Category health

1st September 2023 Pune: Loop, India’s first Health Assurance company, has achieved remarkable growth over the course of the last 12 months. In this duration, the company has registered an increment of 200% in premium bookings, powered by their unique model of offering preventive healthcare services with group health insurance. The company crossed the 1,000 customer mark and supports 500,000 employees and families who use the health assurance model to stay healthy and experience a technology-enabled insurance claim experience in the event of sickness. Headquartered in Pune, and backed by visionary investors like Vinod Khosla, General Catalyst, Elevation Capital and YCombinaAmrit Singhtor, Loop introduced Health Assurance in 2018 and has scaled operations across India to 400+ employees, with offices in Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Hyderabad.

A concept that is new but being rapidly adopted by Indian companies, Health Assurance combines health data, technology and preventive care to keep people healthy i.e. achieve complete physical, mental and social well-being, as a primary objective, while making sure that they get accessible, affordable and empathetic sick care as and when they need it. Loop’s Health Assurance model has powered preventive healthcare in the last 12 months in the form of 100,000 medical chats, 30,000 doctor consults and 14,000 lab tests. 25,000 corporate employees have attended their preventive healthcare-focused wellness sessions.

Health Assurance is a necessity in the modern healthcare scenario, especially because of the Indian healthcare system’s disproportionate focus on sick care. This is mirrored by the health insurance industry’s focus on only paying for sick care. Neither system is incentivized to keep people healthy. This is compounded by Corporate India’s narrow definition of health benefits as only providing insurance coverage. As a result, India has a growing disease burden with 101 million diabetics, 315 million hypertensives, and 254 million obese (src ICMR). There is also a growing mental health burden. The impact of this disease burden is reflected in the workplace in the form of rising absenteeism and lowered productivity.

“At Loop, we believe that true healthcare goes beyond reactive measures. Our Health Assurance model is a commitment to proactive well-being, a pledge to keep employees healthy, and a promise to stand by them throughout their health journey. Health Assurance is more than just insurance. With insurance, you pay a premium in case you need critical medical care. With Health Assurance, you pay a premium for the assurance of good health and to have support along your entire care journey through preventive care, wellness programs, and chronic disease management. Imagine if your cardiologist had access to the live heart rate data on your wearable. Or what if your nutritionist checked in on you every week proactively? And what if you could get lab tests every year for free through your insurance plan? All this is possible, with the correct alignment of incentives, data, and care protocols.”, said Amrit Singh, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Loop.

Mumbai, India, 30th August 2023- Torque Pharmaceuticals – a leading name in the pharmaceutical industry, has named DENTSU CREATIVE PR as its public relations agency. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agency’s Gurugram office.

As per the mandate, DENTSU CREATIVE PR will leverage its extensive expertise to steer the brand’s communication strategy and oversee media relations. With a wealth of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical domains, the agency is poised to harness its proficiency to enhance the brand’s visibility & market presence and cultivate a meaningful connection with the target audience.

Aligned with Torque Pharmaceuticals’ exceptional journey as one of the fastest-growing entities in the pharmaceutical realm, this collaboration is positioned to further fortify the brand’s standing within the industry.

It is pertinent to note here that Torque Pharmaceuticals is recognized for delivering healthcare solutions of unparalleled quality. The brand’s ongoing commitment to pioneering innovation in the field of affordable medicines is a demonstration of its firm pursuit of excellence.

A.I.S Bedi, Managing Director, Torque Pharmaceuticals said, “We are elated to welcome DENTSU CREATIVE PR to our fold. Their strategic acumen and expertise in the pharmaceutical, health and FMCG space promise to substantially enhance our market positioning.”

Mandeep Singh, Executive Director, Torque Pharmaceuticals added, “We are looking forward to working on innovative and ingenious concepts that will amplify our engagement with stakeholders, effectively conveying our mission to improve the quality of life, in conjunction with our PR agency.”

Sanjeev Anand, President, DENTSU CREATIVE PR commented, “At DENTSU CREATIVE, we are driven by our strong commitment to infuse supreme creativity and innovation into every aspect of our partnerships. This synergy fuels our ambition to formulate strategies that not only achieve immediate objectives but also cultivate lasting connections. As we embark on this exciting chapter alongside Torque Pharmaceuticals, we are poised to set a new standard of collaboration that stands as a testament to creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of shared success.”

By Dr. J V Srinivas, Lead Consultant – Orthopedics & Joint Surgery, Aster RV Hospital

Exercise is one of the best ways of living an overall healthy life. From strengthening muscles to reducing the risk of heart disease, exercise is the most doctor-advised formula for good health. For people with arthritis, stiff muscles and joint pain may make exercise a difficult concept, but it is also a highly beneficial tool in the treatment process.

As per the CDC, adults with arthritis should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, like cycling at 10 mph or faster, or an equivalent combination.1

There can be numerous types of joint pain such as pain in the elbow joint, knee joint, hip, limbs, or more. Always consult the best orthopedic doctor in Bangalore before starting any exercise regime to ensure it is right for you.

Importance of Exercise in Arthritis Management

Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling help increase joint flexibility, improve lubrication around the joints, and release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. Regular physical activity helps strengthen and loosen the stiff muscles around the joints, a common arthritis complaint. Strengthening the surrounding muscle helps relieve pressure on the joint reducing pain and inflammation.

Exercise helps keep your weight in check. Obesity or extra weight further stresses the joints leading to worse arthritis symptoms. Aerobic exercises like brisk walking or swimming can reduce fat, improve cardiovascular health, and assist in maintaining a healthy weight. Combining these factors with a healthy diet can further yield results. Arthritis often causes joint pain due to stiffness. This can be particularly painful in the morning or after long periods of sitting. Incorporating a gentle stretching routine as part of your exercise such as yoga and other stretches can help relieve the stiffness and improve joint flexibility and mobility.

Chronic pain associated with arthritis can be upsetting leading to increased levels of stress, anxiety or even depression in people. The release of endorphins through exercise and increased movement can help improve your mood and boost happy hormones in the body thus supporting your mental well-being as well.

Recommended Exercises for Arthritis

Certain forms of exercise may be best avoided for people with arthritis such as high-intensity or jumping exercises. Be sure that you consult a doctor to know which form of exercise will help you the most. In general, some of the best exercises for joint pain include:

• Stretching exercises such as yoga and tai chi gently ease stiff muscles without adding any external stressors. These also help improve the range of motion which is often compromised due to stiffness
• Aerobic exercises boost cardiac health, maintain weight, and improve circulation. These include walking, jogging, and swimming etc. For absolute beginners, water aerobics may be a great solution as it is far gentler on the joints
• Strength training with the help of light weights or resistance bands helps strengthen the muscles
• Increased movement in daily activities such as climbing stairs, walking for a few minutes for every hour you sit, and more

Care Tips When Starting Out

When starting a new exercise, it is important to care for your joints and not push them too hard or too fast. Your healthcare provider will be able to customise an exercise regime for you based on the type of joint pain and your current mobility levels. Here are some tips to help you:

• Minimise stress on your joints by sticking to gentle low-impact exercises
• Start with smaller routines that are easier to follow and build up the length and intensity gradually with time
• Always do a warm-up before beginning your workout to lubricate your joints and muscles
• Don’t push through the pain. Instead, shift to an easier exercise and speak to your doctor about adjusting your routine
• Use heat and cold packs before and after your workout to support your muscles and help you recover
• Adjust your movement to your current range of motion. As you continue with your exercises you will be able to increase your mobility
• Join an exercise program for people with arthritis that can customise a plan for you and offer timely guidance

30th August 2023 – CureBay, a leading healthcare innovator, has marked a historic milestone with the grand opening of its 50th eClinic in Odisha. With its mission to revolutionize healthcare in underserved areas gaining momentum, CureBay takes a significant leap forward with the launch of its 50th eClinic at Rupsa, Balasore. The company’s dedicated team of doctors, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centric approach position CureBay to make a lasting impact on healthcare accessibility and quality in Odisha.

With 49 eClinics already operational across 18 districts in Odisha, covering 8,500 villages and serving more than 36,000 happy patients, CureBay’s expansion journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Leveraging a network of micro satellite centers – the CureBay eClinics – powered by a robust tech platform, the company has been at the forefront of transforming the patient experience in underserved markets.

The eClinic at Rupsa, Balasore will feature a pool of over 100 empanelled doctors, including specialists in Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Surgery, ENT, Gynaecology, and Dentistry. Patients will enjoy the convenience of placing medicine orders through registered pharmacies and receiving deliveries via CureBay’s digital platform. Additionally, the E-Clinic will serve as a collection point for test samples, ensuring efficient phlebotomy services. Furthermore, the clinic will facilitate patient referrals to partnered hospitals and diagnostic centres for IPD and radiology services. In case of emergencies, ambulance services will be readily available upon request.

Mr. Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Founder & CEO, CureBay, expressed his enthusiasm for this remarkable achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate our 50th eClinic launch on the eve of Independence Day. This is a proud moment for CureBay, and we are dedicated to transforming healthcare accessibility and quality for the people of rural Odisha. Our vision is to create a positive impact on the lives of underserved communities by providing reliable and affordable healthcare services.”

CureBay’s 50th eClinic inauguration promises to be a momentous occasion, propelling the company’s mission to create a healthier and happier Odisha. With its commitment to revolutionizing healthcare delivery and its relentless pursuit of excellence, CureBay continues to lead the way in making affordable healthcare accessible to all.

As part of this commitment, CureBay has introduced its Health Card, offering subscribers a range of benefits, including Unlimited Doctor Consultation for one year, 15% discount on all medicines, Rs. 30,000/- worth HospiCash, Rs. 50,000/- for critical illness, and more. The Health Card comes in three variants – Single Card, Twin Card, and Family Card – catering to the diverse needs of patients.

CureBay’s success is a testament to its seasoned leadership team, comprising professionals and entrepreneurs who have excelled in their respective positions across national and multinational companies. Drawing from their wealth of experience at esteemed organizations such as Google, Microsoft, SAP, Deloitte, TCS, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, and others, these leaders bring a wealth of expertise to the company. Supported by a diverse group of leaders and advisors from premier institutes, including IITs, NITs, IIM, and LBS, CureBay remains a trailblazer in innovation and thought-leadership in the healthcare industry.

Hyderabad, 29th August 2023 : Apollo, the world’s largest integrated healthcare provider, today announced a pan-India expansion of their one-of-a-kind connected care program, Apollo Connect. With this, Apollo aims at creating the largest connected healthcare ecosystem in India, empowering hospitals and nursing homes across metros & non-metros to offer holistic and superior patient care. To create significant benefits for this connected care partner network, Apollo Connect has rolled out services like eICU, diagnostics, surgical consultations, remote monitoring, clinical & quality training as well as accreditation support across India.

By building a robust connected care partner network through collaborations, Apollo Connect aims to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem in India by improving last-mile patient access, affordability, and experience. Through this program, Apollo’s partner hospitals will be able to enhance the services they offer patients, achieve superior clinical outcomes, improve patient retention, save costs and strengthen business performance. Apollo Connect, further promises to provide neighborhood hospitals and nursing homes the ecosystem support to help patients get access to quality healthcare they need, closer to home, and reduce the financial burden of travel and logistics.

Commenting on the vision of the program, Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Apollo said, “As care providers the imperative for us is to collaborate and support each other to ensure no sick person goes untreated for lack of access to quality care. It is with this commitment that we have created the Apollo Connect program, an initiative towards building healthcare together, by bringing healthcare providers on one platform to provide superior care and keep patients closer to home. Having built and run India’s largest hospital chain, we understand the healthcare realities and challenges, and have designed Apollo connect to aid hospitals and nursing homes to improve their operational and business efficiency through exceptional service support from Apollo. Collaboration is an immensely powerful tool, and we believe that by coming together, we can truly strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and ensure every individual gets the right support they need.”

For the past two years, Apollo has been piloting Apollo Connect with specialty hospitals and nursing homes pan-India and has seen immense success across the board – for instance, a super specialty hospital in Moradabad has set up their own in-house laboratory in collaboration with Apollo diagnostics, a multispecialty hospital in Chhattisgarh has increased ICU occupancy by 50% in partnership with Apollo’s eICU service; a super specialty hospital chain in Bangalore is able to take on more complex emergency cases through frequent training and consults from Apollo’s critical care team.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo, said, “Since inception, we have been committed to making India healthier by building and providing the best healthcare solutions. Apollo Connect for us is one more step in that direction where we help patients get access to quality healthcare as close to them as possible, including but not limited to emergency care, diagnostics, remote monitoring as well as surgical consults among others. Every hospital and nursing home is an opportunity for the healthcare ecosystem to reach more patients and save more lives. We are confident that by empowering these institutions, we will be able to build a world class healthcare system in India where everyone has access to superior facilities and opportunities for the best treatments. We truly believe in the power of the ecosystem coming together and we’re set to go the extra mile to make this a reality.”

Apollo Connect offers its partner hospitals multiple services across four key areas of benefits – Boosting revenues and saving costs, strategic business support, providing superior care guidelines to aid patient retention and training & mentoring programs and courses.

Bangalore,28th August 2023 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark), a research-led, integrated, global pharmaceutical company, has joined forces with The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) to unveil a special commemorative postal stamp aimed at raising awareness and support for individuals living with vitiligo, a skin disorder that affects pigmentation.

Vitiligo, a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation due to the malfunction or destruction of melanin-producing cells, impacts not only physical appearance but also psychological well-being. Despite its prevalence and impact, vitiligo often remains misunderstood, leading to societal stigmatization and prejudice. India is home to the highest rate of vitiligo cases globally, with one in ten individuals being affected by the condition.

In an effort to combat misinformation and promote acceptance, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and IADVL conducted a unique painting competition named “Power of Paint and Brush” on World Vitiligo Day, June 25, 2023. The competition aimed to spotlight the significance of awareness, understanding, and treatment for vitiligo patients. Dermatologists from across the country participated, submitting over 100 entries that creatively portrayed the journey of patients with vitiligo and advocated for the importance of embracing diversity.

Dr. Naushin Ara from Jaipur SMS Medical College crafted the winning painting, titled “Colour of Thoughts.” The winning artwork has been transformed into a captivating commemorative postal stamp that will serve as a constant reminder of the significance of empathy, acceptance, and respect for those affected by vitiligo.

Alok Malik, President and Business Head, India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, “This initiative echoes Glenmark’s core commitment to inclusivity and positive influence. Beyond medicines, we believe in shaping a better society through collaborations that enhance medical education and well-being. This collaboration underscores our steadfast dedication to fostering empathy and harmony, reaffirming our pledge to create a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

IADVL spokesperson XX said, “We believe in the power of collective efforts to create awareness and acceptance. This commemorative stamp is a small but impactful step towards supporting vitiligo patients and promoting a more inclusive society.”

“As partners in delivering meaningful messages, we are proud to contribute to this event that fosters awareness and compassion. This commemorative stamp carries the spirit of unity and education for vitiligo support, reflecting our dedication to impactful initiatives,” said xx from Indian Postal Services.

A panel of judges, including Mr. Uday Parker, a Gold Medalist from JJ School of Arts, and key representatives from IADVL, meticulously reviewed the submissions to select the winning piece.

Physics Wallah (PW), a leading unicorn Ed-Tech company that has played a pivotal role in democratizing education at scale in India, is launching 26 new tech-enabled offline centers PW Vidyapeeth across India. Students have the opportunity to secure up to 100% scholarships through PWNSAT 2023 (Physics Wallah National Scholarship cum Admission Test), through which PW is offering scholarships worth 200 crores to meritorious students. The exam will be conducted in both offline and online modes and will be open to students from class 6 to 12, as well as droppers aspiring to study for JEE or NEET.

The PWNSAT exam will be held on October 1st, 8th, and 15th, 2023, in offline mode, and students can take the exam from October 1st to 15th, 2023, in online mode. Registration for the exam can be completed through the PW website, app, or at the nearest offline Vidyapeeth center until October 15th, 2023. The results of the exam will be announced on October 20th, 2023.

Classes for this academic session will commence in October 2023. Meanwhile, students can obtain information on topics related to admissions, scholarships, registration, courses, fees, counseling, and other relevant details by visiting Infocentres located inside the upcoming Vidyapeeth Centers in their respective cities.

PW Vidyapeeth currently operates 67 centers across 38 cities in India, with a student base of nearly 1.5 lakh students. PW is expanding its offline presence by opening 26 more centers. The offline Vidyapeeth centers offer a comprehensive curriculum covering everything students need to learn for JEE/NEET, and Physics Wallah consistently delivers exceptional results.

Ankit Gupta, CEO Vidyapeeth Offline, PW, said, “After COVID-19, the education paradigm has undergone significant changes. Students now seek the advantages of both online and offline learning. At PW, we firmly believe in the hybrid approach as the way forward. By expanding our tech-enabled offline Vidyapeeth Centres across cities, our goal is to ensure access to quality education for students in their own towns, eliminating the need for them to relocate to education hubs in distant cities. To further support our students, we aim to give back and help them achieve their dreams of studying engineering or medicine through our PWNSAT exam. Last year, 1.1 lakh students benefited from the PWNSAT scholarships, which were worth over 120 Crores. Continuing the same, this year, we are providing scholarships worth 200 Cr.”

IHH Healthcare Bhd (“IHH”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Gleneagles Development Private Limited, has today entered into an agreement to buy out the entire remaining stake held by Dr Ravindranath Kancherla and his affiliates in Ravindranath GE Medical Associates Private Limited (“RGE”)for a total purchase consideration of approximately INR 7,400 million(equivalent to approximately RM 415 million).

Dr Ravindranath is the founder of RGE, which owns the chain of Gleneagles GlobalHospitals, a leading tertiary and quaternary healthcare chain in India, specializing in comprehensive multi-organ transplant services. Gleneagles Global Hospitals operates 6 multi-super-specialty hospitals across Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai, with a capacity of approximately 1,500 beds and state-of-the-art, world-class facilities.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2023. With this transaction, IHH will strengthen its leading position as a tertiary and quaternary care platform, including multi-organ transplants, in India and across its key markets.

India’s demographic landscape is undergoing a significant shift with the rapid increase in its elderly population. This transformation underscores the critical importance of having dedicated healthcare providers who can address the unique needs and challenges faced by senior citizens. Among the frontrunners in this sector, below are the four leading players who stand out for their exceptional elderly care services.

1.Apollo Homecare:

Apollo Elder Care, a division of the renowned Apollo Hospitals, brings its medical expertise to elderly care. With a network of specialized geriatric clinics, they offer comprehensive health assessments, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation services. Apollo’s focus on evidence-based care, coupled with their access to advanced medical resources, makes them a standout choice for seniors’ healthcare needs.

2.MedRabbits:

MedRabbits is a tech-based home healthcare platform that is fast, convenient and cost-effective. Leveraging powerful algorithms and top-notch mobile technology, they provide integrated healthcare services at home like online doctor video consultation, mental health counseling, home nurse, elderly care services, dieticians, lab tests, medical equipment, ambulances, wheelchair taxis and physiotherapy at home. Their skilled caregivers ensure that seniors receive the attention they deserve while enjoying their golden years with dignity.

3.Care24:

Care24 Eldercare has made a significant impact by providing specialized in-home healthcare services for the elderly. Their team of trained professionals offers a wide array of services including nursing care, physiotherapy, and even medical equipment rental, all within the comfort of the senior’s own home. Care24’s commitment to personalized care makes them a trusted choice for families seeking quality care options.

4.ElderAid Wellness:

ElderAid Wellness has earned its reputation by offering integrated care solutions that encompass physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They provide specialized programs such as dementia care, post-operative care, and palliative care, all tailored to the specific needs of each individual. ElderAid’s holistic approach ensures that seniors receive not only medical attention but also the emotional support they require.

In a nation where elderly care is a growing concern, these four healthcare providers, including Apollo Homecare, MedRabbits and Care24, shine as beacons of excellence. Through their tailored services, compassionate caregivers, and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, they’re revolutionizing how India cares for its elderly population. Families seeking the best for their loved ones can find solace in these providers, knowing that their seniors are in capable and caring hands.

Bengaluru -,22nd August 2023 Flipkart Health+, the digital healthcare marketplace platform of India’s homegrown Flipkart Group, is pleased to announce the arrangement of hPods by a few sellers on its platform at their premises. Flipkart Health+ sellers in Kolkata Healthbuddy Khardah Medical and Healthbuddy Ultadanga Medicare, have collaborated with India Health Link Private Limited, to launch the automated hPods (Health Pods).

The hPod is a non-invasive, digitally integrated health kiosk that empowers individuals to screen 20 non-invasive vital health parameters without any support from paramedics. The health parameters that can be screened through the ATM size automated health kiosk include ECG, blood pressure, temperature, Body mass index (BMI), pulse, Body Mineral Content (BMC), Mineral & Protein Content, Skeletal Muscle Mass & more. The screening is conducted in five minutes, and the individuals get an instant report. The entire process places paramount importance on privacy & the hPod does not retain any user data. Only the individual, upon using the hPod, gains access to their health data via the report generated.

Based on a physician’s assessment of the report, the individual can use the Flipkart Health+ application to order prescribed medicines.

Pranav Saxena, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Flipkart Health+, said, “Flipkart Health+ strives to support the government’s mission to provide universal access to healthcare. It invests heavily in innovative ways to provide healthcare services in an omni-channel model using technology. The launch of the hPod in different locations in West Bengal underscores the vision of Flipkart Health+ to enhance the health of a billion lives through affordable, caring, and innovative solutions. Apart from creating awareness about preventive healthcare, Flipkart Health+ endeavors to enable simple, regular checkups for Indians facing chronic ailments. These hPods will strengthen the primary healthcare system in India by empowering individuals to get easy access to quality diagnostic services. We are delighted to collaborate with India Health Link Private Limited and aim to make healthcare services accessible and convenient for all.”