Category health

Hyderabad, June 19, 2025: International Yoga Day is more than a celebration of asanas, it’s a reminder to embrace mindful living, holistic nutrition, and inner balance. As yoga continues to gain global recognition for its power to heal and harmonise the body and mind, QNET India presents a thoughtfully curated range of wellness products designed to complement every yogic journey.

From ancient superfoods to modern supplements, these selections are ideal for individuals across all age groups who seek strength, flexibility, and vitality, both on and off the mat.

Here’s a thoughtfully curated line-up of QNET’s wellness essentials that align perfectly with a yoga-centric lifestyle:

 Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil

This cold-pressed oil is rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), a rare compound also found in mother’s milk, making it one of the healthiest cooking oils available. It naturally boosts metabolism and provides sustained energy, making it a great pre-yoga supplement. Its clean, pure composition also supports gut health and cognitive clarity, important for staying focused and active through every yoga session.

Nutriplus Monofloral Honey

100% raw and unprocessed, this natural superfood serves as a gentle digestive aid, immunity booster, and instant source of energy. Ideal before or after yoga, it helps replenish the body and support overall vitality. Its antioxidant-rich composition also makes it a daily wellness staple, especially for those seeking balance through natural nutrition.

Nutriplus Celesteal Herbal Infusions

Blends like Slimming, Sleepy Time, and Skin Glow are tailored for various needs, whether it’s aiding detox, promoting restful sleep, or enhancing skin health. These caffeine-free herbal teas are perfect for winding down after a session, staying hydrated, and complementing your mindful lifestyle with soothing botanicals.

Nutriplus BoneHealth

Formulated to support bone density, strength, and flexibility, BoneHealth is a must-have for those engaging in sustained yoga practice. It helps protect joints, prevent fatigue, and maintain mobility, especially important for practitioners of asanas that challenge posture and stability.

Nutriplus ImmunHealth

Over prolonged consumption, this supplement enhances the body’s natural defense mechanisms and helps manage seasonal shifts, travel fatigue, or exposure in group classes or retreats. It offers plant-based immune support that complements a yoga lifestyle rooted in inner strength and balance.

By-Dr. Govind Desai (Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist) at HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli.

One of the deadliest assumptions about cancer is that “not everyone who smokes gets lung cancer, so it’s probably not that big a risk.”  It reflects an attitude that prevents people from acknowledging the risk.  While not every smoker is destined to develop cancer, there is no doubt that smoking is the major cause of lung cancer.  The association is not just a random observation, but a proven and established reality.

Unfortunately, disinformation continues to spread, particularly among young adults.  With more people beginning smoking or vaping at a young age, it is critical to convey the health hazards, without sugarcoating them.

How Smoking Affects Your Lungs

Every puff of cigarette smoke introduces a combination of toxic chemicals directly into the lungs.  These chemicals irritate and inflame the fragile lining of the airways.  Over time, this continual exposure destroys the cells, making it difficult for the lungs to function normally.

The true risk is in what these substances do at the cellular level.  They can modify the DNA of lung cells, leading them to develop improperly.  When this occurs, healthy tissue is replaced by malignant growth, which starts small, but spreads quickly, if not caught early.

Lung cancer is especially hazardous because it generally presents no visible symptoms in the early stages.  Many people misinterpret symptoms such as a persistent cough, or shortness of breath as seasonal triggers, or mild infections.  The disease may already be advanced by the time it is recognized, complicating treatment.

 A Common Myth: “Only Long-Term Smokers Get Lung Cancer”

 It is easy to assume that cancer affects only heavy or long-time smokers.  However, even light or occasional smoking can lead to future disease.  There is no ‘safe’ amount of tobacco consumption that can be evaluated. The damage to your lungs begins the instant toxic substances enter them.  While heavy and prolonged usage raises the risk, cancer can occur in anyone who is frequently exposed to tobacco smoke.

Besides, passive smoking—or being near other smokers—can induce risk.  Breathing in second-hand smoke is not safe.  It contains the same cancer-causing chemicals and produces similar, long-term effects as direct smoking does.

 Smoking and Its Effects Beyond the Lungs

While lung cancer is the disease most generally linked to smoking, the risks extend much beyond that.  Smoking can damage your immune system, decrease oxygen availability, and impede blood circulation.  It is also a major cause of mouth cancer, throat cancer, heart disease, and even stroke.

Smoking impacts young people’s stamina, respiratory capacity, and overall health.  It may appear harmless at first, but the body begins to accumulate damage quickly.  As people age, it becomes more difficult to heal and recover.

With the rise of vaping and e-cigarettes, many, particularly the youth, believe they are selecting a safer alternative.  Unfortunately, this idea is misguided.  Vapes still contain nicotine and other toxic compounds that can damage lung tissue and cause inflammation.  The long-term implications of these emerging variants of smoking are still being investigated, but early indications are not encouraging. Some flavoured vapes contain chemicals that are known to impair respiratory function.  Replacing cigarettes with vapes is not a solution; it merely swaps one type of risk for another.

The best thing about lung cancer induced by smoking is that it is mostly avoidable.  Quitting smoking—or never starting at all—can significantly lessen the risk of acquiring not only lung cancer, but a variety of other ailments.

Even if a person has been smoking for years, quitting can benefit.  The body begins to mend the instant you stop smoking.  The lungs progressively recover part of their lost capacity, and the risk of cancer begins to decrease.  The sooner one quits, the better the results. Chronic coughing, chest pain, unexpected weight loss, or difficulty breathing are all warning symptoms that should be promptly investigated by a doctor.

 Busting Myths, Protecting Your Health.

The unrealistic belief that “it won’t happen to me” keeps smokers addicted and puts their health at risk.  Cancer does not usually appear with blaring warnings.  Sometimes it begins quietly and continues quietly—until it’s too late.

If you smoke or are routinely exposed to tobacco smoke, it’s time to prioritize your lung health.  Consult a healthcare expert, have your lungs tested, and take the first step towards a smoke-free lifestyle.  It is never too early or too late to preserve your health.  If you have any doubts, consult a specialist today.  Your lungs will thank you for this.

New Delhi, 17 June 2025: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—a common yet complex hormonal disorder—is now being recognized not only for its visible symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and weight gain, but for the often-overlooked psychological distress and emotional toll it inflicts on women. In light of recent clinical observations and growing patient narratives, healthcare experts are calling for a more compassionate, whole-person approach to PCOS care.

Affecting an estimated 6–13% of reproductive-aged women globally—and up to 22.5% in India depending on diagnostic criteria—PCOS remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. While the condition disrupts ovulation and is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility worldwide, its deeper impact lies in the mental health struggles faced by women, including heightened rates of anxiety, depression, body image issues, and feelings of isolation.

“Many of my patients come in expecting treatment for irregular periods or acne, but what’s often missed is the chronic emotional exhaustion and self-doubt they carry with them. PCOS is not just a hormonal issue; it’s a psycho-social challenge. The need of the hour is a healthcare system that listens, validates, and supports—not just prescribes,” said *Dr.Yashica Gudesar

PCOS is caused by a combination of insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels, which lead to irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and weight fluctuations. Yet, the emotional consequences are just as significant, especially for women dealing with fertility challenges or navigating social stigma.

The diagnostic process is also riddled with challenges due to variability in symptom presentation and lack of a single definitive test. While awareness is improving, gaps remain in resource-limited or high-stigma settings. Encouragingly, emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are beginning to enhance diagnostic accuracy by interpreting hormonal patterns more precisely—especially in underserved populations.

Management of PCOS requires sustainable lifestyle changes, not quick fixes. Anti-inflammatory and low glycemic index foods, regular physical activity, and stress reduction strategies play a vital role. Medical experts also stress the importance of individualized care plans and mental health support to ensure better long-term outcomes.

As India continues to face a rising burden of lifestyle and hormonal disorders, experts underline the need for integrated care models that address both physical and emotional dimensions of chronic conditions like PCOS.

Dehradun, 16 June 2025: Aaroha Musical Wellness is all set to host the second edition of its much-anticipated Musical Healing Retreat from 27^th to 29^th June 2025 at Punarnava Wellness Resort & Spa, Dehradun. This unique three-day retreat brings together the essence of India’s ancient wellness systems, classical and Sufi music, and spiritual practices—offering an immersive journey toward healing and harmony.

Aaroha offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with the self in the lap of nature.

The healing journey at Aaroha will be guided by revered wellness experts and spiritual masters. Among them are Dr. N.K. Sharma, a global name in Reiki and Past Life Regression; Vision Divinity, offering immersive Sound Healing sessions; Meher, a practitioner of Vedic Yogic Healing; and Ayurveda experts from Kairali, known for blending tradition with modern science. These experiences will be complemented by interactive sessions with Vaishnavacharya Jai Jai Sri Abhishek Goswami Maharaj, whose discourses on spirituality in contemporary times are celebrated worldwide.

Speaking about the initiative, Bani Sharma, Co Founder Aaroha Musical Wellness said: “Every activity at Aaroha is crafted to balance the physical, emotional, and spiritual energies of individuals. By uniting ‘Surr, Swar, and Sargam’ with untouched nature, Aaroha offers an immersive journey into self-healing through sound, movement, and stillness.”

At the core of the retreat lies the theme: “Rhythm of Wellness – Embrace Ancient Wellness Therapy, Spirituality & Musical Culture in the Lap of Nature.” Participants will engage in a thoughtfully designed series of wellness sessions including Sound Baths, Chakra Healing, Yoga, and Spiritual Talks, all integrated with the therapeutic power of music. These practices aim to restore the physical, emotional, and spiritual balance of each participant.

Beyond therapy and talks, Aaroha will demonstrate how dance forms, mudras, and musical instruments are more than cultural expressions – they are conduits of inner transformation. In an age where music is often seen only as entertainment, Aaroha aims to remind the world that all instruments have healing power, and all dance forms are rooted in wellness and spirituality.

The retreat also seeks to spark a larger movement around nature conservation. Through its spiritually rich programming – musical rituals, dance performances, and mindful wellness practices – Aaroha will drive awareness about preserving the planet, especially Uttarakhand’s ecologically sensitive landscapes.

Aaroha’s larger vision is to position India as a global epicenter for wellness tourism, attracting seekers from across the world – just as adventurers trek to Everest, spiritual and wellness travellers will journey to Dehradun to find solace in music, therapy, and nature.

As part of this vision, Aaroha plans to develop eco-friendly wellness hubs in Uttarakhand’s villages that harmonise with the local ecosystem, preserving the region’s natural integrity. It also aims to establish spiritual, Ayurvedic, and musical gurukuls, nurturing future generations in traditional healing arts. Additionally, the retreat intends to foster women empowerment and local employment opportunities through sustainable wellness tourism, while promoting locally crafted organic products such as essential oils, incense, herbal soaps, and remedies derived from native flora of the hills.

With support from both private and government sectors, Aaroha aims to shape Uttarakhand into a holistic wellness destination – where Indian traditions meet global standards of mindful living. The retreat will also serve as a platform to promote India’s diverse cultural heritage, many aspects of which remain unexplored or forgotten. While Indian artists travel abroad to showcase our traditions, Aaroha’s mission is to attract the world to India to experience them in their purest form.

To strengthen its impact, Aaroha invites brands and partners to align with its vision and gain premium exposure to an audience that includes wellness professionals, bureaucrats, ministers, HNIs, investors, lifestyle influencers, and media.

Bangalore, June 16, 2025: Aster CMI Hospital continues to set benchmarks in pediatric surgical excellence with the successful management of a highly complex congenital urological condition in a 1-year 9-month-old child. The young patient diagnosed antenatally with right sided hydronephrosis, suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) since the age of six months. On evaluation, the child presented with a grossly enlarged right kidney, right lumbar mass, and obstructive uropathy. Despite early postnatal detection, the case became complicated due to missed follow-up and recurring infections.

Antenatally with right sided hydronephrosis, a condition in which the kidney becomes swollen due to a buildup of urine, often caused by a blockage or structural abnormality in the urinary tract. After birth, the child began suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a common complication when urine flow is obstructed or backs up into the kidneys, creating an environment prone to infection. In cases of congenital PUJO (Pelvic-Ureteric Junction Obstruction), around 10% may have associated ipsilateral vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), which can be suspected from a history of recurrent UTIs and confirmed with a micturating cystourethrogram (MCU). The combination of these conditions required timely medical intervention and a carefully coordinated treatment plan.

The case required not just surgical precision but also a carefully coordinated, staged plan involving DJ stenting, robotic pyeloplasty, and circumcision, followed by percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) also identified and managed vesicoureteric reflux (Grade III) during the process. Post surgery, the child is asymptomatic, gaining weight appropriately, and shows no further signs of UTI.

Dr. Manjiri Somashekhar, Lead & Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, said: “The child was diagnosed antenatally with right-sided hydronephrosis, and later developed recurrent urinary tract infections due to the underlying obstruction. Timely diagnosis and a staged, multidisciplinary approach were crucial in managing this complex case and ensuring a full recovery.

SGS Lakshmanan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster CMI Hospital, added:
“This case reflects our mission to offer world-class pediatric surgical care with compassion and precision. By combining early diagnosis, advanced technology, and expert clinicians, we aim to transform outcomes for even the most complex conditions in children.”

Bangalore, June 16, 2025 – Aster RV Hospital, has recently launched their world class Aster Institute of Advanced Orthopedics & Robotic Surgery (AIAORS). The institute leverages cutting edge robotic technology, along with world class specialists to perform minimally invasive and accurate orthopedic procedures. The institute was inaugurated by Mr. CP Yogeshwar – MLA & Mr. MP Shayam Shetty, President, RV Trustees. The launch event saw more than 250 people attend.

The department is headed by Dr. JV Srinivas, Lead & Senior Consultant, Orthopedic & Joint Surgery, Aster RV Hospital and can perform many complex orthopedic surgeries, using their state-of-the-art Cori Surgical System. The robotic system helps with knee replacements, hip replacements and revision knee replacement surgeries as well. The institute provides treatments for people with knee degradations, hip injuries, foot and ankle injuries, sports injuries, spine surgeries, advanced orthopedic procedures like GFC/PRP and Stem Cell therapy, pediatric orthopedics and Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery for accurate positioning of implants.

Dr. JV Srinivas, Lead & Senior Consultant, Orthopedic & Joint Surgery said, “We are proud to announce the launch of our state-of-the-art Robotic Orthopedic Institute, a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare. This advanced facility combines cutting-edge robotic technology with the expertise of our highly skilled orthopedic team to ensure precision, faster recovery, and enhanced outcomes for our patients. The institute represents a leap forward in how we approach joint replacements and complex orthopedic procedures. With this development, we reaffirm our promise to remain at the forefront of medical innovation, continually raising the standard of care and transforming lives through excellence in clinical practice and patient-centered service.”

The institute also provides services such as Trauma / fracture surgeries and management of open fractures, Joint Replacement surgeries of knee and hip (TKR and THR), Ortho Onco Surgery, Hand Surgery Limb Reconstruction Surgery, Keyhole surgeries such as Arthroscopic Ligament Reconstruction (ACL, PCL and Multi-ligament), meniscus and chondral surgeries, A fusion of joints (Arthrodesis), Polytrauma Management, Complex pelvic and acetabular fracture, and Pediatric orthopaedic surgeries for clubfoot, congenital hip dysplasia, bone and joint infection management.

Mr. CP Yogeshwar, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) said, “It gives me immense pride to inaugurate the Aster Institute of Advanced Orthopedics & Robotic Surgery (AIAORS), a significant leap forward in our region’s healthcare landscape. This advanced facility brings world-class precision, faster recovery times, and better outcomes to patients, right here in our community. I commend the hospital for their commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. Such initiatives not only elevate medical standards but also reinforce our goal of making cutting-edge healthcare accessible to all citizens.”

“Asia Bio Connect is a visionary platform designed to align regional strengths and spark international collaboration,” said J.B. Son, Country Managing Director of RX Korea. As we look ahead to Asia Bio Connect 2026 in Seoul, hosted alongside BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA, our mission is to amplify Asia’s voice in the global bio dialogue.”

“Asia Bio Connect has the potential to be a bridge—not just across Korea, China, and Japan—but to the wider global biotech community,” added Seungkyou Lee, Vice President of KoreaBIO. “The knowledge shared here is already influencing regional strategy and long-term planning.”

Bengaluru, June 16, 2025: On the occasion of Father’s Day 2025, Mpower—an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust—unveiled new insights into a critical yet often overlooked issue: the mental health of men in India.

A comprehensive five-year analysis of Mpower’s mental health helpline data shows a steady rise in male callers from 2020 to 2024. This trend highlights a significant shift in how men are approaching their emotional well-being, signaling a slow but meaningful erosion of stigma around seeking mental health support. Over this period, the helpline has provided a total of 141,212 hours of counseling, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting mental health across diverse demographics.

Key Insights from the Helpline:

• Total Male Callers (2020–2025): 19,750
• Peak Year: 2024, with 8,362 male callers
• Average Call Duration: 7.15 minutes for men, compared to 9.55 minutes for women
• Total Calls Received (All Genders): 114,776

Over the years, the concerns reported by male callers have evolved. In 2020, top issues included abuse, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. By 2021, anxiety and depression took center stage. Since 2022, relationship issues have increasingly emerged alongside anxiety and depression, with persistent concerns about psychological distress becoming more common.

This changing emotional landscape, coupled with a dramatic spike in male callers in 2024, underscores a shift in how men experience and express emotional vulnerability—especially among new fathers who increasingly report feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated.

Rima Bhandekar, Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Mpower Helpline at Mpower—an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust—stressed the urgent need for inclusive mental health reform: “The data from our helpline is a wake-up call. As we celebrate fathers today, we must also acknowledge the silent emotional struggles many of them face. Beneath the image of strength and responsibility often lies unspoken anxiety, self-doubt, and isolation.We’re increasingly coming across young, new fathers who feel overwhelmed—unsure of their ability to care for their child and burdened by expectations. These emotions are not signs of weakness, but clear indicators of mental health distress that deserve our attention and care.

It’s time we move toward Acceptance, Action, and Advocacy—to break the stigma and build a mental health ecosystem that supports everyone, irrespective of gender. It’s essential that we extend mental health resources—such as counselling, emotional support, and peer networks—to fathers as a standard part of care, not an exception. Recognizing their emotional needs is not indulgent; it’s integral to building resilient families and healthier communities.”

For those seeking immediate, confidential support, Mpower’s 1on1 mental health helpline is available 24/7 at 1800-120-820050. The service has become a crucial resource for thousands, offering a safe space for individuals to share and seek help without judgment.

This Father’s Day, Mpower urges families, communities, and policymakers to not only celebrate the fathers in their lives, but also to support their emotional well-being—creating a future where mental health care is accessible, normalized, and prioritized as an essential component of holistic well-being.

Hyderabad, 13 June 2025:  In a move to broaden available, women-focused healthcare, Fernandez Hospital has opened its latest addition — the Fernandez Outpatient Clinic at Bogulkunta. Conveniently located near its flagship hospital’s annexe, the outpatient clinic will provide respectful, expert treatment to women, infants, and children in the heart of the city.

The new addition houses specialist outpatient facilities in one convenient location without sacrificing quality. The Gynaecology department offers specialised consultations and high-tech ultrasonography-guided interventions for ailments such as PCOD, fibroids, infertility, cutting down on stay in hospitals and medical expenses.

The facility also provides Neonatology and Paediatric services, with newborn and child consultations, growth monitoring, and a centralised vaccination service complete with immunisation schedules guided by our experts.

Comprehensive Physiotherapy services offered are antenatal and postnatal recovery care, pelvic floor and post-operative rehabilitation.

Other services include in-house diagnostic services using ultrasonography, sample procurement, in-house pharmacy, private milk expression facilities, and certified lactation counsellors.

“Compassion is the core of everything that we do,” said Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson and MD, Fernandez Foundation. “This new clinic is an example of our unbroken vow — to deliver healthcare with dignity, empathy, and clinical excellence.”

Mumbai / Kolkata, 13th June 2025: Manipal Hospitals, a leading multispecialty healthcare institution in Eastern India, has unveiled its state-of-the-art comprehensive neuro team ushering in a new era of integrated and advanced neurological care. This landmark initiative brings together the combined expertise of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro interventionalists, neuro radiologists and neuro rehabilitation specialists to deliver seamless, multidisciplinary treatment for a wide spectrum of brain, spine, and nerve disorders. With a strong emphasis on timely intervention, clinical excellence and holistic healing, the programme is designed to offer world-class, research-backed care for both adults and children, further strengthening Manipal Hospitals’ position as a premier destination for neurological excellence.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, spearheaded by Dr. Jayanta Roy, Director & Advisor, Regional Head (East) – Neurology. The event was attended by some of the region’s most esteemed neuro specialists, including Dr. Amlan Mandal, Consultant – Adult & Paediatric Neurology, Manipal Hospital – EM Bypass; Dr. Nikhil Prasun Singh, HOD – Neurology, Manipal Hospital – Broadway; Dr. Dipendra Kumar Pradhan, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; Dr. Rajan Kumar, Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; Dr. Biswajit Paul, Consultant Interventional Neurologist, Manipal Hospital – Dhakuria; Dr. Nirmalya Ray, Consultant – Neuro Interventional Radiologist, Manipal Hospital – EM Bypass; Dr. Ansu Sen, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital – Salt Lake; Dr. Ananya Sengupta, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; Dr. Avik Mukherjee, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; Dr. Subhadeep Banerjee, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; and Dr. Sampurna Chowdhury, Associate Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur.

Adding to the multidisciplinary strength of the gathering were renowned experts from other specialties, including Dr. Indranil Ghosh, Consultant – Neuroanaesthesiology, Neurointensive Care, Pain and Palliative Care Specialist, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; Dr. Saumen Meur, HOD & Senior Consultant – Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur; and Dr. Shugota Chakrabarti, Regional Head – Medical Services, Manipal Hospitals – East, who also graced the occasion with their presence.

Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive healthcare, Manipal Hospitals has also partnered with Asha Niketan, an NGO devoted to supporting children on the autism spectrum. As part of this compassionate initiative, the hospital has extended free neuro consultations to children under the NGO’s care, an effort that reflects Manipal’s vision of empowering every child with access to quality medical support.

At the heart of Manipal Hospitals’ advanced neuro initiative is the Acute Stroke Management Programme, built on internationally recognized Stroke Code protocols. The programme is designed for speed and precision, enabling rapid patient assessment, immediate neuroimaging, and timely treatments like thrombolysis or clot retrieval, all within the critical “golden hour.” This early intervention window often determines the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability.

Supporting this is the robust Neuro Trauma Management service, which provides emergency care for patients with brain injuries caused by road accidents, falls, or blunt trauma. With a highly trained trauma team and state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure, the unit is equipped to deliver swift, often life-saving interventions that can dramatically improve outcomes.

Recognizing that children need specialized attention, Manipal Hospitals has also established a dedicated Paediatric Neurology and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This unit offers targeted care for conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and congenital neurological disorders. Staffed by paediatric neurologists and critical care experts, it ensures that young patients receive expert-led, compassionate care in a safe and responsive environment tailored to their needs.

Bridging a vital gap in everyday neuro care, the hospital has launched an Urgent Neurology Clinic, which operates daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. This walk-in service is designed to offer immediate consultations for early neurological warning signs—such as dizziness, severe headaches, blurred vision, or limb weakness—symptoms that, if detected early, can prevent major neurological events.

One of the most forward-thinking additions to the initiative is the Stroke Risk Assessment and Prevention Clinic. This clinic focuses on identifying individuals at risk before symptoms appear—using genetic profiling, family history analysis, and lifestyle assessments. Based on this evaluation, patients receive customized plans for diet, fitness, and stress management. In a country where stroke cases are rising alarmingly among young adults, this clinic aims to shift the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention—preserving not just health, but also long-term emotional and financial stability for families.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jayanta Roy, Director & Advisor, Regional Head (East) – Neurology, Manipal Hospitals, emphasized the team’s commitment to both quality and accessibility. “At Manipal, we operate under international clinical standards and invest significantly in training our entire care ecosystem — from doctors to nurses — to maintain consistency and quality across all units. One in four people globally is likely to suffer a stroke at some point in life. That is why our mission is not only to treat but also to educate. The Mukundapur Unit is equipped with a dedicated Paediatric ICU and a Stroke Prevention Clinic, supported by a robust Neurovascular Research Unit. We are also proud to bring the concept of an Urgent Neurology Clinic to India — a model already popular in the UK and USA — with locations being introduced both at our Mukundapur campus in South Kolkata and at Broadway in North Kolkata. Our free consultation initiative for children at Asha Niketan embodies our deep commitment to inclusive healthcare. Just as we have partnered with Asha Niketan, we aspire to extend this reach to more communities—because everyone deserves access to preventive and compassionate care that empowers lives and builds healthier futures.”

Adding to the perspective, Dr. Amlan Mandal, Consultant – Adult & Paediatric Neurology, Manipal Hospital – EM Bypass highlighted the unique multidisciplinary synergy of the neuro programme. “This initiative brings all neuro-related disciplines under one coordinated system, which is essential for the efficient management of complex neurological cases. Whether it is a brain tumour, spinal cord injury, or paediatric neurosurgical need, our unified team approach ensures fast decision-making, precise treatment, and seamless post-operative care. Our Neuro ICU is designed to handle high-risk cases with state-of-the-art equipment and is supported by dedicated neuro-anaesthesia protocols. What we are building here is not just a hospital unit, but an ecosystem where innovation meets accountability — with patient recovery at the center of everything.”

Dr. Dipendra Kumar Pradhan, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur reflected on the transformative impact of comprehensive neuro care, “In neurosurgery, every second is a chance to save a life — or change it forever. Whether it is a stroke, a brain injury, or a complex spine case, the decisions we make in those critical moments are life-defining. With our Acute Stroke Management Programme, we have built a system where surgical precision meets speed — enabling seamless coordination from emergency triage to operating room. But true healing doesn’t stop at surgery. Through our Stroke Risk Clinic and Neuro Trauma services, we are helping patients and families understand the risks, prevent recurrence, and walk the road to recovery with confidence. Neurosurgery today is not just about operating — it is about being present at every step of a patient’s journey, from crisis to comeback.”

Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer – Manipal Hospitals – East, said, “Our focus has always been on making quality healthcare accessible and timely for the communities we serve. With our new neuro initiative, we aim to bring together all essential services under one roof, so that patients and their families do not have to navigate between different places for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, or follow-up. Whether it is a sudden stroke, a long-term neurological condition, or a child needing specialized care, our team is equipped to respond with speed, clarity, and compassion. This is about building trust and ensuring people receive the right care at the right time.”

With the launch of this comprehensive neuro programme, Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur is reaffirming its position as a regional center of excellence in neurosciences. Through a blend of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, research-led practice, and a heart for the community, the hospital continues its commitment to ensuring that in the realm of brain and spine health — every second truly counts.