Category health

Mumbai 25, November 2024: TreadBinary, a leading technology and consulting company, partnered with Rotary Club Mumbai to organize a blood donation drive at the Puranic Capitol premises in Thane. This collaborative effort aimed to address the critical need for blood in hospitals while promoting a sense of community service and social responsibility.

The drive saw an impressive turnout, with 43 individuals stepping forward to donate blood. A total of 43 units of blood were collected during the camp, surpassing expectations. These donations will be distributed to multiple hospitals, providing life-saving support to patients in urgent need. For access to donated blood, individuals can reach out to Kai. Wamanrao Oka Blood Center.

Darshil Shah, Founder and Director, TreadBinary, said, “Blood donation is more than a charitable act—it is an expression of humanity’s ability to care, to share, and to give hope where it is most needed. Each unit of blood donated represents a lifeline, a chance for someone to fight another day, and a promise that no one stands alone in their time of need. By coming together as a community to support this cause, we not only save lives but also reaffirm our collective strength, compassion, and responsibility to build a world where hope and healing are always within reach.”

Yuvraj Shidhaye, President of Rotary Club Thane Creek, added, “The blood donation camp was conducted with the utmost care by a team of skilled medical professionals, ensuring a smooth and safe process for every donor. Together, we hope to inspire more individuals to join this life-saving cause.”

Encouraged by the success of the event, TreadBinary and Rotary Club Mumbai plan to organize similar blood donation camps frequently. Future campaigns will focus on educating the community about the critical importance of regular blood donation and expanding the pool of active donors.

Bengaluru, 25 November, 2024: Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road successfully performed a life-enhancing robot-assisted kidney transplant on 61-year-old African doctor suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Presenting with complex medical challenges, the patient underwent the transplant with the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru & Chairman – Renal Sciences Specialty Council at Fortis Hospitals, India, Dr. Shakir Tabrez, Additional Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery and Dr Renuka Prasad, Senior Consultant – Nephrology at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road. The patient recovered remarkably well and was discharged just six days post-surgery.

Dr Benson, the patient had been battling End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) for over 6-7 months, relying on regular haemodialysis to manage his failing kidney function. His condition was further complicated by morbid obesity, and a long-standing history of hypertension, both of which significantly increased the risks associated with surgery. Despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals across several countries, Dr Benson was refused treatment due to the complexity of his condition, compounded by obesity and co-morbid condition.

Desperate for a solution, Dr. Benson and his family turned to Fortis Cunningham Road for help.  Following a comprehensive medical evaluation, the transplant team recommended a robot-assisted kidney transplant as the best option. His 23-year-old son, a healthy individual, was evaluated as a potential donor and found to be an excellent match. After thorough screening, the transplant procedure was planned and executed with precision.

Sharing details about the case, Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-oncology, Uro-gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant & Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru and Chairman – Renal Sciences Specialty Council, Fortis Hospitals, India said, “Our primary focus is always the well-being and successful outcomes of our patients. In complex cases like this, robotic surgery is an ideal approach due to its precision, smaller incisions, reduced tissue, and faster recovery. The enhanced 3D visualization provided by robot-assisted surgeries ensures meticulous dissection and graft placement. Additionally, the benefits of minimal scarring improve patient satisfaction and recovery. Given our expertise and capabilities, large number of international patients are placing their trust in us for complex procedures such as this. This case is a testament of our collaborative team to handle high-risk, intricate procedures using robotic technology, offering patients a second chance at life.”

Dr. Shakir Tabrez, Additional Director, Urology, Uro- Oncology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant & Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said, “This was an extremely challenging case, given the patient’s obesity, hypertension, and long-term dialysis dependency. Managing such complexities required a multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge robotic technology. By leveraging advanced robotic technology, we ensure that the incision is significantly smaller – allowing faster healing, quicker mobility and early discharge, while also minimizing the risk of immediate or long-term complications which are often a predicament in conventional open transplants. The surgery lasted approximately two and a half hours, and the patient showed remarkable improvement. His kidney function has normalised within 72 hours, and his creatinine levels are stable thereafter.”

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Benson said “I am thankful to Dr. Mohan, Dr. Shakir, and the entire team at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road for their exceptional care. After months of struggling with End-Stage Renal Disease and being turned away by other hospitals, Fortis gave me a second chance at life through this successful robotic kidney transplant. I’m grateful for their expertise, compassion, and support in helping me recover rapidly.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “At Fortis, we are committed to managing complex, high-risk cases like Dr. Benson’s with unparalleled expertise and care. This successful robot-assisted kidney transplant highlights the skill of our multidisciplinary team and the advanced capabilities of robotic surgery in handling intricate procedures. We are delighted to see the patient’s remarkable recovery and remain dedicated to delivering world-class healthcare to all our patients.”

Kolkata, 22 November, 2024: HP Ghosh Hospital has marked a significant milestone in the field of healthcare with the successful launch of Eastern India’s first robotic-assisted spine surgery system. The landmark event, held at The Spring Club, Kolkata, showcased the pioneering Mazor-X Robotic System, the latest advancement in precision spine surgery. This event also highlighted the hospital’s ongoing commitment to bringing cutting-edge medical technology to the region.

The event featured a detailed demonstration of the robotic-assisted spine surgery system, a state-of-the-art technology designed to revolutionize spinal surgery by ensuring higher accuracy, improved patient outcomes, and faster recovery. HP Ghosh Hospital and The Spine Foundation’s expert team of medical professionals, including Dr. Saumyajit Basu, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), FRCS (Edinburgh), DNB (Orthopaedics); Dr. Indrajit Roy, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery); Dr. Trinanjan Sarangi, MBBS, MD (Anaesthesiology) along with Mr. Somnath Bhattacharya, CEO of HP Ghosh Hospital, provided valuable insights into the system’s capabilities and its transformative potential for treating complex spinal disorders.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Saumyajit Basu, Director & Lead Spine Surgeon of The Spine Foundation and Mr. Somnath “Bhattacharya, CEO of HP Ghosh Hospital said, The successful implementation of robotic-assisted spine surgery at HP Ghosh Hospital is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the best in patient care. Today, we are not only introducing cutting-edge technology but also setting a new standard in spine care in Eastern India. The Mazor-X Robotic System allows us to perform surgeries with unparalleled precision, ensuring safer outcomes for patients, particularly in complex cases. This event marks a new era for spine surgery in our region, and we are proud to lead the way.”

The event also emphasized the hospital’s comprehensive approach to spine care, which integrates advanced diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays, 128-slice CT, Advanced MRI, and Electrophysiology, alongside the latest in robotic technology. With its 5 modular operating theatres, equipped with advanced microscopes, endoscope, navigation, high-speed drills, C-arm, O-arm, Robotic and Neuromonitoring, HP Ghosh Hospital stands at the forefront of spinal healthcare.

The hospital’s commitment to excellence was reflected in the discussions on the various spinal conditions treated from trauma, infections, degenerative diseases, deformities like scoliosis, and osteoporosis in the growing geriatric population. With a multidisciplinary approach, HP Ghosh Hospital aims to provide comprehensive, individualized care, ensuring that all sections of society in Eastern India have access to the best spine care solutions available.

New Delhi, 22 November 2024: Marking a transformative milestone in cardiac care, Manipal Hospitals, one of the largest healthcare networks in India announced the successful insertion of an AI-driven, wireless injectable pacemaker. Developed by Abbott, their Aveir Leadless pacemaker entered the Indian market a few days back. Notably, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria has become the first center in Eastern India to perform the procedure. This life-saving device was recently inserted in a 65-year-old patient’s heart, making them the first in this region to receive the futuristic pacemaker. Already in use across the United States and Europe, the innovative pacemaker provides Indian patients with a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional pacemakers for managing heart rhythm disorders.

The event was attended by eminent cardiologists from Manipal Hospitals, including Dr. P.K. Hazra, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, Dr. Sumanta Chatterjee, Consultant Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria Dr. Soumya Kanti Dutta, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, and Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director of the Cardiac Cath Lab & Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (An unit of Manipal Hospitals). These experts pointed to the increasing number of pacemaker insertion surgeries in India and how wireless pacemakers can be a better option for many. Mr. Rajesh Pareekh, Unit Head at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, also attended the event emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to providing cutting-edge medical solutions.

According to the Journal of Cardiovascular Disease, nearly 40,000 people undergo pacemaker insertion surgery annually in India. The Aveir Leadless pacemaker only weighs 2.4 grams and uses nanotechnology to remain securely positioned within the heart. With a lifespan of 20-25 years, the device has a long life that’s almost three times longer than typical pacemakers (7-8 years) which reduces the need for pacemaker replacement. Besides, its non-magnetic design makes it immune to airport scanners, MRI machines, and high-voltage electrical currents ensuring that the patient’s day-to-day functionality remains uncompromised.

Dr. P.K. Hazra, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria explained the significance of the new device, “While the pacemaker is not rechargeable, it has a unique advantage. It can be upgradable from a single to a dual-chamber configuration, offering a versatile and long-term solution for patients. It can efficiently separate and regulate the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. This pacemaker not only eliminates the need for invasive surgery and external wires but also features Bluetooth-enabled technology, allowing for remote monitoring and adjustments. Specialists from all over the world can now monitor their patients, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.”

Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director of the Cardiac Cath Lab & Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (An unit of Manipal Hospitals) stated, “Wireless pacemakers are now becoming a fully-fledged reality. While wireless pacemakers are not new, the previous models couldn’t pace both chambers—the atrium and the ventricles. This innovation excites us because it significantly reduces the risks of complications like hematoma formation, infections, lead dislodgement, and other lead-related issues. It offers unparalleled comfort for both doctors and patients.”

Dr. Sumanta Chatterjee, Consultant Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria added, “This pacemaker opens new possibilities for patients who were previously deemed unsuitable for conventional pacemaker implants. Traditional pacemakers require invasive surgery to implant a device and wires (leads) into the chest, often leading to complications such as infections. The injectable wireless pacemaker, however, is injected directly into the heart’s right ventricle, eliminating the need for external wires and surgical pockets, which are the primary causes of infections in patients. This device is perfect for those with compromised immunity or conditions like skin issues, those on dialysis, or patients who are on blood thinners. The device’s minimally invasive nature also makes it ideal for elderly patients or young women concerned about scarring.”

India has become the third country in the world to embrace the USFDA and the European Medical Authority-approved injectable pacemaker signalling interest in improving cardiac healthcare in the country. Notably, the procedure can only be carried out by professionals who have received proper training and certification to ensure top-quality care. The introduction of this new wireless pacemaker in India provides patients with a permanent solution that can improve their quality of life and guarantee more effective cardiac care.

Kochi, November 22, 2024: Aster Medcity, in collaboration with Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare launched a free HbA1c test campaign aimed at supporting the elderly population. The campaign was inaugurated by Honourable Aluva MLA Anwar Sadat at the Aluva Welfare Association Trust as part of World Diabetes Day celebrations.

The initiative will provide free check-ups to various elderly care centres across Ernakulam district, providing crucial diabetes screening for 500 senior citizens.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Aster Volunteers, driven by the Aster DM Foundation, to touch lives through healthcare, education, social empowerment, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief activities. To date, Aster Volunteers has impacted over 5 million lives globally, with this campaign being another testament to its impactful presence.

Latheef Kasim, Assistant General Manager of Aster DM Foundation, Dr. Mansoor Hassan, Chairman of Welfare Association Trust and others attended the event.

Photo Caption: Aluva MLA Anwar Sadat undergoes the first test in the free HbA1c test campaign organized by Aster Medcity and Aster Volunteers at Aluva Welfare Association Trust as part of World Diabetes Day.

Avocado, often referred to as a “superfood,” is finally gaining the recognition it deserves in Indian kitchens. Packed with nutrients, flavor, and versatility, this fruit (yes, technically it’s a fruit) is redefining the way we think about healthy eating. The World Avocado Organisation encourages you to consider avocados not only for their culinary prowess but also as a nutritious choice that can improve well-being. So, this  festive season, let avocados be your companion in the kitchen.

The journey of incorporating avocados into daily meals can start with something as simple and intuitive as a refreshing cold soup. Just blend avocados with cucumber, mint, and yogurt, and you’ll have a bowl of creamy, delicious nourishment that is both satisfying and filling. Beyond its delectable taste, avocados offer a wealth of health benefits, making them an invaluable addition to any meal.

They Are A Nutrient Powerhouse- Half an avocado contains just 114 calories but it is jam-packed with vital vitamins and minerals – making it a very nutrient-dense food. On top of this, they contain hardly any sugar or salt and have a low glycaemic index (GI), meaning that they are the perfect match for those who need to watch their blood sugar levels. The World Health Organization recommends a healthy diet with low sugars and saturated fats to reduce the risk of diabetes. Adding this fruit as a topping on a salad, chopping it up and enjoying it as a snack or creating exciting avocado-based recipes – this fruit ensures that you get your boost of nutrients and contains monounsaturated fats that help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes.

How to Incorporate Avocado in Your Diet  

Avocados are incredibly versatile. Here are some quick and easy ways to enjoy them:  

– As a Spread: Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado on sandwiches or toast.

– Soup Garnish: Add avocado chunks to enhance flavor and nutrition in any soup.

– Salads: Combine avocado slices with oranges, fresh mint, and toasted walnuts for a refreshing twist.

– Avocado Toast: Mash avocados with lemon juice, spread on toasted rye bread, and sprinkle with a mix of garlic salt, cumin, coriander, and cardamom for a quick, flavorful snack.

20th  November 2024: Emoneeds, a leading digital mental health platform, has announced its strategic hiring initiative aimed at expanding its talented team as part of its growth and commitment to offering top-tier mental health services across India. With a current workforce of 67 employees, including three contractual staff members, Emoneeds is set to add eight new professionals by the end of 2024. This expansion focuses on bolstering the company’s clinical, technology, and administrative departments.

The company’s present employee base boasts a diverse gender balance with 40 female and 27 male employees, reflecting Emoneeds’ commitment to inclusivity and a supportive workplace. The hiring initiative will target key positions, including trainee psychologists, front-end and back-end developers (via third-party partnerships), an admin cum front desk executive, a graphic designer, and a data analyst. These roles will help Emoneeds enhance its digital offerings, operational efficiency, and clinical expertise as the platform scales to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

As Emoneeds continues to grow, the company recognizes the importance of hiring professionals who share its startup mindset. Dr. Neerja Aggarwal Co-founder & CEO emphasized this, stating, “At Emoneeds, we believe in nurturing young, driven professionals who are not only passionate about mental health but are also aligned with our long-term vision. Our expansion reflects our commitment to creating a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to shared goals. Expanding our team allows us to invest in the future success of Emoneeds, ensuring that we continue to provide innovative and empathetic care to individuals across India.”

With an initial investment of half a million US dollars from its founders, Emoneeds has cemented its position as a comprehensive platform offering specialized mental health services across a broad spectrum of conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia. Combining expert clinical care with cutting-edge digital innovation, the mental health startup places a strong emphasis on relapse prevention and functional recovery, ensuring long-term well-being for its patients. Since its inception, Emoneeds has empowered countless individuals, providing over  1,20,000  therapy and counseling sessions across 145 towns in India, transforming lives and redefining the future of mental health care in the country.

New Delhi, 19th November 2024: Recently, doctors at HCMCT Manipal Hospital saved a 2-year-old child with mercury poisoning following the accidental ingestion of mercury from a broken thermometer. The child was brought to the hospital after the thermometer broke in his mouth. Initially, there were no visible signs of abdominal pain or vomiting, making it difficult to assess the extent of mercury ingestion. The child was initially managed conservatively with laxatives under close observation, as the exact amount of mercury ingested was unknown. All routine tests, including serum and urine mercury levels, were conducted. However, despite the use of laxatives, an abdominal X-ray revealed a substantial amount of mercury spread throughout the bowel, posing significant health risks.

After 48 hours with no improvement in mercury clearance, Dr. Sufla Saxena, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and her team proceeded with an urgent colonoscopy. During the procedure, mercury was located throughout the large bowel and at the tip of the appendix. A comprehensive bowel lavage was conducted (a procedure that involves flushing out the large intestine with liquid to clean it) to flush out the mercury from the colon. The procedure went well, and the child was discharged the very next day. A follow-up X-ray confirmed that the mercury was fully cleared, eliminating the need for chelation therapy. This timely intervention successfully prevented the potential dangers of mercury toxicity.“

Commenting on the case, Dr. Sufla Saxena, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka said, “Acute or chronic mercury exposure can cause adverse effects during any period of development. Mercury is a highly toxic element and can have devastating effects on critical organs such as the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys. With early diagnosis and opting for the procedures at the right time, we were able to prevent the dangerous effects of mercury exposure and ensure the child’s recovery without complications. This case highlights the important role of timely and advanced pediatric care in managing toxic exposures.”

Hyderabad, November 18th, 2024: The 3rd edition of the Hyderabad Valves, established in 2019 with the mission to advance non-surgical methods of valve replacement such as TAVI, TMVR, and TPVR, concluded today at The Park Hyatt, Hyderabad.

This event was dedicated to the memory of Prof. Alain Cribier, a pioneer who performed the world’s first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in 2002 and devoted his life to training colleagues worldwide in this transformative technique. Hyderabad Valves 2024 honoured his legacy with this scientific program meticulously designed to ensure a rich academic experience.

The Hyderabad Valves Scientific Committee crafted a comprehensive program to provide all attendees with the insights and skills necessary to enhance or begin structural heart programs in their own cities, says Dr. P C Rath, Sr. Cardiologist and Course Director, Hyderabad Valves.

The unique gathering, returning in full force following the challenges of the global pandemic, offered an invaluable platform for professionals to connect, share, and learn from pioneers in the field. Leading cardiovascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists from India and beyond guided this two-day program, featuring in-depth discussions on 12 complex structural heart cases.

The highlights of Hyderabad Valves 2024 included over 25 live case studies from around the world, with six cases broadcast from Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The agenda covered advanced topics such as TAVR with various valve platforms, TAVR Valve-in-Valve with valve fracture techniques, TMVR with LAMPOON, BASILICA, and more.

This event represented a new chapter of growth and mutual learning within the field, and all participants returned with fresh expertise to elevate their practices, says Dr. Manoj Kumar Agarwala, Sr. Cardiologist and Course Director.

Hyderabad, 18^th November 2024: In a remarkable display of medical expertise and teamwork, a baby born at just 28 weeks of gestation, weighing a mere 760 grams, has been discharged in a healthy condition from Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, after overcoming life-threatening complications.

 On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital showcased the combined power of advancement in technology, skilled Neonatal ICU Care, and an experienced team of doctors, in helping the revival of an unusual preterm case.

 On 31^st August 2024, the baby of Raja Mohan Reddy and Kavitha was transported to Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Jubilee Hills, via its 247 emergency transport service. The emergency unit was staffed by skilled medical and nursing teams who are well trained to stabilize and transport babies, with the help of transport incubators and ventilators fitted in a mobile neonatal care unit.

 Journey of the newborn baby:

–        At the time of admission, born preterm and classified as ‘an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant’, the newborn faced immediate challenges from birth. On the third day of birth, the X-Ray of the abdomen was done which was suggestive of  due to intestinal perforation.

–        The newborn faced challenges in taking the feed and was hemodynamically stable, as a peritoneal drain (thin tube in the abdomen) was placed initially, but later taken for laparotomy in view of rapid increase in abdominal distention.

–        Intraoperatively large gastric wall perforation was seen, which was repaired, and a feeding jejunostomy (tube to allow feeding through small intestine) was inserted. The feed was then increased gradually as per the infant’s tolerance.

–       During the course of stay, the baby developed abdominal distension, a potentially life-threatening condition. Despite the grave concern, the medical team successfully performed a laparotomy to repair a large gastric wall perforation, and then placed a feeding jejunostomy tube to facilitate feeding.

After two months of intensive care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby was discharged in a healthy condition, weighing 1.56 kg. The successful outcome was a result of the coordinated efforts of Apollo Cradle’s Pediatric surgery team, led by Dr. Lalatendu Kumar, along with Anesthetist Dr. Vishwanath and team, and the NICU specialist Dr Krishna Swaroop Reddy, Dr K Raja Subba Reddy, and Dr P Shiva Kumar Reddy with the dedicated nursing and paramedical team.

Dr K Lalatendu Kumar, leading Pediatric Surgery expert at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, said, “Every step of this baby’s journey was a challenge. This case exemplifies the skill and dedication required to manage the most critical and high-risk premature babies. With a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, our team’s swift intervention in repairing the baby’s large stomach hole and inserting a feeding tube directly into the intestine is a testament to the expertise and compassion of our medical team, and also this tiny fighter‘s indomitable spirit.”

Dr Krishna Swaroop Reddy, Senior Consultant Neonatology and Pediatrics at Apollo Cradle and Children’ hospital “Our eNICU at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital monitored minute details, including medication levels, nutrition, feeding patterns etc. Real-time monitoring of the baby was maintained, which improved clinical outcomes and ensured that world-class treatment was provided to the baby. Our NICU is one of the most advanced and well-equipped unit in the country, staffed with the exceptionally qualified neonatologists who can handle any kind of complication. We are capable of taking care of all the babies, however small they are.”

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible care and support our baby received at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital. The medical teamwork was nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to their expertise, our little one is now healthy and thriving well in life. We’ll forever be grateful for everything they did for our family,” said Raja Mohan Reddy and Kavitha, parents of the baby.