Category health

2nd July 2025: On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr. Prathap C. Reddy announced a renewed and historic commitment to reshape India’s health future—by doubling down on prevention-first care to combat the nation’s growing Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) crisis. Building on over four decades of clinical leadership, this strategic step reinforces Apollo’s pioneering focus on AI-powered, tech-enabled preventive health—transforming how India detects, predicts, and ultimately prevents disease.

Building on four decades of clinical leadership, this strategic step deepens Apollo’s pioneering focus on prevention, using cutting-edge technology and AI-powered intelligence to tackle the NCD crisis.

The announcement reflects a mission that began as early as 1974, when Dr. Reddy introduced India’s first structured health check. Since then, Apollo has built a globally benchmarked ecosystem—what he calls the “science of preventive health”—that has touched more than 29 million lives worldwide.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, stated:
“As a doctor, I have witnessed firsthand the staggering toll that non-communicable diseases are taking on our nation — not just on health, but across our economy, our families, and our future. We are facing a silent tsunami, and the only way to fight it is by acting early. Today, with the power of artificial intelligence and evidence-based preventive programs, we have the unprecedented ability to detect risk before disease manifests — to arrest its progress, and in many cases, reverse it altogether. Prevention must become the foundation of our national health strategy.”

Fighting the NCD Tsunami: A National Mission

India faces an unprecedented health crisis—non-communicable diseases now claim 63% of all deaths, what makes this silent epidemic even more urgent is its growing toll on younger lives, cutting potential short far too soon.

The power of early detection and intervention has been scientifically validated: cardiovascular events can be prevented in 80% of cases, diabetes complications reduced by 70%, and cancer mortality decreased by 50% through systematic screening and lifestyle modification programs.

Apollo’s preventive healthcare model, which at its core houses innovations like AICVD, an AI model for early cardiovascular risk prediction; structured screening protocols for cancer, stroke, lung, and metabolic conditions which help predict NCD’s at an early stage reducing the burden on the nation. With facilities like home diagnostics, real-time digital reports; and mobile medical units reaching underserved communities Apollo’s preventive care model is designed to serve everyone, everywhere.

Apollo’s comprehensive preventive framework not only supports the Government of India’s public health priorities but also aligns with the WHO’s Sustainable Development Goals — shifting healthcare from episodic treatment to continuous wellness and placing the power of prevention in the hands of every citizen.

At the heart of this vision lies Apollo ZEN — the gold standard in preventive health. Designed as the most personalised, scientifically backed health check program in the country, ZEN integrates state-of-the-art diagnostics, AI-driven clinical insights, expert guidance from super-specialists and consistent follow-up by lifestyle medicine expert into a seamless, unified experience. It’s much more than just a health check, ZEN is a blueprint for healthy longevity.

A Message to Every Indian: A New Beginning

“To every Indian, my message this Doctors’ Day is simple yet urgent — let this be the moment we shift our mindset as a nation. Let us choose foresight over fear, action over anxiety, and wellness over wait-and-watch. The future of our health lies not in reacting to illness, but in being proactive and preventing it before it begins. We have spent four decades perfecting the science of prevention. Today, we commit ourselves to a greater purpose — to ensure that every Indian, in every corner of the country, benefits from this mastery. Your health is your greatest asset — and with Apollo’s perfected preventive care, that asset is not only protected, but optimised and continuously strengthened for the life you deserve”, stated Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group.

Hyderabad, July 1st, 2025: Lions International, Sanath Nagar Team 320-D; in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Deccan Branch; hosted a Dental Health Camp, as part of the Swachh Mukh Abhiyaan, on the occasion of Doctors’ Day, at the Amaravati High School, Sri Krishna Nagar, Yousufguda.

The event began with a warm welcome by Lion Dr. P. Prafulla, who felicitated the participating doctors from IDA Deccan Branch. In a heartwarming gesture, school children, dressed as doctors, presented roses to the guests, creating a delightful atmosphere to mark Doctors’ Day. A special highlight of the day was the release of an Oral Health Activity Booklet, aimed at educating young minds on dental hygiene.

During the camp, oral health screening was conducted for over 100 school children. The findings were eye-opening, with many children exhibiting dental issues such as decayed teeth, tartar, staining due to poor brushing, and misaligned teeth. To address these concerns, students were educated on proper brushing techniques and the importance of a balanced, tooth-friendly diet.

The camp witnessed the active participation of esteemed dental surgeons from IDA Deccan Branch, including Dr. S. Niranjan Reddy, President; Dr. A. Srikanth, Secretary; Dr. Y. S. Reddy, Dr. Aditya Sandeep, Dr. Arjun Yadav, Dr. Anuraga, and Dr. T. Sree Charan Reddy.

This impactful initiative not only celebrated the spirit of medical service but also empowered children with vital knowledge to maintain lifelong oral health.

By-Dr. Lahari Surapaneni, CEO, Bangalore Hospitals

“Behind every life transformed, every anxious family comforted, and every breakthrough in healing, stands a Doctor who, in turn, needs healing too. On this Doctors Day, we honor the resilience of our doctors, those who mask their own challenges to care for others unwaveringly. Let us celebrate not only their skill and compassion, but also renew our institutional promise: to nurture their well-being, support their mental health, lighten their administrative load, and champion their work‑life balance. Because when we heal our healers, when we uplift the caregivers behind the mask, we’re not only caring for our doctors; we’re strengthening the very soul of our hospital and deepening our service to the community.”

New Delhi, 30th June 2025: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, one of India’s leading innovation-driven pharmaceutical companies, takes center stage in the latest episode of the acclaimed docuseries Molecules of Hope, now streaming on JioHotstar. The newly released segment delves into the rapidly growing myopia crisis, especially among children, and ENTOD’s pioneering efforts to address it through scientific innovation, early screening, and large-scale awareness campaigns.

With a legacy of over five decades in eye care, ENTOD has made childhood myopia a core focus of its ophthalmic portfolio. As screen time rises and outdoor activity declines, especially among school-age children, myopia is no longer just a vision problem it’s becoming a public health emergency. According to global projections, nearly half of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050, making this condition a silent epidemic of the digital age.

The episode opens with a powerful visual narrative of a mother administering eye drops to her child before school, where a free eye screening camp is underway. As the child explores how the drops work, the narrative unfolds into the innovation and development in ophthalmology segment in India. The story is interwoven with powerful insights from ENTOD’s founders, who reflect on the company’s legacy and innovation in preventive eye care, alongside a paediatric ophthalmologist highlighting the importance of early detection. Together, these voices underscore ENTOD’s mission to tackle childhood myopia through science, education, and community outreach.

“Myopia has transitioned from a manageable issue to a significant public health concern,” said Mr. Nikkhil Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

“At ENTOD, we believe in early intervention through both innovation and education. This documentary showcases our journey in tackling myopia head-on, from developing targeted eye therapies to creating community-level impact through grassroots campaigns.”

The episode underscores ENTOD’s proactive role in combating myopia through:

• Research-backed therapies aimed at slowing progression
• Early detection programs in schools and communities
• Public awareness initiatives, including Myopia Awareness Week, observed annually across Indian cities for the past four years

Molecules of Hope has resonated strongly with viewers and health professionals alike, and the ENTOD episode stands out for its message of early action and collaborative change.

As ENTOD continues its mission to make preventive eye care accessible and impactful, this docuseries acts as a timely call to action urging parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to prioritize children’s vision health before it’s too late.

This feature adds to ENTOD’s continued efforts to combat Myopia, including its annual observance of National Myopia Week for the past 4 years. Through this initiative, ENTOD has led educational and screening campaigns across several Indian cities.

Bengaluru, June 28, 2025 – Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare providers in India, proudly announced dual honours received at the prestigious Financial Express Healthcare Summit & Awards 2025, held in New Delhi on June 25, 2025. The awards, organized annually by The Financial Express, celebrate excellence and innovation in the healthcare sector by honoring individuals and organizations making a lasting impact.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, was conferred with the title of ‘Healthcare Leader of the Year’, recognizing his visionary leadership, lifelong commitment to accessible healthcare, and his transformative impact on the healthcare landscape across regions. Dr. Moopen has been instrumental in leading the largest M&A in the healthcare industry in India with the recent integration of Aster and Quality Care’s extensive network, backed by Blackstone. This integration will position Aster among India’s top three healthcare chains.

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, was felicitated as the ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year’ for her pioneering contributions in scaling operations, driving digital transformation, and spearheading initiatives in women’s health, mental wellness, and inclusive leadership.

Reacting to the recognition, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “It is truly an honour to receive the Healthcare Leader of the Year award. When we started Aster with a small clinic over three decades ago, our vision was simple: to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all. This recognition reflects the tireless efforts of thousands of our healthcare professionals who live this mission every day. We remain committed to building a future where compassionate care and clinical excellence go hand in hand.”

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, expressed, “This award is not just a personal milestone—it is a reminder of the responsibility we carry to shape the future of healthcare. At Aster, we envision a world where care is not reactive, but proactive, not limited by geography, but enabled by technology, not bound by hierarchy, but powered by inclusion. As we build this future, I’m especially passionate about creating pathways for more women to lead, innovate, and reimagine healthcare for the next generation.”

At the institutional level, Aster hospitals also received multiple accolades. Aster Medcity was recognized as the Best in South India for its excellence in organ transplantation program, surgical innovation and robotic program, emergency and critical care, neurosciences, and social impact. Aster Whitefield received the Excellence in South India award across key specialities including multispecialty care, oncology, OBG (obstetrics and gynecology), and neurosciences, while Aster CMI Hospital was named the Best Multispecialty Hospital in South India.

With a focus on sustainability, digital health, and affordable care, Aster continues to break new ground in patient-centric innovation and social impact initiatives. The dual recognition at the 2025 Healthcare Summit & Awards reaffirms Aster’s growing influence as a healthcare thought leader and its deep-rooted commitment to care beyond boundaries.

BANGALORE, India, June 28, 2025 – Abbott, the global healthcare company, announced the launch of its laboratory-based blood test to evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussions. The traumatic brain injury (TBI) test runs on Abbott’s Alinity i and Architect i1000SR laboratory instruments, which are available in major hospitals and laboratories such as Apollo, Hyderabad and Neuberg Supratech Laboratory.

Ravi Sinha

The test offers a reliable result in 18 minutes to help clinicians quickly evaluate brain injury and triage mTBI patients. The diagnostic tool also helps eliminate the need for CT scans by up to 40% with a high degree of certainty eliminating wait time at the hospital and unnecessary exposure to radiation. The test measures two biomarkers in the blood – ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) – that, in elevated concentrations, are correlated to brain injury.

The test can help streamline care benefiting both patients and the healthcare system. This is particularly important in areas where access to CT systems may be limited.

Ravi Sinha, General Manager & Country Head – Diagnostics, Abbott India said, “Abbott’s TBI blood test improves patient evaluation and delivers reliable results in just minutes helping doctors quickly and accurately rule out the need for a CT scan. This means less time spent in emergency care and less stress for patients and families. The test enables early and accurate evaluation to ensure better long-term health outcomes.”

TBIs can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head and can pose short- and long-term risks. In India, nearly one million people are estimated to experience it every year.[ii] People who experience a TBI may have impairment of memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision and hearing), and emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, psychological symptoms). People who sustain a TBI are more likely to have another one – similarly to how a sprained ankle or torn ligament is more susceptible to future injury.

TBIs are among the most common neurological disorders worldwide, affecting millions each year. In India, 77% of head injury referrals were patients with mild TBI.[iii] Many people don’t seek medical attention after a head injury, thinking their symptoms aren’t serious. However, timely screening and detection are crucial. Early diagnosis helps people get the care they need, avoiding long-term effects.”

Abbott’s TBI test can offer a key alternative to traditional methods of assessing concussions, which have limitations including long wait times, radiation exposure, and accessibility and logistical challenges.

New Delhi, 25th June 2025: Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance providers, has announced a strategic partnership with Upstox, one of India’s fastest-growing wealth platforms. This collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating health protection with digital financial ecosystems, enabling millions of tech-savvy Indian consumers to access comprehensive health insurance solutions with the same ease and convenience as managing their investments.

By bringing Niva Bupa’s trusted and innovative health insurance offerings to the Upstox platform, the partnership aims to simplify the health insurance journey, foster financial wellness, and contribute meaningfully to the broader national agenda of increasing insurance penetration across the country.

With this collaboration, Niva Bupa becomes the first standalone health insurance company to partner with Upstox, marking a significant milestone in the convergence of health protection and digital financial services. As part of the partnership, a curated range of Niva Bupa’s health insurance products are now live and available for purchase directly on the Upstox platform, empowering millions of users to secure their health while managing their investments — all in one place.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Krishnan Ramachandran, MD & CEO at Niva Bupa Health Insurance, said “At Niva Bupa, we are committed to delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving healthcare needs of today’s consumers. This partnership with Upstox not only strengthens our digital distribution strategy but also aligns with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’. By embedding health insurance into a leading wealth platform like Upstox, we are taking a significant step toward democratising access to quality healthcare in India. Upstox’s tech-driven, rapidly growing user base makes it an ideal partner in reaching the new-age Indian consumer with relevant, flexible, and affordable health insurance products.”

“At Upstox, our mission has always been to simplify and empower financial decision-making for our users,” said Kavitha Subramanian, co-founder, Upstox.. We believe that true financial well-being goes beyond just investments—it includes being prepared for life’s uncertainties. Health is wealth, and through this strategic partnership with Niva Bupa Health Insurance, we’re making it easier for our users to access trusted, comprehensive health insurance solutions directly through our platform. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enabling holistic financial planning, giving our users the tools they need to secure both their financial future and their health.”

Through this integration, Upstox users can now explore, compare, and purchase Niva Bupa’s health insurance offerings seamlessly, with a few clicks — ensuring financial and physical well-being are addressed together.

Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director, Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals

Cataract awareness Month – June 2025

Cataract remains one of the leading causes of blindness globally, yet it is among the most treatable eye conditions when detected early. In India, the burden of cataract-related vision loss is especially high due to limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and socioeconomic barriers. As a nation that houses one-sixth of the world’s population, it is vital that we prioritize eye health and increase public education around cataracts—especially as the elderly population continues to grow.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty in night vision, and in advanced cases, complete vision loss. While aging is the most common risk factor, cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, smoking, prolonged exposure to UV rays, trauma, and prolonged use of certain medications like steroids. Sadly, many people still consider cataract-induced vision changes to be a “normal” part of aging and delay treatment until significant vision impairment occurs.

Busting common myths surrounding Cataract

Cataracts continue to be the leading cause of blindness in India, responsible for over 66% of cases, yet many people delay surgery due to persistent myths and fears. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions. A common misconception is that cataracts only affect the elderly. While aging is a major factor, cataracts can also result from diabetes, steroid use, UV exposure, trauma, and can even occur in children. Another widespread myth is that eye drops, diet, or exercises can cure cataracts—scientific evidence confirms that surgery is the only effective treatment.

Waiting until vision is severely impaired before opting for surgery is also misguided; early intervention leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery. Contrary to fears, cataract surgery is among the safest procedures, performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort and rapid healing. Finally, modern cataract surgery doesn’t necessarily mean lifelong dependence on glasses.

Advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, offer excellent vision across distances and reduce reliance on spectacles. Dispelling these outdated beliefs is key to encouraging timely treatment. With today’s technology, cataract surgery offers a safe, effective path to restoring clear, vibrant vision—so seek professional advice at the first sign of trouble.

Awareness is the key

Raising awareness is the first crucial step in addressing this challenge. People need to understand that cataracts are not only treatable but that modern advancements in ophthalmology have made cataract surgery safer, quicker, and more precise than ever before. Gone are the days when patients had to wait for the cataract to ‘mature’ or live with thick spectacles post-surgery. Today, with the right information and timely intervention, patients can regain near-perfect vision with minimal disruption to their daily life.

At Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, we are committed to transforming cataract care through patient education, early detection, and world-class treatment. Our hospitals across India are equipped with the latest technology, including Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), which is a bladeless, computer-controlled procedure offering unmatched precision. This technique allows for predictable outcomes, faster healing, and improved safety for patients, particularly those with co-existing eye conditions.

Additionally, we offer premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) such as multifocal, toric, and extended depth-of-focus lenses that help patients achieve excellent distance and near vision, significantly reducing their dependence on glasses post-surgery. These lenses are personalized based on the patient’s visual needs and lifestyle, ensuring better satisfaction and quality of life.

Centre For Sight also employs optical biometry, advanced phacoemulsification systems, and image-guided technologies to ensure optimal results. Our team of highly skilled ophthalmologists follows global best practices and continuously upgrades their skills to match international standards of care.

Beyond surgical excellence, we are equally focused on community outreach and preventive eye care. Our public awareness campaigns, eye screening camps in rural areas, and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations have helped identify thousands of patients in need. Many of them have undergone sight-restoring surgeries free of cost or at subsidized rates.

It is important to remember that cataract surgery is not just a medical procedure; it is a life-changing intervention. It restores not just vision, but confidence, independence, and dignity—especially among the elderly who may be dependent on others due to poor sight. Early detection and timely surgery can also prevent complications like hypermature cataract or secondary glaucoma, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

As we move forward, we must continue to educate, screen, and empower people about cataract and the importance of regular eye check-ups. At Centre For Sight, our vision is to help India see better—one eye at a time. With the power of innovation, compassion, and awareness, we can eliminate preventable blindness and gift millions the joy of clear vision.

Chennai, June 26, 2025: SRM Global Hospitals successfully treated a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with a rare condition involving two wombs—each containing large tumours—and two sizable ovarian cysts, through a minimally invasive hysterectomy, relieving her of severe abdominal pain.

The procedure, known as Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, involved the removal of the uteruses, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries. In addition, the patient underwent four other procedures during a single operation lasting about three hours. These included: a keyhole surgery to remove a septum (a dividing wall) inside the vagina; another keyhole procedure to remove endometriosis from the surface of the bowel without cutting into it; an appendicectomy to remove the appendix affected by endometriosis; and vaginal morcellation—a minimally invasive technique used to break large uterine growths into smaller pieces for removal through the vagina.

Despite undergoing as many as five procedures, the patient was discharged within 48 hours, demonstrating the surgical expertise that made the procedures smooth and complication-free. The surgical team was headed by Dr Prithvi and Dr Subhashree, Gynaecologists, and assisted by Dr Varun, the Anesthetist.

In his comments, Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Global Hospitals, said, “We are immensely proud of the surgical team’s exceptional expertise and dedication in successfully managing this highly complex and rare case. To the best of our knowledge and thorough literature review, this appears to be the first reported instance worldwide of performing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy on a patient with bilateral uterine horns bearing large adenomyomas in the setting of uterine didelphys complicated by extensive endometriosis. Given the patient’s history of primary infertility and multiple failed IVF attempts, achieving relief from her severe symptoms is truly rewarding. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centered care even in the most challenging situations.”

Talking about the complexities involved in the procedures, Dr. Prithvi, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SRM Global Hospitals said, “The patient had uterine didelphys with two large wombs—each about 16 centimeters—and extensive adenomyomas and endometriotic cysts causing severe pain and heavy bleeding. In addition to the Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy to remove both cyst-laden wombs, we performed four other complex procedures in the same sitting, including removal of a vaginal septum, excision of endometriosis from the bowel surface without bowel resection, appendicectomy, and vaginal morcellation. Managing all these through minimally invasive techniques required high surgical precision and coordination. Many hospitals deferred surgery due to the complexity and rarity of this case, but we embraced the challenge. We are proud that this comprehensive approach provided the patient with significant relief and improved quality of life.”

Chennai, June 26, 2025: SRM Global Hospitals successfully treated a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with a rare condition involving two wombs—each containing large tumours—and two sizable ovarian cysts, through a minimally invasive hysterectomy, relieving her of severe abdominal pain.

The procedure, known as Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, involved the removal of the uteruses, both fallopian tubes, and both ovaries. In addition, the patient underwent four other procedures during a single operation lasting about three hours. These included: a keyhole surgery to remove a septum (a dividing wall) inside the vagina; another keyhole procedure to remove endometriosis from the surface of the bowel without cutting into it; an appendicectomy to remove the appendix affected by endometriosis; and vaginal morcellation—a minimally invasive technique used to break large uterine growths into smaller pieces for removal through the vagina.

Despite undergoing as many as five procedures, the patient was discharged within 48 hours, demonstrating the surgical expertise that made the procedures smooth and complication-free. The surgical team was headed by Dr Prithvi and Dr Subhashree, Gynaecologists, and assisted by Dr Varun, the Anesthetist.

In his comments, Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Global Hospitals, said, “We are immensely proud of the surgical team’s exceptional expertise and dedication in successfully managing this highly complex and rare case. To the best of our knowledge and thorough literature review, this appears to be the first reported instance worldwide of performing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy on a patient with bilateral uterine horns bearing large adenomyomas in the setting of uterine didelphys complicated by extensive endometriosis. Given the patient’s history of primary infertility and multiple failed IVF attempts, achieving relief from her severe symptoms is truly rewarding. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centered care even in the most challenging situations.”

Talking about the complexities involved in the procedures, Dr. Prithvi, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SRM Global Hospitals said, “The patient had uterine didelphys with two large wombs—each about 16 centimeters—and extensive adenomyomas and endometriotic cysts causing severe pain and heavy bleeding. In addition to the Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy to remove both cyst-laden wombs, we performed four other complex procedures in the same sitting, including removal of a vaginal septum, excision of endometriosis from the bowel surface without bowel resection, appendicectomy, and vaginal morcellation. Managing all these through minimally invasive techniques required high surgical precision and coordination. Many hospitals deferred surgery due to the complexity and rarity of this case, but we embraced the challenge. We are proud that this comprehensive approach provided the patient with significant relief and improved quality of life.”