Hospitals

It was launched in the Presence of Dr Sunil K. Khetarpal, Deputy Director General, AHPI; Dr Annie Thakore, Group CEO, Pranaam Hospitals, Hyderabad; Dr Prashanth, Group Medical Director, Rainbow Children’s Hospital; Shri Biju Nair, Zonal COO, CARE Hospitals

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 15: A 73-year-old patient from Andhra Pradesh who had multiple rare brain conditions, was successfully treated at KIMSHEALTH. The patient who sought treatment at various other hospitals but with no respite, reported at the OP with severe headache and dizziness. A Digital Subtraction Angiogram (DSA) revealed Left Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) aneurysm, a condition where a bulge forms in the major blood vessel of the left side of the brain,  as well severe narrowing of the left carotid artery- the main vessel supplying blood to the brain. This dual condition  is rare and puts the patient at a much higher risk of stroke.

To save the patient, the medical team led by Dr. Santhosh Joseph, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead, Department of Neuro Interventional Radiology, KIMSHEALTH,  first treated the narrowing of the left carotid artery,by placing a stent. A catheter was guided to the narrowed artery through a small puncture in the groin, and a stent was placed to improve blood flow to the brain.

The aneurysm was then treated using an intra-saccular flow diverter (WEB). The WEB device consists of a self expanding titanium mesh that is placed directly inside the aneurysm to  disrupt the flow of blood to the aneurysm, while preserving normal blood flow in the parent vessel.

The presence of  both  aneurysm and carotid stenosis puts the patient at very high risk. Treating the blockage and preventing rupture were essential, said Dr. Joseph.

Dr. Manish Kumar Yadav, Senior Consultant, Department of Neuro Interventional Radiology, Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Dr. Madhavan Unni, Senior Consultant and Chief Coordinator, Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Dr. Sarath Surendran, Department of Neuro Anesthesia, Dr.Mohammed Ajmal and Dr.Diwakar N, Department NeuroInterventional Radiology were also part of the five hour long procedure.

Mumbai, Dec 15:-  ALIV, a pioneer in clinically-supervised preventive and regenerative wellness, announces its launch in Mumbai. Established in Pune in December 2016, ALIV has spent nearly a decade advancing the science of regenerative medicine through its dedicated research and clinical centre. This strong foundation not only lends ALIV unmatched credibility in the field but also distinguishes it from newer IV therapy-only providers.

Moving beyond conventional wellness models, ALIV brings to Mumbai a scientifically rigorous, doctor-led approach, positioning personalized IV therapy not as a luxury indulgence but as an essential component of modern preventive care.

Founded by Rishi Tandulwadkar, a medical researcher and visionary behind ALIV, the centre reflects his mission to bring advanced, evidence-based wellness to the forefront of modern living. Conceived as a one-of-a-kind facility, ALIV redefines the wellness journey guiding individuals from reactive health fixes to proactive, integrative care that enhances vitality and resilience.

Supporting him are Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, renowned IVF consultant, endoscopic surgeon, and President of The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), and Dr. Rajesh Tandulwadkar, leading surgical gastroenterologist and liver transplant surgeon. Together, they drive the movement to make regenerative wellness an essential part of modern lifestyles.

“In today’s high-stress, fast-paced world, we are facing a generational health crisis masked as burnout,” states Rishi Tandulwadkar. “Epigenetic dysfunction, nutritional depletion, and metabolic strain have become the new normal. Conventional healthcare often waits for disease to appear. ALIV provides a clinically supervised environment where preventive care is as personalized as treatment helping the body thrive, not merely survive.”

ALIV’s Offerings for Modern Mumbai
Designed for busy professionals, frequent travelers, and wellness optimizers, ALIV combines efficiency, science, and personalization in its approach. Core services include:

• Personalized IV Drip Therapy: Targeted treatments for fatigue, fat loss, liver health, and more planned via intake and lab assessments, monitored by clinicians.

• Regenerative Cell Therapy (ACT): Advanced interventions for intelligent aging and chronic disease management.

ALIV champions a new wellness paradigm;

proactive, preventive, and regenerative living as a non-negotiable part of a high performing life. By integrating evidence-based therapies into daily routines, ALIV aims to help individuals unlock their body’s fullest potential, sustain vitality, and mitigate the gradual drift toward chronic disease.

Siliguri, Dec 15: FUJIFILM India, a leader in advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, has announced the installation of its state-of-the-art APERTO Lucent Open MRI system at Mothercare Centre Airport Plaza Building Bagdogra Naxalbari Block Close to Siliguri District, Darjeeling, strengthening a partnership that spans more than a decade. The centre, led by Director, Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, has long relied on FUJIFILM India’s CR, DR and ultrasound technologies, and this latest installation marks a transformative step forward in expanding high-quality MRI access for communities across North Bengal.

The APERTO Lucent brings together precision imaging and patient-centric design, offering a uniquely open, comfortable scanning experience through its single-pillar structure and True OPEN Bore architecture. Equipped with a 0.4T permanent magnet, the system delivers stable, high-clarity imaging at low running costs, while its IP-RAPID technology significantly reduces scan times without compromising detail, helping clinicians diagnose complex neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and oncological conditions with greater accuracy and efficiency.

The city, Siliguri, functions as a critical healthcare hub for a vast regional population spanning North Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar and the North-East, where access to advanced imaging has historically been uneven and sometimes delayed. With India steadily expanding MRI availability beyond large cities, the installation of this machine in Siliguri aims to bridge these gaps by offering faster, more accurate diagnosis within the region and ensuring that high-quality care is accessible to every family without the burden of long-distance travel.

Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, Director, Mother Care Center, added, “At Mother Care Center, our priority has always been to give patients access to the best possible care, supported by reliable and advanced technology. The APERTO Lucent Open MRI is a significant step forward for us, it delivers superior image quality while offering a more comfortable experience, especially for patients who feel anxious in closed scanners. This upgrade strengthens our ability to diagnose with confidence and ensures that our community benefits from modern, high-precision imaging right here in Siliguri.”

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Shunsuke Honda, Business Advisor, Medical Systems Division, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, improving access to advanced imaging is central to our mission. Many communities in North Bengal and neighbouring regions have long faced delays in reaching specialised diagnostic services, and installations like this help bring high-quality MRI closer to the people who need it most. Our partnership with Mother Care Center reflects our commitment to strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that world-class imaging is not limited to metro cities. With the APERTO Lucent Open MRI, we aim to support more equitable, timely and patient-friendly diagnostics across Siliguri and nearby cities.”

This installation reinforces FUJIFILM India’s commitment to strengthening diagnostic ecosystems in emerging healthcare hubs, ensuring that access to advanced, equitable, and patient-friendly imaging continues to expand across the country.

Hyderabad, Dec 13: DEEP Trust, a non-profit organisation working to uplift vulnerable children and communities, will celebrate its 11th anniversary tomorrow with DEEP Annual Day – DEEP Elevate 2025 at Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

The milestone event will bring together children, youth, educators, volunteers, partners, and supporters to reflect on DEEP’s journey over the past decade and to unveil its roadmap for the future.

A major highlight of DEEP Elevate 2025 will be the launch of the DEEP Mobile Health & Screening Bus, a fully equipped mobile facility designed to deliver preventive healthcare directly to underserved communities. The mobile unit will provide breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, basic diagnostics, and essential health education, enabling early detection of diseases and reducing the financial burden associated with late-stage treatment. By reaching remote and low-resource areas, the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of women and families, significantly strengthening community health outcomes.

On this occasion, DEEP Trust will also launch the DEEP Mobile App, a user-friendly digital platform that enables beneficiaries to access information and services seamlessly.

Founder Trustees Dr Rakesh Kalapala and Dr Madhu Vasepalli will unveil DEEP Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming 5 million lives through equitable healthcare, quality education, and innovative skill development initiatives.

The event will showcase DEEP’s flagship programmes, including DEEP on Wheels (Mobile Health), the Physiotherapy Centre (KGNMT), education support programmes across schools and Child Care Institutions (CCIs) such as Asritha, Srividhya, VSS, THARA Home, Balyam Home, Government Special Homes, among others.

It will also highlight skill-building centres for youth and women, scholarships for economically weaker students, and environmental awareness drives. Volunteers and partners will be honoured for their invaluable contributions to grassroots development.