Category health

Bangalore, India –9th June 2023 – TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectors and sensors, is supporting the operations at Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) by donating medical equipment to boost its blood bank infrastructure.

Vishwanath S, Managing Director & GM – TE India asserts the importance of choosing BMST as their CSR Partner. He said “During Covid we partnered with organisations and distributed essential equipment like oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and surgical masks. We realized, there is a need and a potential to work with healthcare industry to help the community. BMST’s legacy of excellence, comprehensive healthcare initiatives, and blood donation drives made it a compelling choice for us to support accessible and affordable healthcare for the community.”

The donated medical equipment includes two blood bank refrigerators, a consumables refrigerator, and two HLA lab centrifuges.

The blood bank refrigerator is specifically designed to store and preserve blood products at optimal temperatures. Its advanced features, such as precise temperature control and ample storage capacity, ensure the safe storage of life-saving blood components, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. This equipment will significantly contribute to maintaining the integrity and availability of blood products, enabling the Blood Bank to serve patients in need. The consumables refrigerator will play a vital role in storing temperature-sensitive consumables and reagents essential for various laboratory tests and procedures.

The HLA lab centrifuges will enhance the laboratory’s capacity to perform essential tests related to tissue matching for organ transplantation, aiding in the improvement of patient outcomes.

Dr. Latha Jagannathan, Medical Director & Managing Trustee, Bangalore Medical Services Trust “I am privileged towards TE Connectivity for not only supporting our cause but also taking a keen interest in understanding the work we do. Their CSR volunteers has been a regular visitor in our center. The CSR funding from TE Connectivity for refrigerators and lab centrifuges will improve our ability to provide blood banking and transplant testing services and it directly impacts more than 45,000 patients year–on–year. Thank you, TE for your support and we hope to have a continued relationship in the future and help us create a positive impact in the community.”

Bengaluru, 9th June 2023 – Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, Department of Pulmonology, have successfully performed a unique lung transplant on a 57-year-old patient from Bangalore. This ground-breaking procedure required extensive skill, precision, teamwork, and tremendous effort from the medical professionals involved.

Meenakshi (name changed), 57, from Bengaluru, was initially presented to Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar about two years ago with increasing breathlessness. She was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD), a condition characterised by the fibrosis or stiffening of the lungs. Her condition progressed to continuous breathlessness necessitating constant oxygen support at home, inability to do daily activities on her own and was completely cut off from the normal flow of life.

Recognizing the severity of her condition, the medical team at Apollo Hospitals broached the subject of a lung transplant, offering her a potential solution for a better quality of life and longer survival. Although initially hesitant, the patient and her family eventually made the decision to pursue the transplant, following effective counselling sessions by the dedicated team at Apollo Hospitals.

The call about a suitable donor was received on the day before Ugadi festival and the patient was quickly admitted to the hospital for pre-transplant assessment. A labor of thirty six hours of coordination- during the holiday- finally led to her successful bilateral lung transplant.

Dr. Ravindra Mehta, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Interventional Pulmonology at Apollo Hospitals, who led the pulmonology team for the lung transplant, said: “Unusually, on a state holiday, the day arrived when a suitable donor became available. The patient underwent thorough pre-procedure tests, while the donor lungs were meticulously assessed to ensure compatibility. On the day of the surgery, the dedicated team of pulmonologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care physicians came together and the surgeons performed the complex procedure, which lasted for 13 hours from patient arrival in the operating theatre to ICU admission. Fortunately, the donor was an in-house patient at Apollo Hospitals, hence there was less ischaemia time for the donor organs, and no requirement of a transport green corridor.”

The impact of this lung transplant on the patient’s life has been remarkable. Previously dependent on continuous high flow oxygen support and restricted to her home, she is now completely off oxygen and has regained her freedom. With the support of the entire medical team, including physiotherapists, counsellors and dieticians, she has progressed from lying in bed to walking without support. Her recovery has been holistic and inspiring, allowing her to enjoy activities with her grandchildren.

The success of this procedure highlights the importance of a well-coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to lung transplantation. The pulmonology team, led by Dr. Ravindra Mehta and assisted by Dr Sameer Bansal, Dr Hariprasad, Dr Srikant (Apollo Hospitals) and transplant physician Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala from Kauvery Hospital Chennai along with the cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical (CTVS) team led by Dr. Kumud Dhital and Dr. Anand Subramanyam. The dedicated efforts of Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Srinivas Dhulipala, who led the anaesthetic and intensive care teams, were also instrumental in the patient’s successful recovery.

(Dr Dhital, Dr Kumar, and Mr Das (Clinical Perfusion) are seconded from Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana; and Dr Rajagopala and Dr Sujith V (organ retrieval surgeon) from Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, under collaborative MoU with Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore)

Lung transplantation also necessitates a well-equipped infrastructure and a committed team of medical professionals. Apollo Hospitals Bangalore provided state-of-the-art facilities, including specialised recovery rooms with stringent sterile precautions and negative pressure isolation.

Dr. Kumud Dhital, Lung Transplant Surgeon, Marengo Asia Hospitals says, “In the realm of solid organ transplantation, lung transplants are the most complex. Not only from the technical surgical aspects, but more importantly from the simple facts that the lung is more susceptible to infection being open to the atmosphere, but also unlike other organs, is also more prone to stronger immunological responses and therefore at greater risk of rejection. The success of lung transplantation following surgery and thereafter into long-term survivorship of both graft and recipient relies entirely on multidisciplinary expertise comprising close collaboration between the surgeon, anesthetist, intensivist, transplant pulmonologist, infectious disease specialist, pathologist, immunologist, psychologist, and physiotherapy & rehabilitation. Our responsibility to the recipient through stringent surveillance is therefore life-long.

This collaborative program with Karnataka between Apollo Hospitals and Marengo Asia Hospitals exemplifies and ensures this very necessary multi-disciplinary expertise. However, despite increased community awareness of the importance of our lungs following the COVID pandemic, and professional knowledge about the massive burden of lung disease in India, it is unfortunate that deceased donation rates remain very low in India, and patients continue to be referred too late into their disease.”

Dr. Manish Mattoo – Chief Executive Officer – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals said: This procedure is a testament to the advancement of medical science and the incredible skills of the medical professionals involved. Lung transplantation is a highly complex surgery that demands meticulous attention to detail and specialised expertise. By successfully completing this procedure, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and providing life-changing solutions to patients suffering from similar conditions. It has been a privilege for Apollo Hospitals to witness this breakthrough lung transplant procedure, saving life and giving new hope to the 57 yr old. We wish to continue doing the same and giving a fresh lease of life to many more.”

When the medical cosmos against all odds brings heaven and earth together in an impossible situation, in a life-threatening crisis, to make a difference like never before!

Unique aspects of the lung transplant:

1.  A last-minute save for a patient on 15L of oxygen, with imminent demise staring in the face
2.  An organ that comes on a holiday- a story of 36 hours of relentless effort, culminating in a successful transplant
3.  The fruit of our labor comes from the power of integration- ABAPS (Apollo Bangalore Advanced Pulmonology Services)- which includes all the Pulmonology departments of Apollo hospitals Bangalore- Jayanagar, Bannerghatta, and Seshadripuram, all under one umbrella
4.  A unique collaborative effort between different hospitals to ensure convergence of clinical expertise and infrastructure to ensure the best patient outcome.

Given our fast-paced lifestyles, it’s difficult to eat healthy. The surge in preference for convenience foods and packaged eatables plus the stress and environmental pollution makes people more prone to health issues. This is where clean eating and fresh foods become important.

If we follow a healthy Indian diet along with exercise routines, we may become fitter versions of ourselves. While we cannot control the environmental contaminants to which we are exposed, adopting a healthier diet is certainly doable. As an increased number of people realize this, Dr. Irfan Shaikh, Head, Medical & Scientific Affairs at Abbott’s Nutrition business focuses on hearty and healthier foods that form a balanced diet and some steps you can take to age healthy.

1. Start Out Young: As teens grow, three essential systems in their bodies change: muscle mass along with long bones, hormonal maturity and blood, and immunity. To ensure these areas grow properly, you need the right nutrients.

• Bone development: Most people think of adequate proteins and calcium when they think of bone development, but vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K, collagen and essential fatty acids are also necessary for bone health and turnover. Consumption of these nutrients can help reduce bone fracture risk for teens. Fish[i]/egg[ii]/chickpea[iii] curry, mixed vegetable sabzi, dal[iv] tadka and even some chutneys like flaxseed[v] chutney is rich in these nutrients.
• Blood: Iron, vitamin B-12 and folate are essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Without adequate iron, teens are unable to produce the red blood cells they need to carry oxygen throughout the body. Preparations made from spinach[vi], [vii] like palak paneer, palak rice palak dal, lentil[viii] soups, methi[ix] paratha, and beetroot[x] poriyal are some dishes that are rich in these nutrients.
• Hormonal maturity: Balanced diet, adequate proteins, high fibers, stress-free life, regular exercise, weight control and sound sleep are critical for a successful transition of the hormonal foundation during the early years.

2. Preventative Care in the 30s and 40s: People in their 30s and 40s should focus on preventive care, particularly when it comes to their hearts.

• Cholesterol: To lower cholesterol, eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein-rich meals (particularly fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, and so on.
• Stress: Career, income, and family responsibilities create several possibilities to experience stress. Regular exercise and coping abilities to handle stressful situations are crucial to protect your health and mind. Some of the best ways to cope with stress are exercising, yoga, journaling and meditation.
• Blood Pressure: Many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure because it has no symptoms, and the only way of finding out is to get examined. Reducing your sodium and chai or caffeine intake is vital to controlling high blood pressure, additionally, it is important to stay active and lose fat around the waistline.

3. The Importance of Prioritizing: As we age, what we eat can impact our health, so it’s important to put some thought into what we eat and drink. Some key ingredients for future healthy ageing are:

• Protein is essential at every age, whether you want to build muscle, retain strength or recuperate from surgery. One can find protein in meats, beans, dairy products, fish, nuts, seeds, and cottage cheese and can serve these in the form of various curry preparations.
• Fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains can help with lowering cholesterol and managing body weight simply by keeping you full. Chana[xi] masala, baingan[xii] bharta and oats[xiii] upma are some ways in which you can add fiber to your meal.
• Calcium, As we age, our bones lose some of their calcium and mass, heightening the risk of fractures and weaker bones. Consuming milk, dahi, and cheese is a good source of calcium uptake. Ragi[xiv] dosa, til[xv] chutney and paneer[xvi] masala are some Indian dishes which are high in protein due to their ingredients.
• Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and is the only one that can be synthesized when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It can be found in fatty fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products.
• Nutritional supplements: A regular, balanced diet is crucial to meet daily nutritional requirements and also build stronger muscles as you age. However, while we recognize that muscles matter and eat accordingly, some nutritional gaps may exist. To fill these gaps, one can include a balanced nutrition supplement like Ensure HMB which is a science-based nutritional supplement formulated with 32 vital nutrients and a special ingredient – HMB or β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate – that helps counteract muscle loss and restore strength and energy.

Every person passes many milestones throughout life and health should stay top-of-mind every step of the way. By embracing your cultural dishes which are prepared through locally and organically sourced foods, you can stay healthy as you age.

As part of its commitment to enable people to live healthier lives, Nestlé Health Science collaborated with the GI Core Committee at Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition on World Digestive Health Day. Nestlé Health Science, a part of Nestlé India has roped in strategic partners, clinical research, and advanced education association to drive awareness on gut health management. The collaboration is aimed at providing education on possible solutions to gut issues and positively impact the confidence and lifestyle of those who suffer from it.

Through the collaboration, Nestlé Health Science reached out to more than 800 Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs) across 26 chapters of IAPEN. The Healthcare Practitioners were briefed on the role of Prebiotics & Immunonutrients in gut health along with probiotic supplementation, and Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) as a novel gut health solution. The educational session was led by Dr Biju Pottakkat, Associate Dean Research and Head, Surgical Gastroenterology, JIPMER and Dr Amit Goel, Professor & Head of Hepatology, SGPGIMS, Lucknow followed by Dr Jalil Benyacoub, Global Medical Affairs Lead, Nestlé Health Science, Chairman, ILSI Europe, PhD, University of Lausanne.

Dr Sreemathy Venkatraman, Clinical Dietitian & National Executive Committee member IAPEN India commented “Many patients are in need for a gut health solution that is not only effective but is also gentle on the body. Today’s engagement was to educate our colleagues how a combination of prebiotic and immunonutrients can help improve the gut health of any individual. We are happy to see reputed organizations in this space are trying to address a strong need gap.”

Mansi Khanna, Head, Nestlé Health Science commented, “We are proud to collaborate with a reputed body like IAPEN to drive awareness around a category that people are usually hesitant to talk about. At Nestlé Health Science India we strive to empower individuals with the power of nutrition to help them live healthier lives, including advanced innovative solutions. We recently launched Resource Fiber Choice, a unique gut health solution to address a key consumer need gap. It contains PHGG (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum) which is a prebiotic dietary fiber that is proven to help relive constipation and improve gut health. It is also rich in immune nutrients, easy to consume and can be mixed in water or any beverage and food.”

Nestlé Health Science is a global leader in the space of nutritional science. It focuses on advancing the therapeutic role of nutrition to change the course of health management for consumers, patients, doctors, nurses, and its partners in healthcare. The key products include- RESOURCE High Protein, OPTIFAST and RESOURCE Diabetic, PEPTAMEN, RESOURCE Dialysis and Thicken Up Clear. Nestlé Health Science also has a dedicated team of clinical experts who engage with healthcare practitioners across India for awareness and education.

The much-anticipated summer vacations have begun and it is time for more outdoor play. The temperature during summer rises with each passing day and one common concern among parents is whether their children are getting enough fluids in their bodies to bear the heat. It is necessary to keep kids healthy and hydrated — but it’s not always easy! Dr. Ganesh Kadhe, Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Abbott’s Nutrition business shares 6 nutritious and hydrating foods that you can feed your kid this summer:

• Cut up Fruits: Watery fruits like watermelon, oranges, and apricot can boost your kid’s hydration. Apart from being rich in water, these fruits are also good sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium which have several health benefits[i], [ii], [iii], [iv], [v]. These fruits can be served in smaller pieces or even sliced into shapes like triangles, stars, and rounds.
• Popsicles: Kids love popsicles. If getting your child to drink liquids is becoming a challenge, you can make a popsicle out of fresh fruit juices or even their favourite fruit milkshakes in a small glass. These are also excellent choices for children who may be craving something cold. These popsicles can provide both fluid and key nutrients from fruits that can help them rehydrate.
• Fruit Lassi: If your child shies away from drinking the required amount of water, try serving a yoghurt and milk based lassi to them. This can be given to them in their favourite cup and throw in a silly straw in their favourite colour to get them excited about drinking the lassi. For example, you can make a papaya and pineapple lassi which make the drink more appealing to your child’s taste buds. Additionally, pineapple is not only high in water content[vi] but also a significant source of vitamin C making it an excellent summer fruit option. Papaya on the other hand, is high in vitamin A and C [vii].
• Vegetable Salad: A bowl of mixed vegetable salad is a great source of protein and fiber. Salad consisting of watery yellow and green vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, olives, and cherry tomatoes can be a perfect summer savoury.
• Tea Party: Offer your child warm kid-friendly teas, such as peppermint or chamomile. Having a teddy bear or doll tea party might encourage some children to drink up and hydrate. Natural compounds in peppermint may have beneficial effects on energy as well for your kid’s playtime[viii] whereas chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory qualities and is high in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and folate[ix].
• Spa water: Spa water is for kids, too! Add sliced strawberries, cucumbers, or lemons to your child’s glass of water to give it a flavour and colour boost. They have hydrating properties and will also appeal to children. Berries can also add a sweet flavour to water and can be added for that bright colour pop.

If your child is a fussy eater, it may be difficult to ensure they are getting the right nutrition through their food during the summers. Serving these fun and colourful food options will make it easier for you to incorporate nutritious foods in their diet. Consider trying a combination of these options to help your child maintain a consistent intake of fluids and nutritious food throughout the day this season.

Hyderabad, 29th May 2023: Dr Shashi Tharoor. Indian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) launched a new book titled “Silver Lining – Overcoming Adversity to Build NephroPlus, India’s Largest Dialysis Provider” written by NephroPlus co-founder and author Kamal Shah. The event was also graced by the presence of renowned singer Usha Uthup. The book details the journey of Kamal Shah and how his spirit of resilience and perseverance has led to tremendous achievements and triumph.

The book, published by one of India’s leading publishers Penguin Random House, reveals how the young Mr Shah overcame huge health setbacks and has today built one of India’s leading health institutions. A first-of-its-kind story in India, the book is a testimony of how the 21-year-old Kamal Shah was struck by kidney failure which threatened to end his life, but he fought back to not only survive but thrive despite the punishing setbacks he had time and again.

Kamal Shah Co-founder, NephroPlus, narrates his story as he witnessed people facing diverse challenges today. “I simply want to let them know that they’re not alone, and no matter how rough the road may seem, they can’t stop pushing. I encountered a lot of challenges after kidney disease struck, but they made me stronger. I took the pain and adversity and turned them into lessons. I’m glad I have been able to bring about solutions in the healthcare sector and I hope my book inspires people around the world,”

Silver Lining is written in a narrative voice as Mr Shah takes the reader through his journey of strength and stoic bravery, overcoming each challenge that life threw at him. The first part of the book captures this gruesome journey of Kamal Shah told in a cheerful voice. The language is both emotional and uplifting and is sure to encourage and inspire everyone going through similar health challenges or setbacks in life.

The second part of the book details Kamal’s entrepreneurial journey and how he has used his personal experience to transform NephroPlus into India’s largest chain of dialysis centres that is passionate about the treatment of patients and ensures they lead a good life. This informed the introduction of protocolised dialysis care at NephroPlus to ensure they live quality lives through events like the world’s first Dialysis Olympiad for patients.

The chief guest and endorser of the book, Dr Shashi Tharoor, an Indian politician and a Member of Parliament (MP), in his words said, “Kamal Shah, a dialysis patient himself, refused to let his disease defeat him, instead, he used it as a source of inspiration; how could he prevent others from suffering as he had? It was this focused mission that gave rise to NephroPlus, a story Shah tells deftly here. His journey is a truly inspiring one, and I’m glad he has decided to put it on record forever, even for generations yet unborn.”

Apart from Dr Shashi Tharoor, the book is also endorsed by playback singer Usha Uthup, R Gopalakrishnan – author, business commentator and former executive director at Tata Sons, and film producer Madhu Mantena. The book can be found in all leading bookstores and online e-commerce platforms, including Amazon.

NephroPlus, the company he co-founded along with Mr Vikram Vuppala, is a patient-centric dialysis company which has revolutionized kidney care and treatment in India and beyond. The brand is today India’s largest dialysis services company, with centres spread across the country and beyond.

New Delhi, 29th May 2023 World Digestive Health Day comes as a gentle reminder for all of us to keep our guts healthy. However, to keep the gut of the children healthy to prevent the emerging common digestive problems, paediatrician urges parents to be to prioritize children’s gut health to prevent common digestive problems. The commonly observed problems of the gut in children are constipation, hyperacidity and diarrhoea. Constipation affects up to 30% of children [1]. This is the most common cause of stomach pain in children and is often overlooked. Hyperacidity affects 22-25% of infants in India [2]. Diarrhoea kills an estimated 300,000 children under-five in India each year. [3]

Elaborating on the importance of digestive health in children, Dr Arun Wadhwa, Visiting Consultant, Paediatrics, Rainbow Children Hospital, New Delhi said, “Diarrhoea is a very common problem in the early years and it is not necessarily related to teething. You should immediately start WHO’s ORS, probiotics and Zinc if not given in the last three months. It may take 5-7 days to settle and don’t be in a rush to start antibiotics – unless there is blood in stools.”

It is also important that children are properly vaccinated with rotavirus and measles vaccines. This greatly helps in preventing diarrhoea. On observing any symptoms of digestive problems or for information related to vaccination, immediate consultation with a paediatrician is required.

Adding further Dr Wadhwa says, “Hyperacidity and reflux in infants below 9 months of age are also common problems. Most of them will settle with age and proper diet, though, rarely we may need a course of appropriate antacid medication.”

Trillions of bacteria live inside our gut. For those who think bacteria is only of the bad kind, think again! In our gut, thrives an ecosystem of bacteria that is very important for our health, especially for our developing children.

Uncomfortable digestion, stomach aches, poor nutrient absorption, poor immunity and sleep, mood fluctuations and general fatigue and tiredness are commonly observed symptoms of a poorly functioning gut. All these can have a detrimental impact on the overall well-being of any individual, especially the children.

There are many ways to boost children’s gut health such as breastfeeding them including more fibre in their diet, cutting down on fatty foods and opting for probiotics. Giving children small and frequent meals, ensuring adequate water intake and encouraging them to go out and play, providing safe outdoor exposure, are very useful for their gut health. Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics is very important as these cause serious problems to their gut.

The significant role of our gut health in ensuring holistic health is well-known. With 70-80% of immune cells being present in the gut, [4] this is very important for everyone, especially for the parents to pledge to invest in their child’s gut health to improve their overall health and set them up for good health later in life.

New Delhi, 25th May 2023: With an objective to address mental wellbeing for healthcare professionals, Apollo Hospitals, Group, hosted the HR Conclave 2023 in New Delhi. The event was addressed by Dr Tarun Sahni, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi and Dr Nandini Ali, Chief Marketing Officer, Apollo Hospitals Group who spoke about harnessing the benefits of a dynamic health ecosystem.

Addressing the conference, Dr Tarun Sahni, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, said,” We believe that a dynamic health ecosystem is the cornerstone of unlocking untapped potential within employees, leading to enhanced performance and productivity. By prioritizing comprehensive healthcare strategies, we empower individuals to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through our innovative approach, we are revolutionizing the workplace by fostering a culture of well-being, enabling organizations to harness the full capabilities of their workforce and achieve unprecedented success.”

Dr Nandini Ali, Chief Marketing Officer, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Our mission at Apollo Hospitals is to cultivate a culture of well-being that not only fosters healthier lifestyles but also drives productivity, engagement, and overall satisfaction among employees. We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs seeking to enhance their employees’ performance. The hospital’s holistic approach encompasses personalized health assessments, wellness programs, mental health support, and cutting-edge technological solutions, designed to empower individuals to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.”

At the event the leaders highlighted the importance of cultivating an eco-environment where every individual’s engagement & wellbeing can flourish, and also that prioritizing holistic development and happiness of the people should be of utmost importance to organisations.

Bangalore,22nd May 2023 In what was a coveted and eagerly anticipated day, over 75 fellows were felicitated by SPARSH Academy, the educational wing of the renowned healthcare services provider in Karnataka, the SPARSH Group of Hospitals. The specialist medical graduates were provided certificates and mementoes of their achievements by the legendary orthopaedic surgeons and educationalists – Dr. Sharan Patil, Chairman of SPARSH Academy, Chairman of SPARSH Group of Hospitals and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon and the Guest of Honour at the event – Dr A V Gurava Reddy, Chairman and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon of Sunshine Hospitals, Hyderabad.

It is to be noted that the Chief Anaesthesiologist at SPARSH, Dr Sharanu Patil was recently appointed Dean of the Academy. At the event, the SPARSH Alumni Association was also launched with the adoption of the Association Charter by the Founding Executive Committee which consisted of Dr Ravikumar Mukartihal (President), Dr Chandan S (Vice President), Dr Vikram GK Bhat (Hon. Secretary), Dr John Paul M (Faculty Nominee) and Dr Chetan N (Treasurer).

The SPARSH Academy’s Vision is to educate and train post-medical students, and fellows in the art and science of medical and surgical practice including diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases as well as communication, professionalism, and ethical principles which are believed to be integral to the training of any medical leader.

Dr. Sharan Patil in his Inaugural Address stated: “SPARSH Academy was set up on the strong belief that an enquiring mind facilitates constant learning is the most enriching process for any human mind. We opened our doors to the student community to keep this quest for greater knowledge alive. The vibrant energy that comes with becoming a teaching and learning organization will help in propagating knowledge and wisdom. It allows us to multiply our impact exponentially and this is one of the most significant ways that we contribute to our society and build a larger legacy of professionals who are committed to serving the human race.

“Education is the Bedrock of our Legacy. We remain Differentiated because we Share”– these are the words that encapsulate my vision for the unique SPARSH culture. I look forward to building a larger presence for our Academy with a dedicated Campus and R&D wing soon. Education and Innovation are at the heart of our growth plans at SPARSH.”

“I was a fellow in joint replacement surgery at SPARSH in 2022. This event brought back some wonderful memories of my times with colleagues and mentors at the Hospital. It was a great platform to meet everyone and I am excited that with the Alumni formation, I can continue to engage with them while also getting the opportunity to connect with the wider network. I hope to be part of all the activities.” said Dr Sriharsha B, MS ORTHO, FIJR, FASM. Assistant professor at ESIC and Model Hospital Rajajinagar, one of the graduates who were felicitated at the ceremony.

Addressing the graduating medical students at the gala ceremony, noted orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. A.V. Gurava Reddy said: “It was a great fortune and privilege for me to attend the 1st annual meet of SPARSH in Bangalore. Sharan Patil has been a good friend of mine for the last 20 years and he is a great teacher, academician, entrepreneur and more than anything an excellent human being. I believe that whatever Sharan does, he does with style and aplomb. The alumni meeting also showcased his style and it was very well organised and attended. I was very happy to see these youngsters getting inspired with each other and I spoke to them about the 12 ingredients I believe they need to have to achieve peace and prosperity in life. It was a wonderful interaction with them and I am certain the SPARSH Alumni Association will grow to become the platform for many youngsters to launch their careers and be groomed for higher positions in the future. I request all the Alumni members to play an active role and interact with each other for many more years to come. Well done Sharan and SPARSH team!”

The graduation event also saw the presence of doctors, specialists, and heads of the group’s hospitals. The Academy encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork, recognizing that healthcare is a complex and multifaceted endeavour that requires the input and expertise of professionals from various disciplines.

15 May 2023: Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur is a leading healthcare provider with a tradition of care and innovation that makes this hospital a boon for patients in Central India. Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur , which handles critical patients, successfully treated yet another critically ill 14 year old boy. Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur again proved their mettle and saved the boy from being handicapped for the rest of life.

Master Pranav Thombare is a 14 year old boy living in Village near Akola. On the 3rd day after the Holi festival, he complained of weakness in his legs with pain. Thinking it to be a trivial complaint or the boy’s reluctance to go to school, parents sent him to school anyway and a few hours later they got a call from school that he had collapsed in his classroom and was unable to get up. Frantically, his parents went to see their only son and then to a local hospital where he was initially diagnosed with dehydration and syncope.

When he progressively worsened and started experiencing difficulty breathing, he was referred to Wockhardt hospitals Nagpur . Dr Amit Bhatti, who is the consultant neurologist and stroke specialist diagnosed him with a rare disease of nerves known as Guillain Barre syndrome aka GB syndrome in which there auto immune destruction of the myelin coating of nerves and sometimes even the peripheral nerves leading to inability of transmission of signals from brain to the muscles all over body.

When he came to hospital he was so weak, he could barely move his fingers and was not able to breath due to respiratory muscle paralysis. He was promptly intubated and put on a mechanical ventilator and was started on IVIG therapy which is immunoglobulin derived from pooled plasma of blood donors. To add to the complications, the patient had also developed an inability to swallow anything, even his own saliva, which led to development of aspiration pneumonia and sepsis.

Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur multidisciplinary approach between neurology, intensive care and other departments , prompt initiation of therapy and with mechanical ventilation, he was initially stabilized and then over a period of next 4 weeks improved progressively where he is now independent for activities of daily living and able to walk with minimal support.

Dr Amit Bhatti said this is a very rare case but he is of the opinion that with good physiotherapy and neuro rehabilitation, he should be back to his previous physical level in a few months.

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation and multidisciplinary approach between neurology, intensive care and physiotherapy departments for better recovery because delay in initiation of immunotherapy may lead to permanent damage to peripheral nerves which at times may even be permanent and life-threatening. And this is where the hospitals approach helps to treat the patient successfully.

Dr. Amit Bhatti is a virtuoso clinical neurologist with further specialization in Intervention Neurological procedures and Stroke. He is an expert in the comprehensive care of patients with brain stroke and diseases related to the blood vessels of the brain. Apart from stroke, he is an expert in the management of various types of headaches, epilepsy, and Neuroimmunological disorders. He has a sharp research acumen and has many international and national research articles to his credit including the pioneering work on Indian pediatric stroke treatment using mechanical thrombectomy and rescue Stenting for brain strokes in adults.