Category health

Hyderabad, 10 March 2023: The Telangana Orthopaedic Surgeons Association conducted a successful Knee Arthroscopy Cadaveric Workshop at Kamineni Hospitals, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, on 9 March 2023. The workshop provided an exceptional learning opportunity for attendees from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to enhance their skills and knowledge of the latest surgical techniques in knee arthroscopy.

The workshop was conducted by experienced orthopedic surgeons. It mainly focused on practical learning using advanced equipment and cadaveric specimens. There were lectures on a range of topics, such as anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, posterolateral corner reconstruction, meniscal injuries, graft harvesting technique, cartilage injuries of the knee, multi-ligament reconstruction of the knee, and Graft Selection for Knee Ligament Surgeries.

In the second half of the workshop, the attendees were given the opportunity to practice and refine their skills on cadaveric specimens under the guidance of expert instructors. The workshop aimed at creating awareness of keyhole surgeries which can result in less scarring and shorter recovery time, compared to traditional open surgery. Additionally, keyhole surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home on the same day as the surgery.

Dr. Roshan Wade, an Orthopedic surgeon and Former Secretary of the India Arthroscopy Society, said, “The workshop was an excellent platform for attendees to acquire hands-on knowledge in the latest surgical techniques in knee arthroscopy. The cadaveric specimens provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn and practice these techniques under expert guidance.”

Speaking at the conference, Dr. P, S. Jaya Prasad, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon, at Kamineni Hospitals, said, “It was an honor to host this workshop at Kamineni Hospitals. The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to gain practical knowledge of the latest surgical techniques in knee arthroscopy, and we are proud to have contributed to their professional development. We look forward to hosting more such workshops in the future, which will contribute to the advancement of medical education and patient care.”

Dr. Srinivas Kasha, Senior Orthopedic surgeon Secretary of Telangana Orthopedic surgeons association Said, “The Knee Arthroscopy Cadaveric Workshop was a huge success. The attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity offered to learn and practice the latest surgical techniques. The workshop was attended by orthopedic surgeons, residents, and medical students from different hospitals and medical colleges across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The workshop has set a benchmark in medical education and is expected to contribute to the advancement of patient care.”

Mumbai: Like every year, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road celebrated International Women’s Day with great fervor. The hospital conducted sessions on women’s rights and empowerment through its ‘I am Fearless’ initiative. Self-defence training workshop was also conducted to ensure the safety of women. Around 100 women from the Mira-Bhayander area participated in this event. The objective of the program was women empowerment (both Physically and Mentally).

Dignitaries present were Ms. Geeta Jain MLA, Dr. Ajay Dubey, President, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ms. Yasmin Siddique, Clinical Psychologist, Ms. Manasi Shrouti – Coordinator – Project | Health and Nutrition N Ward, Mumbai, Ms. Neha Singh, Journalist and other socialites and health experts.

Woman empowerment means the ability of women to make decisions when it comes to their life and work. Women should also be given equal rights in personal, social, economic, political, and legal fields. Women are working shoulder to shoulder with men and maintaining a balance in the families. Women have also established themselves as equal contributors to managing the financial needs of families. In view of discrimination against women in our societies, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road have come forward to highlight women’s rights and to empower them on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Dr. Pankaj Dhamija, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, “We salute women and aim to celebrate womanhood and bring out the hero in every ‘her’. A woman’s safety remains a matter of concern in view of discrimination against them. The 1-hour panel discussion addressed issues such as, sexual harassment, domestic violence, girl child education and female foeticide and how organizations are working towards empowering women in fighting for their rights. We aim to mentally empower women through these sessions. Women are courageous and capable of transforming lives. They are entitled to live in dignity and freedom. Also, education is an important means of empowering women with the knowledge and self-confidence required for self-development. Self defence is vital for women in vital situations to avoid being shaken. The 2-hour training will help women to confidently assess any unsafe situation and navigate effectively.”

“Women often are subjected to violence and discrimination and they fail to raise their voices and suffer in silence. The informative sessions organized at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road helped us learn a lot. We could get hands-on experience regarding self-defence techniques that are beneficial in unfortunate incidents. We also had an insightful panel discussion on women’s rights and empowerment. We are looking forward to more initiatives to create awareness in society. We thank the hospital for celebrating us and motivating us to lead a better life,” concluded a participant.

New Delhi, March 08 2023: While the entire city is witnessing the Adenovirus claiming the lives of young children, Medica on the other hand is delighted to witness one such child going home, cured with ECMO support. After a month’s suffering from acute pneumonia caused by adenovirus, the proficient ECMO and Cardio-Pulmonary Critical Care team at Medica Superspecialty Hospital revived Aryav Suman a 5-year-old child, suffering from severe viral pneumonia affecting both lungs. Under the care of Medica ECMO team, headed by Dr. Dipanjan Chatterjee ECMO Physician, and Critical Care Specialist at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata, gradually his lung compliance improved, he was taken off from ECMO after 18 days and finally discharged from the hospital on 2nd March 2023.

Aryav was suffering from a cough and fever for around five days and developed respiratory distress at his residence in New Alipore, Kolkata on 29th January 2023. His condition failed to improve despite initial medication, so his parents rushed him to a nearby nursing home, where his oxygen saturation level began to drop even with oxygen support. Given his condition, the hospital advised the child’s family to transfer him to another private hospital near EM-Bypass that has a specialised paediatric intensive care unit. However, despite receiving maximum ventilation support at the hospital, the child’s oxygen saturation did not improve. On 30th January at 2:00 am at night, Medica’s ECMO team was contacted by the private hospital for urgent admission of the child under Paediatric ECMO support.

The ECMO team took prompt action and examined him with a viral panel test, which revealed adenovirus and rhinovirus infection. In addition, the child had streptococcus pneumonia, which aggravated his condition. He was immediately put under VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous ECMO) support and was being closely monitored. After the initial revival, his tracheostomy (an opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help you breathe) was done. He was taken off ECMO support after an 18-day battle between life and death. Following another 7 days, his oxygen support was also taken off as his saturation level improved.

After nearly a month in the hospital, the child was discharged and returned to the care of his family and friends with a very satisfying evaluation, on March 2, 2023.

Dr. Dipanjan Chatterjee who led the ECMO team, said, “Medica is the only hospital where we have the most advanced Paediatric ECMO facility, which can save many kids, suffering from adenovirus across the city and beyond. We are extremely happy that little brave heart Aryav has completely recovered from adenovirus through effective use of ECMO. The child was in a critical situation because the virus had affected both of his lungs, causing disability in breathing, despite oxygen support. However, paediatric ECMO support helped him in the gradual improvement of his lung and respiratory function. A case like this was only curable because of the prompt referral, timely intervention with ECMO, and meticulous critical care. We are grateful to his family for their support and equal participation in this long battle.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Director, of Medica Synergie Pvt Ltd, said, “Medica has the largest ECMO program in this part of the world. We feel blessed to be able to help and assist people during medical emergencies. We wish the child a very happy and healthy life.”

Medica always believed in bringing world-class critical care and organ support treatment like ECMO and the Heart/Lung Transplant program, while revolutionizing the entire healthcare ecosystem in Eastern India.

Mumbai, 8 March 2023: In commemoration of International Women’s Day celebrated worldwide on the 8th of March, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, one of India’s largest networks of eye hospitals, is conducting free eye checkup camp for women of all age groups across all branches in Mumbai till March 31, 2023. For registration, contact 080-48193434.

The hospital has made special arrangements for screening for certain eye diseases and disorders that women are at a higher risk of getting, and the prevalence rate of which has seen a rise among women in recent times. Such issues include ocular manifestations of autoimmune diseases, dry eye, low vision, thyroid eye diseases, and refractive errors. Dr Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals has also launched their new state-of-the-art Eye Hospital in Chembur.

Dr. Nita A Shah, Head – Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai, said, “Biological sex differences affect ocular structure, gene expression and other functions of eye that influence eye health. Pregnant women could develop gestational diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy, and some may develop diabetic retinopathy, vision issues caused by damage to blood vessels in the eye. Pregnancy can also cause dry eyes, and light sensitivity. Hormones in birth control pills can cause vascular changes, indirectly contributing to vision problems.”

Menopause and perimenopause, the time when the body makes the natural transition to menopause, usually accompany a dip in estrogens, a group of hormones. When estrogens drop, the oil glands in the eye produce less lubrication, causing dry eyes and blurry vision.

“About 80% of those affected by autoimmune issues are women. Eye inflammation is one of the many possible effects of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, Reiter’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and uveitis. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, which results in overproduction of the thyroid hormone affects more women than men. Thyroid eye diseases affect 16 in 100,000 women, while only 3 in the male population of equal size” added Dr. Nita A Shah.

Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital will also conduct awareness sessions on the steps women have to take to minimize the risks of eye diseases that arise from factors exclusive to them: hormonal surges during pregnancy, menopause, and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, among others. The month-long eye checkup and awareness campaign of the hospital throughout Mumbai would make women aware of the risks, better informed and would result in early diagnosis and early intervention for better eye health outcomes.

The 8th edition of the 7km race for patients with rare diseases will be held in New Delhi on March 12

New Delhi, March 2023: To commemorate World Rare Disease Day, the Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI) is holding the 8th edition of Racefor7®️ on March 12 in New Delhi. An annual event by ORDI to raise awareness for the rare disease community and advocate better policies and access to treatment for rare disease patients, RaceFor7 is a seven kilometer walk/run/cycle symbolizing 7000 known rare diseases, the average of 7 years it takes to diagnose a rare disease and the 70 million estimated rare diseases patients in India. The event is open to the general public and will see participation from rare disease patients and their families too. Registration details are available at racefor7.com. Dr Neerja Gupta, Additional Professor, Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi and Prasanna Kumar Shirol, Co-founder and Executive Director, ORDI addressed the media.

Besides New Delhi, the event is being held in 12 other cities nationally including Davangere, Mysuru, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram.

Dr Neerja Gupta, Additional Professor, Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi comments on the race, “Rare diseases now have a special place among many other medical conditions, thanks to the declaration of rare disease policy and steps taken by the government towards its implementation. Despite diagnostic technological advancements, awareness of these conditions at the grassroots level is still required for suspicion and timely referral, which can facilitate early diagnosis and opens the possibility of timely initiation of therapy which is available for a few but evolving very rapidly, improving not only the patient’s but also the entire family’s quality of life. “Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable,” and this is especially true for genetic diseases where prevention is possible through newborn screening and prenatal diagnosis. We congratulate ORDI members on their unwavering commitment to raising public awareness for recognizing, preventing, and caring for rare disorders through this walkathon.”

“We are thrilled to bring Racefor7 back to an in-person event after a virtual event the last two years because of the pandemic,” said Prasanna Kumar Shirol, co-founder and Executive Director, ORDI. “Racefor7 is one of the world’s largest multi-city events to raise mass awareness about Rare Disease. Racefor7 aims to create awareness and the need of preventive measures to contain Rare Diseases such as Consanguineous Marriages, Prenatal Tests, and Informed decision about childbirth, New Born Screening, Precision Healthcare and Innovation etc. Thanks to the Central Government, today we have a National Policy for Rare Diseases. This is just the beginning of recognition of Rare Diseases in India. We still need to address the many challenges that this patient community faces like complete care and support for all Rare Diseases, Local Drug Development, and Insurance Coverage etc.

It’s time that all the state governments come forward and take the initiative to join hands with the central Government and extend support from their side. This calls for more support and we request all of you to come forward, participate to make this movement bigger by creating more awareness about the Rare Disease patients in India.”

“Need of the hour is indigenous drug development for the rare diseases. The National Rare Disease Policy, 2021 states that pharmaceutical industries would be encouraged to develop drugs for rare diseases. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will be roped in to create a conducive policy framework for domestic pharmaceutical companies to focus on the research development and manufacturing of indigenous drugs for curing rare diseases”, comments Mr Samir Sethi – Chairman -ORDI Advocacy Committee and President Indian Rett Syndrome Foundation

Racefor7 is a step towards building awareness for rare diseases as also raising funds to meet the needs of the rare disease community. Globally, Rare Disease Day is observed every year on the last day of February Month. It plays a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse but united in purpose. Though Rare Disease Day is patient-led, everyone including individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, industry representatives and the general public can participate in raising awareness and taking action today for this vulnerable population who require immediate and urgent attention. Racefor7®️ is one such event in India.

New Delhi, 06th March 2023: Glamyo Health, a healthcare brand that specialises in elective and cosmetic surgeries, has been on a mission to make quality secondary surgical care affordable to the aspiring middle class of India.

To this end they have entered into a strategic collaboration with multiple healthcare financing partners to convert the medical bills of its patients into easy and affordable Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) at no interest and additional charge to the patient. The tie-ups with Fibe (previously Early Salary), Bajaj Finance, Mahila Money, GMoney, and Unofin would empower the mid-income groups to get these wide varieties of secondary care surgeries done on time without having to worry about medical finances disrupting financial harmony.

With the intention to establish an affordable healthcare system that is easy to finance, Glamyo Health has created various innovative products with financing partners to offer Salary Advances, Instant Personal Loans, Cards, and Buy Now Pay Later options to pay for treatment. Patients and caregivers under this proposition, can now seamlessly avail of Healthcare financing from ₹ 10,000 – 1,50,000, depending on the surgical case.

Archit Garg, Co-Founder, Glamyo Health said, “Healthcare in India faces great inequality. A privileged few have either medical insurance or enough money to access quality care viaprivate hospitals. Most of the population have no option but to avail medical services from public systems where quality can vary significantly. It is a multifaceted challenge to make healthcare available, accessible, and affordable to all citizens. To address a whole set of healthcare problems and financing holistically, Glamyo healthcare is pleased to collaborate with some well-known financing partners. Of All the patients that we are supporting atleast 20 percent are availing financing options. ”

Dr. Preet Pal Thakur, Co-Founder, Glamyo Health said, “ We started Glamyo Health with one simple motive of easing out the surgical experience of middle class Indians. Most of the population is just one bad healthcare outcome away from being pushed into poverty making healthcare financing the key parameter. Over the last 24 months, we have helped more than 650,000 patients in their surgical journey and over the next 12 months, we intend to disburse healthcare financing worth INR 100 Cr to ease out their financial burden”

Glamyo Health offers financial assistance for all minimally invasive elective surgeries, of various categories such as proctology, laparoscopy, urology, vascular, ophthalmology, gynaecology, cosmetic, ENT, orthopaedic, and dental. The healthcare brand only requires checking a few things, such as credit history and monthly income, before they can involve their financing partners to help their patients. The average cost of treatment for a patient who doesn’t have insurance is

1. Cosmetic Surgeries is ₹ 40,000-60,000;

2. Piles Surgery is ₹ 40,000,

3. Kidney Stones Surgery is ₹ 60,000,

4. Vascular Surgery is ₹ 100,000,

5. Ophthal Surgery is ₹ 50,000, and

6. Dental Surgery is ₹ 40,000.

Glamyo Health

Glamyo Health is a full-stack healthcare service provider with 450+ partner hospitals across 30+ cities. With 250+ highly experienced surgeons in various medical fields, Glamyo Health provides patients with a hassle-free experience from admission to discharge, including 24*7 personalised assistance, free insurance documentation, free OPD consultation, second medical opinion with medical experts, discounted medicines and diagnostic tests, free pick-up and drop on the day of surgery, and post-surgery follow-ups. All treatments are available to patients with the touch of a button and at the nearest Glamyo-affiliated hospitals, eliminating the requirement for patients to travel to major cities.

India March 6, 2023: MediBuddy, India’s largest Digital Healthcare Platform, released data indicating that men have taken more health check-ups than women in the last six months. The statistics showed that men accounted for 60% of the total health check-ups done by the digital healthcare platform, while women only accounted for 40%. Additionally, there was a 10% difference in total doctor consultations, with more men seeking consultations than women. This data comes to light as we celebrate International Women’s Day this week and highlights the need to raise awareness about women’s health in India.

Traditionally, Indian women have prioritized the well-being of their loved ones over their own, leading to neglect of their health. The female body undergoes constant changes and requires monitoring at every stage, but many women have relied on home remedies or ignored health complications, leading to a rise in health emergencies. Social conditioning, stigma, and lack of knowledge about menstruation and reproductive health have also deterred women from seeking healthcare. Additionally, women’s multiple roles as daughters, wives, mothers, and professionals often leave them with limited time for self-care. The emergence of digital consultations offers women an opportunity to overcome these barriers and more openly discuss their health concerns.

The data has brought forward the underlying concern of neglect of healthcare by women in the nation and highlights the lack of awareness both in the metros and the Tier II & III centres. Among the metros, Bengaluru tops the list with 25% of women taking health check-ups followed by Delhi at 15% and Hyderabad at 10%. Other prominent metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai lag in women’s participation in health consultations and check-ups. Women sought the highest number of consultations in categories such as Gynaecology, Dermatology, Pregnancy-related issues, Orthopaedics, and general check-ups.

Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy said, “Today women are at par with men in every walk of life, however, women are trailing where healthcare is concerned. Culturally, women with their varied roles in a family set up be it as a daughter or a wife or a mother tend to prioritise the well-being and health of their family over themselves. The recent data underlines the urgency of promoting awareness of good health among women. Women with their varied responsibilities managing home and work tend to feel pressed for time and may not actively reach out for consultations or health checks. However, Teleconsultations can make it easy for women to seek help and manage their health better. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is befitting to encourage the women in our lives to seek regular advice from health experts and not wait for serious emergencies.”

Throughout March, MediBuddy is providing exclusive health check-up packages and doctor consultations for women at a discounted price. Women of all ages can benefit from the Women’s Primary Prevention Health Checkup, which is offered at INR 1500. Additionally, the Women’s Staying Strong Health Checkup, which is suitable for women aged between 18 to 40 years, is being offered at INR 2699. Women aged 40 years and above can avail themselves of the Women’s Golden Gift Health Checkup at INR 4250. Make the most of these packages from MediBuddy to prioritize your health and well-being.

MediBuddy’s vision is to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people. Through our campaign #HerHealthMatters, MediBuddy urges all women to take care of themselves first and all men to give the #giftofgoodhealth to their women. The campaign #HerHealthMatters encourages women to prioritize their health and take the necessary steps to maintain it. Regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, and exercise can go a long way in ensuring a healthy lifestyle. After all, good health is not just an individual’s responsibility but a collective effort of the entire family.

March 6, 2023: In honor of International Women’s Day, Fazlani Nature’s Nest – A Wellness Retreat has unveiled its latest initiative: a three-day Women’s Wellness Programme. Designed to cater to the unique health concerns of women at different stages of life, the program offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being

The Women’s Wellness Programme includes a range of therapies, such as naturopathic and ayurvedic treatments, massages, yoga, meditation, and animal-assisted therapies. Guests will also be provided with organic, farm-to-table meals to support their health goals.

The program addresses a wide range of health issues that women may face, including urinary tract infections, menstrual anomalies, obesity, high cholesterol, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, chronic diabetes, fatty liver, menopause, and gynecological issues. The retreat’s Ayurveda and naturopathic physicians tailor each program to meet each guest’s unique needs, ensuring they feel refreshed and revitalized.

Fazlani Nature’s Nest’s Women’s Wellbeing Initiative empowers women to prioritize their health and wellness. The retreat provides an environment of tranquility, personalized attention, and a range of wellness activities to help women relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover their inner strength.

Celebrate International Women’s Day by investing in your health and well-being.

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Bengaluru March 2023: Goeld ( part of Shri Bajraj Alliance Ltd a listed company), a renowned frozen food company, has announced the launch new products which will be exclusively available at Reliance Retail across the country. The new range of products include Pizza Pocket, Paneer Pakoda, and Idli. This new range of frozen foods by GOELD is specially designed to cater to the needs of Indian consumers who are always on the go and looking for quick and tasty snack options.

The Pizza Pocket is a delicious snack that combines the flavours of pizza and samosas, making it a unique and mouth-watering treat for pizza lovers. The Paneer Pakoda is a crispy and crunchy snack that is made with fresh paneer and a blend of Indian spices, making it a perfect tea-time snack. The Idli is a classic South Indian dish that is loved by people across India, and Goeld has made it easier than ever to enjoy this traditional dish at home. The ingredients are freshly picked from company-owned farms.

Speaking at the launch of GOELD products at Reliance Retail, Archit Goel, Executive Director and CFO of Shri Bajrang Alliance Ltd. shared, “ We are thrilled to launch our new range of frozen foods exclusively at Reliance Retail across the country. Our frozen Pizza Pocket, Paneer Pakoda, and Idli are perfect for all across age groups who want to enjoy delicious snacks without compromising on taste or quality. We are confident that our new range of frozen foods will be a hit with customers, and we look forward to hearing their feedback.”

All three frozen food products are made using high-quality ingredients and have undergone stringent quality checks to ensure that customers get the best possible product. They are easy to cook and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making them an ideal snack option for individuals of all ages.

GOELD range of Products comprises of Indian bread like Garlic Naan and Aloo Paratha, to drooly snacks like Paneer Cheese Samosa, Mac & Cheese Pops and Veg Seekh Kebab; they also provide curries like Paneer Butter Masala, Dal Makahani, Pindi Chhole, as well as an array of vegan treats like Quinoa Patty, Soya Shami Kebab and Lachha Paratha (Made from Whole Wheat Flour).

The new range of frozen foods from Goeld is now available exclusively at Reliance Retail across India. Customers can also order these products online through the Reliance website or app. So, go ahead and indulge in these delicious frozen snacks from Goeld and experience the perfect blend of taste and convenience.

The last thing we want to do when we have friends and family over is be unable to spend time with them. So don’t slave away in the kitchen, let GOELD snacks come to your rescue!

What is the cost of data breaches for India? According to a study, as of July 2022, the average cost of a data breach in India went up to an all-time high of ₹17.5 crores a 6.6% increase from last year. The question is however what is the real cost of a data breach, the answer is – loss of trust and brand value; set back to digital advancement and acceptance; general mistrust of technology. The ransomware attack on one of India’s premier healthcare institutes AIIMS Delhi made the common man question the digitalization of the healthcare sector.

Harikrishna Prabhu COO, TechnoBind Solutions

This particular ransomware attack brought down nearly 5 of the hospital’s servers halting all the digital work and forcing the staff to work manually including checking the patients in and out. The biggest hit however was the suspected data encryption of nearly 1.3 TB belonging to the patients. According to various media reports, the initial prognosis of the attack said this incident occurred due to the lack of robust cybersecurity infrastructure.

This hampers the purpose and progress of the sector’s digitization process

The Indian government’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is built to provide a digital health ID to every citizen in the country where health records can be saved securely in digital format. But the increasing and repeated attack similar to that of AIIMS Delhi has made people skeptical about trusting medical data in digitized formats and there is a good reason for it too. As per a data published, in 2022 alone till the month of November India’s healthcare vertical has suffered 1.9 million cyberattacks. As healthcare is a critical infrastructure the threat actors seem to have found this to be a lucrative vertical to take advantage of. The right way is to act rather than react. CERT-In noted a 51% increase in the number of ransomware attacks, including on critical infrastructure in 2021. Currently, the safety of a patient’s data will depend on how safe the hospital servers are. The evident lack of awareness about cyber risks and the use of legacy technologies have contributed immensely to the healthcare sector’s vulnerability.

The solution is an 8-step recalibration of the current cybersecurity infrastructure

Assess and analyze the current state of the cybersecurity infrastructure in individual hospitals and hospital chains

Understand the capacity of what the organization needs and put in place cybersecurity solutions relevant to the organization
Regularly update the software patches and encrypt data

Conduct frequent training of the staff and random audit exercises to check on any malfunction lacking in the deployed protocols
Control, limit and manage access to the staff, 3rd party and the leadership teams

Create a backup, restore and response plan

Enabling multifactor authentication and biometrics

Restrict access to external endpoint devices like personal mobile phones, laptops and desktops of healthcare staff