Category health

Chennai, May 20, 2025: Apollo Hospitals today announced the launch of the Apollo Joint Preservation Program in Chennai, a comprehensive, innovation-led initiative that marks a significant shift in orthopaedic care. Focused on early intervention and personalized therapy, the program aims to help patients maintain joint function, avoid unnecessary surgeries, and continue leading active lives.

The event was launched by Mr. M. Senthilnathan, Head Coach – Tamil Nadu Men’s Cricket Team and Head Coach – MRF Pace Foundation, in the presence of senior consultants from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai: Dr. N. Chidambaranathan, Senior Consultant Radiologist; Dr. Navaladi Shankar, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Dr. K.P. Kosygan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy, Senior Consultant Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgeon; and Dr. Arun Kannan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Dr. Arun Kannan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said, “The Apollo Joint Preservation Program is a breakthrough in how we approach joint care. It gives patients access to advance non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments that help them maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall joint function. Our goal is not just to delay surgery but to empower individuals to live actively and independently for as long as possible.”

Mr. M.M. Senthil Nathan, Head Coach, Tamil Nadu Men’s Cricket Team & Head Coach, MRF Pace Foundation, said, “Healthy joints are essential for everyone, from cricket players to regular people going about their daily lives. Programs that is curated for early intervention and structured complete care can really help people stay mobile and healthy as they age. It’s encouraging to see Apollo Hospitals taking this smart approach to joint care.”

The Apollo Joint Preservation Program is tailored for individuals suffering from joint pain, arthritis, inflammation, or sports-related injuries. With access to cutting-edge therapies, expert guidance, and holistic support under one roof, patients can now explore a new standard of care focused on preserving their joints, right here in Chennai.

With a spectrum of treatment options and support services now available through this Joint Preservation Program, Apollo Hospitals is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all while promoting a more active lifestyle.

Mysuru, May 20, 2025 – Narayana Health Mysore launches Navodaya, an innovative nine-month package designed to support mothers and newborns through the critical stages of pregnancy and early infancy. From First Heartbeat to First Step – this comprehensive programme brings together expert medical care, educational support, and essential resources to promote healthy beginnings for both mother and child, and is available to families from today.

Navodaya is a carefully crafted package that spans the entire duration of pregnancy through the first few months of a child’s life. It offers expectant mothers a structured pathway of medical check-ups, nutritional guidance, and monitoring developmental milestones, which culminate in the joyous moment of a child’s first steps.

When this was announced, Pavankumar Paramatmuni – Facility Director, Narayana Hospital, Mysore said” “We believe that every mother deserves consistent, compassionate, and comprehensive care throughout her pregnancy. This 9-months Maternity package reflects our commitment to not only medical excellence but also affordability and accessibility. By offering structured care from the first trimester to postnatal follow-up, we aim to make every step of the motherhood journey safer and more supported.”

The Navodaya nine-month package offers comprehensive care that begins with regular antenatal check-ups and foetal health monitoring from the very first heartbeat, ensuring that both mother and baby are closely observed throughout pregnancy. It includes personalised nutritional counselling and wellness plans tailored to each trimester to support the mother’s health and foetal development. 

After birth, the package provides thorough postnatal care, including newborn health assessments and adherence to immunisation schedules to safeguard the infant’s well-being. Additionally, it supports early childhood development by encouraging motor skills and cognitive growth through targeted interventions. To empower parents, the programme also features parenting workshops and community support networks designed to build confidence and foster a nurturing environment for both mother and child.

The nine-month timeline aligns with the natural gestational period, ensuring care that transitions seamlessly from pregnancy to early childhood. This is crucial for detecting and addressing health concerns promptly, promoting optimal outcomes for both mother and baby.

Dr. Aarathi Santhosh R, Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Narayana Health, elaborated saying, “Ensuring the well-being of mother and child requires a continuum of care that begins even before birth and extends through those precious first milestones. With a focus on regular health monitoring, personalised nutrition, postnatal support, and early developmental guidance, the Navodaya nine-month package is designed to nurture healthy beginnings and empower families at every step.” 

Navodaya is ideal for expectant mothers seeking a structured, evidence-based approach to pregnancy and newborn care. It is also a valuable resource for healthcare providers aiming to enhance maternal and child health services through a standardised supportive package. It is now available at the Narayana Hospital Mysore. Interested families and healthcare practitioners are encouraged to contact the hospital for enrollment details.

Dr. Savitha Rathod Naik, Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Narayana Health, explained, “Navodaya reflects a commitment to nurturing life from its very inception, recognising the profound impact of early care on lifelong health and development. This initiative draws inspiration from educational and health models that emphasise holistic growth,and focuses on nurturing talent from early stages through structured, supportive environments.”

When this was announced, Pavankumar Paramatmuni – Facility Director, Narayana Hospital, Mysore said” “We believe that every mother deserves consistent, compassionate, and comprehensive care throughout her pregnancy. This 9-months Maternity package reflects our commitment to not only medical excellence but also affordability and accessibility. By offering structured care from the first trimester to postnatal follow-up, we aim to make every step of the motherhood journey safer and more supported.”

New Delhi, May 19, 2025: The 10th Global Hospitality Conclave (GHC) recently held at The Oberoi, New Delhi, is a prestigious and dynamic event in the hospitality industry, that has over the last decade raised the bar of discourse on critical issues impacting the world in general and hospitality in particular. 

The Global Hospitality Conclave steered by the alumni of the erstwhile Oberoi School of Hotel Management (OSHM), now The Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development (OCLD) was started to share and gain knowledge and provide an enviable opportunity to network with the best in business. GHC over the years has grown in representation and credibility into a powerful forum for Oberoi Hotel alumni to celebrate their journey of learning and excellence. It seeks to bring together professionals from different areas of the service and hospitality industry, encouraging interactions and debates. 

This year the Global Hospitality Conclave commemorates The Oberoi Group’s 90 Years of Excellence in hospitality. It  brought together a distinguished gathering of senior leadership of The Oberoi Group, OSHM / OCLD alumni and those who currently hold or have previously held executive roles at The Oberoi Group to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. 

Mr. Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, commented, “We are privileged to honour 90 years of excellence—an extraordinary journey that began with the vision and passion of our founder, Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. Through his pioneering spirit and steadfast belief in people, he built a legacy that transformed Indian hospitality. The Global Hospitality Conclave is a fitting tribute to his life and contribution, and it is heartening to see so many members of the Oberoi family come together to celebrate the timeless values that continue to shape our future.”

Mr. Vikram Oberoi, CEO The Oberoi Group, added, “The 90-year milestone is not just a celebration—it is a moment of gratitude. Gratitude to Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi for his enduring vision, and to all those who have carried that vision forward with integrity and excellence. The Global Hospitality Conclave gives us the opportunity to reflect on our collective journey and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles that define The Oberoi Group: exceptional service, sincere care, and continuous innovation.”

Sudhir Gupta, GHC Chair and Executive Chairman, TLC Digitech, said, “ GHC is a unique initiative that began ten years ago and has over the last decade grown in its prominence as a platform for thought leadership. For the Oberoi alumni—mentored in the values shaped by  Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi and Mr PRS Oberoi — this is more than a celebration. It is a reaffirmation of the alumni’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and service that has served them in the varied fields and positions that they have embarked upon. As The Oberoi Group  marks nine decades of timeless hospitality, the alumni honour a legacy that continues to guide, inspire, and define the future of global luxury.

The centre piece at the Conclave was the  Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. Ashwani Kumar—former Minister of Law and Justice, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. Dr Kumar’s deep and enduring association with The Oberoi Group lent a unique perspective as he reflected on the life and legacy of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi—his pioneering spirit, values-driven leadership, and his transformative impact on Indian hospitality.

Another powerful tribute came through the session titled “A Legacy Remembered”, featuring Bachi Karkaria, renowned journalist and author of Dare to Dream: A Life of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. In conversation with Mr. Rajiv Kaul, the session gave rare insights into the life of a legend whose story continues to inspire generations. 

The Conclave also comprised stimulating and interesting discussions on India’s strategic options in the prevailing scenario by distinguished panelists Arun Singh, former Ambassador of India to the United States, Indrani Bagchi, CEO, Ananta Centre and Foreign Policy, Commentator, Professor Harsh V Pant, Vice President, Foreign Policy at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. The session was Moderated by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, former Navy Commander-in-Chief and commentator on military and strategic affairs. 

A fireside chat with entrepreneur Viraj Bahl, founder (Veeba, WokTok, Tasty Pixel, Barisco) in conversation with Dilip Puri, Oberoi Alumnus, Founder & Executive Chairman at Indian School of Hospitality, followed by an inspiring discussion on leisure redefined with stalwarts and entrepreneurs in the area of luxury hospitality Anant Apurv Kumar, Co-Founder, Brij Hotels, Jose T Ramapuram, Director, Evolve Back Resorts, Manvendra Singh Shekhawat, Managing Director, Suryagarh Collection, Sunil Mehta, Chairman, World Wilderness Trust of India and  moderated by Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group. 

The conclave was also a celebration of Oberoi achievers. A lively session on Wider Horizons moderated by Shyam Mohan, Founder & Chairman, Tier 1 Network Private Limited included Oberoi alumni who have ventured out and achieved great entrepreneurial and corporate success — Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture India, Joe Manavalan, Co-Founder, Licious, Sharad Puri, Specialist, Prestige Group. 

Organized annually, the objective of the Global Hospitality Conclave is to get the Oberoi Hotels alumni together who are presently employed in different sectors across the world such as banking, aviation, travel, education etc, and go beyond the customary batch reunions by creating a compelling platform of knowledge exchange, experiences and networking opportunities. 

India, 19^th May 2025: Motherhood Hospitals- India’s leading network of Women and Children’s hospitals, proudly introduces Motherhood One, the first-of-its-kind subscription-based pregnancy care App in India, designed to provide holistic and personalised care to expecting mothers. Available through the Motherhood Care app, this revolutionary feature delivers comprehensive support, ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy journey.

Motherhood One is built on a foundation of evidence-based, expert-driven care. Featuring AI-powered personalisation, the service offers moms-to-be tailor-made support crafted by top pregnancy coaches, nutritionists, psychologists, and doctors. The aim is to guide mothers through every step of pregnancy, from health management to emotional support, ensuring they are never alone in their journey.

Studies reported that 6% to 10% of pregnant women suffer from Fear of childbirth. The fear can be primarily due to a lack of medical information and fearmongering among peers and family. Our insights based on our conversations with expectant mothers revealed that they had questions related to nutrition during pregnancy, physical activity and travelling during pregnancy, kicks of the baby, spotting and bleeding and when to visit a gynaecologist. The app aims to address all these issues and provide a safe space for every mother-to-be to navigate their journey with confidence & under proper guidance.

The app and user interface have been built based on insights from mothers-to-be, new moms, obstetricians, and nutritionists.  Users have access to health and wellness experts, including pregnancy coaches, nutritionists, and physiotherapists.  There is real-time access to gynaecologists, real-time symptom tracking, medication reminders, pregnancy journal, and a special feature called conversations with the womb – a weekly guided meditative conversation designed by renowned psychologists to foster emotional wellbeing and bond between the mother and the baby.

Speaking on the Motherhood Care app, Mr. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals, said, “For the first time in India, mothers can access this level of personalised care through Motherhood Hospitals, setting a new standard in maternal care. Whether it’s staying on top of health milestones, building an emotional connection with the baby, or receiving real-time medical advice, Motherhood One empowers mothers to navigate their pregnancy journey with confidence and ease.”

A 28-year-old Bengaluru-based mom-to-be, Mrs Naina Mehta, said, “As a first-time mother, I was constantly anxious and overwhelmed. The Motherhood Care app became my everyday companion now- whether it was tracking my baby kicks or symptoms, staying mindful with ‘conversations with the womb’, or simply having access to expert advice 24*7. It has truly made my pregnancy journey smoother and emotionally reassuring.”

Chennai, May 19,  2025: Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. (Star Health Insurance), India’s largest retail health insurance provider,  today announced the launch of Star Flexi a multi-rider, as an expansion to its flagship product ‘Super Star’. Star Flexi is a unique multi-rider that adds more flexibility and personalization with new-age benefits to its flagship health plan, Super Star. With this, Star Health has introduced three new variants — Essential, Preferred and Secure, giving customers more choice and control over their health coverage.

Star Flexi has been introduced to address the rising demand for flexible, personalised, and affordable health insurance solutions. It is designed to serve a wide range of customers, from individuals in rural and semi-urban areas to those in metropolitan cities who prefer more comprehensive and premium coverage.

Super Star has quickly built a strong reputation among customers, becoming one of the most preferred health insurance plans in the country. With over 1.6 lakh policies sold, generating Rs. 580 crore in revenue in just seven months, Super Star has seen strong adoption across customer segments. The success of Super Star highlights a growing interest in health plans that offer more flexibility, greater personalisation, and coverage designed to meet specific needs.

Mr. Anand Roy, MD & CEO, Star Health Insurance said “The success of our ‘Super Star’ product, has reaffirmed the growing demand for flexible, affordable, and comprehensive health insurance solutions across India. With the launch of the three curated health insurance packages, ‘Essential’, ‘Preferred’, and ‘Secure’, we are reinforcing our commitment to expanding access to high-quality healthcare insurance from small villages and towns to metros. These new curated packages are designed to empower individuals and families, providing them with the security and peace of mind they need to take charge of their health, while ensuring that comprehensive coverage remains within everyone’s reach.”

Each of the new packages brings together the trusted coverage of Super Star with the flexibility and innovation of Star Flexi. These variants are designed to serve a wide range of customers, from young families in smaller towns to experienced buyers in metro cities. They offer meaningful health insurance choices aligned with different priorities and budgets.

The curated offerings — Essential, Preferred and Secure, are structured to meet specific healthcare needs. Each variant caters to a distinct customer group, providing options based on where individuals are in their health and financial journey.

• Essential

This variant is ideal for first-time buyers and value-seekers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. It focuses on accessibility and affordability while covering core healthcare needs with a balanced level of protection.

Key Features:

• Sum insured starting from Rs. 5 lakh
• Single private room coverage
• Day care procedures, AYUSH, organ donor and home care treatment
• Unlimited restoration of sum insured
• Premium waiver benefit and teleconsultation access
• STAR Wellness Program participation and cumulative bonus
• Optional add-ons like consumables and preventive check-ups

• Preferred

This variant is designed for urban families and professionals seeking balanced coverage and long-term value. It offers enhanced benefits tailored to metro and Tier 1 customers who want broader protection and tangible returns.

Key Features:

• No cap on room rent
• Air ambulance cover up to Rs. 5 lakh
• Health Booster provides 100% of base sum insured after seven claim-free years
• Premium Return refunds the first-year premium after five claim-free years
• Sum Insured Multiplier supports long-term flexibility
• Additional coverage for dental cleaning, nursing at home and medical equipment

• Secure

This variant is built for informed policyholders who prioritise strong protection and smart value. It is best suited for experienced customers seeking wide-ranging coverage without overpaying for unused features.

Key Features:

• No cap on room rent
• Air ambulance cover up to Rs. 5 lakh
• Unlimited restoration of sum insured
• Limitless Loyalty Bonus adds 100% of the sum insured at every renewal, regardless of claims
• Access to STAR Wellness Program and claim-free incentives
• Optional add-ons available for enhanced protection

The launch of Star Flexi marks an important step in expanding the Super Star product into a more personalised and adaptable offering. By introducing three distinct variants, Star Health is addressing the real-world needs of customers across different life stages and geographies. Whether it’s affordability, balance, or comprehensive protection, the new packages are built to deliver meaningful coverage that aligns with how people live, work and plan for their health today.

New Delhi, May 19th 2025 – When a 69-year-old woman slipped into a minimally conscious state after a major stroke last year, her family began preparing for the worst. Doctors across cities told her son, who had flown in from abroad, that her chances of recovery were slim to none. She was unresponsive, unable to move, and showed only faint signs of awareness.

Today, she can sit up, track conversations, and respond with gestures. It is not a miracle. It is the outcome of timely neuro-rehabilitation, scientific precision, and relentless persistence.

This story, emerging during World Stroke Awareness Month, underscores a critical yet under-addressed truth in Indian stroke care. While emergency treatment can save lives, rehabilitation is what gives those lives meaning.

After multiple hospitals expressed helplessness, the patient was admitted to HCAH, India’s largest chain of recovery and rehabilitation hospitals. There, she underwent a medically supervised, multidisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation program led by specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). Her treatment plan included Multimodal Sensory Stimulation, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and advanced robotic and virtual therapies designed to activate dormant neural pathways and support functional recovery.

“We see too many lives plateau after emergency care simply because structured rehabilitation is not started in time,” said Dr. Gaurav Thukral, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, HCAH. “Rehabilitation is a medical science, not just an extension of physiotherapy. At HCAH, our PMR-led model ensures that every therapy is medically prescribed and clinically timed. Whether it is exoskeleton-based gait training, end-effector robotics, virtual reality therapy, or HBOT, these interventions require specialist oversight and infrastructure not available in standard physiotherapy settings.”

“When recovery is guided by clinical expertise and advanced technology, as we practice at HCAH, even the most complex neurological conditions can show meaningful improvement.”

“In stroke care, we often say time is brain but that urgency must extend far beyond the emergency room or ICU,” said Dr. Varun Rehani, Consultant in Neurology, Centre for Neurosciences, Advanced Aneurysm Treatment, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi. “For patients who enter a minimally conscious state, the early weeks of rehabilitation are not just important, they are critical. The golden 90-day window after a stroke is when the brain’s neuroplasticity is at its highest. Intervening during this time can significantly influence long-term recovery.”

“Delaying rehabilitation risks losing that vital opportunity. Early, intensive, and scientifically guided care that includes neurostimulation and evidence-based therapies can dramatically improve outcomes. Stroke care does not end with survival. It begins with structured rebuilding.”

The woman was diagnosed with a Disorder of Consciousness (DOC), a condition often misunderstood as irreversible. Her progress aligns with emerging global and Indian evidence highlighting the role of early neuroplastic stimulation in recovery.

Dr. Arunav Sharma, Associate Consultant, Neurosurgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, added, “Patients with impaired consciousness are frequently written off. But the brain may still retain the ability to respond if the right areas are stimulated. Through Multimodal Sensory Stimulation, we engage various senses including touch, movement, sound, smell, taste, and vision to activate dormant neural networks. This approach can open up new possibilities in neuro-recovery.”

Week by week, signs of improvement emerged. The patient blinked on command. She began to respond to voices with subtle movements. Eventually, she reached out for her son’s hand a gesture that once felt impossible.

With more than 1.8 million stroke cases annually, India is witnessing a sharp rise in post-stroke disability. Yet, structured rehabilitation particularly when led by PMR experts remains underutilized in most parts of the country.

As India marks World Stroke Awareness Month, this story stands as a reminder of what is possible when rehabilitation is not just timely but clinically guided. Because sometimes, the right therapy at the right time is not just about recovery—it is about restoring connection, dignity, and a second chance at life.

Hyderabad, 19th May 2025: In a decisive step toward enhancing the nation’s emergency care capabilities, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, in collaboration with the Society for Emergency Medicine India (SEMI), hosted the National Ultrasound Life Support (NULS) Workshop, an advanced clinical learning initiative designed to equip physicians across India with critical point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) skills.

The workshop provided hands-on training to emergency and critical care physicians on life-saving ultrasound techniques for use in high-pressure clinical scenarios such as trauma, cardiac arrest, and shock. The program, accredited by the Telangana State Medical Council with 2 Credit Hours, featured live demonstrations, simulation modules, and interactive sessions on protocols like eFAST, RUSH, IVC, Lung, and Cardiac Ultrasound.

Dr. Kiran Kumar Varma K, Associate Clinical Director, Zonal HOD (Banjara & Malakpet), Department of Emergency Medicine, CARE Hospitals and Course Director for NULS, shared “Ultrasound is now a cornerstone of emergency diagnostics, and our goal with NULS is to translate this powerful tool into routine, high-impact clinical practice. We are proud to lead such industry-defining skill-building programs.”

Dr. Srinath Kumar T S, Academic Chair, SEMI Board and Chief Guest at the event, emphasized “NULS is not just a training program, it is a national imperative. The more we invest in evidence-based, practical learning for emergency physicians, the better our system becomes at saving lives during the golden hour. I commend CARE Hospitals for championing this cause.”

Dr. Sowjanya Patibandla, President, SEMI Board and Keynote Speaker, noted, “The NULS Workshop marks a new chapter in collaborative learning for emergency care providers. As ultrasound becomes a frontline diagnostic tool, structured programs like this are crucial in building clinician confidence and competence. SEMI is proud to partner with CARE Hospitals in driving this advancement.”

Mr. Biju Nair, Zonal Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, added, “At CARE Hospitals, we believe that the true strength of a healthcare institution lies not only in its clinical outcomes, but in its commitment to advancing the collective capabilities of the medical community. Initiatives like the NULS Workshop embody this spirit—transcending organizational lines to build a more skilled, responsive, and future-ready ecosystem of care. As custodians of healthcare delivery, it is our duty to enable such transformative learning platforms that serve the greater good.”

The NULS Workshop reaffirms CARE Hospitals’ position as not only a leader in emergency care delivery but also a committed stakeholder in shaping the future of Indian healthcare through collaborative medical education and clinical leadership.

Chennai, 17 May 2025: Apollo Hospitals, India’s most trusted name in healthcare, has announced the launch of ‘The Apollo Elder Care Program’, a comprehensive, expert-led initiative aimed at transforming the healthcare experience for senior citizens. This holistic geriatric program is designed to offer cohesive and personalised care that addresses the evolving medical needs of older adults, from preventive health assessments to post-procedure recovery, both at the hospital and at home.

India’s ageing population faces complex health challenges, often requiring the involvement of multiple specialists, regular monitoring, and coordinated care. ‘The Apollo Elder Care Program’ bridges these gaps by offering a single, well-coordinated service under the guidance of a dedicated senior geriatric consultant.

Dr. Priyanka Rana Patgiri, Consultant Geriatrics, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Aging should not mean struggling to manage multiple medical conditions. With the ‘Apollo Elder Care Program’, we ensure every senior has a trusted doctor to oversee and coordinate their entire care journey. Our patients receive continuous, compassionate, and coordinated care at home or in our hospital. This is dignity in aging—redefined.”

The program offers a consolidated model of care that includes a senior geriatric consultant who oversees all medical needs, coordinates with super specialists, and creates a unified care plan tailored to each individual. High-quality health evaluations are available both at Apollo’s geriatric outpatient clinics and through home visits for patients who may have mobility challenges. Patients under the program receive priority access to Apollo’s panel of expert super specialists, with faster appointments and team-based treatment planning.

The program further supports every stage of care, from prevention and diagnostics to hospital procedures, recovery, and rehabilitation. It also equips families and caregivers with guidance, 24/7 access to medical advice, and digital tools to monitor health between visits. This initiative not only simplifies the healthcare journey for seniors but also ensures their dignity and comfort remain at the forefront of treatment delivery.

Apollo Hospitals continues to set benchmarks in patient-centric innovation, and the Elder Care Program reinforces its commitment to addressing the unique needs of India’s senior population with empathy, expertise, and excellence.

Dr. Murali Krishna CH V, Senior Neuro Phisician CARE Hospitals, Malakpet stated, “Hypertension is often symptomless in its early stages, which is why it’s called the silent killer. However, if left unchecked, it can cause irreversible damage to organs and lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, vision loss, and kidney failure. Awareness and timely management can truly save lives.”

Chennai, 16^th May 2025: MGM Healthcare has successfully performed India’s first Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive procedure conducted through the mouth with robotic assistance, on a 52-year-old woman, providing relief from Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, a condition characterised by severe throat pain and painful swallowing. It was also associated with a nagging neck pain also. The innovative procedure removed grossly elongated styloid processes in the neck (Eagle’s Syndrome) that were impinging on the glossopharyngeal nerve bilaterally, the root cause of her chronic pain not relieved on medications.

Despite undergoing numerous consultations and trying various medications at multiple hospitals, the patient’s condition persisted, leaving her in constant, debilitating pain. This patient from Chennai endured the pain for nearly a year without any cure. However, after the surgery, the patient experienced remarkable improvement. Within hours of the procedure, she reported a dramatic reduction in pain. Her swallowing difficulties were fully resolved. Within 48 hours, the patient was discharged with no further complications.

Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia with Eagle’s Syndrome is rare, and in most cases, the typical approach to treatment would involve conventional surgeries, such as removal of the tonsils to access the parapharyngeal space and reach the styloid processes and the nerves. However, TORS allowed the removal of the styloid bones without the need for external incisions and spared the surrounding tissues and organs, including the palatine tonsils.

The groundbreaking surgery was performed by Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery at MGM Healthcare. In his comments, he said, “The patient had been suffering from excruciating throat and neck pain for nearly a year, despite multiple consultations and various treatments. After a thorough evaluation and advanced imaging techniques, we were able to accurately diagnose the patient’s condition as Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, caused by elongated styloid bones compressing the glossopharyngeal nerve. The challenge was accessing these deep, narrow areas to remove the elongated bones without damaging surrounding structures. This is where Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) proved to be a game-changer. The robot’s articulatory arms allowed us to perform highly precise movements in the parapharyngeal space, which would have been extremely difficult with conventional methods. By performing the surgery through the mouth, we could safely remove the styloid bones, sparing vital organs like the tonsils and important blood vessels, thereby minimising the risk of complications. TORS provided an optimal solution, offering minimal invasion and ensuring a quicker, smoother recovery for the patient.”

He added that TORS has usually been used primarily for tumor removal, especially in the throat and mouth area. However, the ability to perform TORS for a rare condition like Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, caused by Eagle’s Syndrome, marks a significant milestone for MGM Healthcare. This innovative approach, done for the first time in the country, (just a few cases have been reported in literature worldwide with similar techniques) allows the surgeon to precisely access the affected areas and provide relief to a patient who had not found a solution despite multiple attempts at treatment elsewhere. “Our hospital is deeply committed to utilising cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes, and this breakthrough demonstrates our expertise in leveraging robotic-assisted surgery for complex cases. With this success, we continue to uphold our promise to push the boundaries of medical innovation, offering hope and relief to patients without viable treatment options”.