Category health

The hospitality sector has made a bold move to reshape how travelers experience lodging in an age where customization and flexibility are crucial. The pioneering website in the hotel industry, BidInn, has unveiled a ground-breaking idea that gives users more power over the accommodations they choose. With its distinctive strategy, BidInn has swiftly become the top platform for hotel bidding, providing a variety of adaptable solutions that meet the different needs of today’s travelers.

1. *Negotiate Your Price*: By enabling customers to haggle over the cost of the hotel they choose, BidInn completely transforms the booking process. BidInn adds a negotiation aspect to booking sites, which are more familiar with fixed pricing. With the help of this tool, visitors may present their preferred rate to hotels and engage in a dynamic bargaining process, creating a win-win situation for all involved. By giving users control over the price they pay, this creative strategy improves transparency and revolutionizes the booking process.
2. *Bid Your Hotel*: The core of the BidInn concept is the bidding procedure. The amount that travelers are willing to spend on their hotel stay can be expressed through bids on the hotels they are interested in. This not only makes the booking process more exciting, but it also makes it possible to reserve luxurious lodging at prices that have never been possible before. Users gain from the opportunity to book lavish accommodations that might have been out of their price range on conventional booking platforms while hotels work to maximize occupancy.
3. *Hourly Bookings*: The ability to book hotels by the hour is a ground-breaking feature that BidInn introduces in recognition that not all travel plans fit the typical overnight stay model. Users may now customize their accommodations to match their precise needs, whether they are staying for a brief layover, a business meeting, or a quick break in between activities. This flexibility gives a level of ease that fits the fast-paced nature of modern life while also minimizing costs.
4. *The Premier Bid Hotel Platform*: Due to its unwavering dedication to innovation, BidInn has established itself as the top website for bid-based hotel reservations. Travelers have access to a wide range of options across numerous destinations because of its user-friendly design and extensive hotel network. With a steadily expanding user base, BidInn has established itself as the go-to site for people looking for a fresh approach to hotel reservations.

According to Mr. Manish Thakur, CEO of BIDINN says:-

The hospitality industry has unquestionably been disrupted by BidInn thanks to its innovative approach to hotel reservations. The app returns control to the traveler by enabling users to haggle pricing, bid on hotels, and book accommodations based on hourly requirements. BidInn continues to influence the future of hospitality with its distinctive strategy and unwavering commitment to reimagining the guest experience, making it a leader in the sector and transforming how we select our lodgings.

Srinagar, 21st August 2023: Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, a leading healthcare provider in Delhi NCR, announced the launch of their exclusive multi-specialty OPD Services in partnership with the city-based Kashmir Clinic Central today. This partnership aims to redefine the healthcare landscape by bringing together exceptional clinical excellence combined with cutting-edge technologies to offer super-specialized healthcare across a wide spectrum of medical disciplines, signifying a monumental step forward in accessible, affordable high-quality medical services.

The multi-specialty OPD services will offer high-end treatment solutions, including Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, Lung & Thoracic Surgery, and Paediatric Heart Surgery, providing state-of-the-art medical care at par with global standards and expertise to the local residents in their city without the hassle of travelling to metro cities for primary consultations.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Punit Singla Director & HOD- Liver Transplant and Biliary Sciences, Dr Kamran Ali, Senior Consultant- Lung & Thoracic Surgery and Dr. Tarun Ramman Raina, senior consultant Pediatric Cardio and Vascular Surgery from Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, among various other eminent personalities.

The OPD services will be available at Kashmir Clinic Central, Karan Nagar, Srinagar, on 3rd Sunday of every month where experts from Marengo Hospitals Faridabad will be available for primary consultations.

Dr. Punit Singla Director & HOD- Liver Transplant and Biliary Sciences at Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, underscored the critical nature of addressing the escalating prevalence of liver diseases and disorders. He said, “Liver diseases, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and pancreas-related issues, are witnessing a concerning upsurge. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can be pivotal in preventing irreversible damage. While the last option for liver failure condition is a liver transplant, there is a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. People need to be aware that with advancements in technology of live donor liver transplant there is no need to wait for a cadaver liver donation, and many lives can be saved. Our joint efforts aim to provide patients with advanced interventions and treatments to significantly enhance outcomes.”

Dr Kamran Ali, Senior Consultant- Lung & Thoracic Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad said “Making rapid evolution in the last few years, the robotic technique in thoracic surgeries have progressively become widespread particularly for the treatment of the mediastinal and pulmonary lesions. Patients afflicted with any complication in the Chest & Pulmonary system, the developments made in this field has better outcomes in intraoperative and post-operative results. There is an increase in the number of patients with end stage pulmonary diseases in the past few years, requiring a lung transplant. In comparison to open surgeries done in the past, the advanced thoracic robotic surgeries have paved way to safety and improved quality of life even in most complex cases.”

Dr. Tarun Ramman Raina, senior consultant Pediatric Cardio and Vascular Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad said “Through this OPD services we would like to sensitize the public and parents about the congenital heart defects and the importance of early screening. We will take this partnership ahead to extend similar care for other specialties as well. Common causes of enlarged heart in children can be holes in the heart e.g. ASD, valvular heart disease, a disease which could be congenital or acquired, disease of heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and fluid around the heart. All children with blueness irrespective of the degree should have an evaluation by Paediatric Cardiologist to identify the underlying cause of enlargement and further management.”

The symbiotic partnership between Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad and Kashmir Clinic Central is a testament to their unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in healthcare services. With a shared vision of enhancing patient outcomes and fostering health awareness, this collaboration is poised to catalyse a substantial upliftment of medical services in this region.

Clove Dental, India’s largest chain of Dental Clinics, has taken a momentous leap towards providing unparalleled oral care by assembling a team of over 1000 highly skilled dentists. With its expansion plans in full swing, Clove Dental has solidified itself as the leader in the industry, boasting the largest pool of dental experts under one roof. Signing the 400th lease of its dental clinic on Independence Day, the company has embarked upon the journey where commitment to profession and patient care remains the primary goal.

Clove Dental has achieved remarkable progress, initiating the current financial year with a team of 1007 dentists and consistently increasing its workforce by hiring 15 dentists every month. Over 60% of these dentists hold advanced MDS degrees having successfully cleared various exams and stringent checks to achieve the clinical acumen. This noteworthy specialization empowers Clove Dental to effectively meet the nationwide demand for exceptional dental treatments, all backed by the collective expertise of their dentists.

One of the key factors in Clove Dental’s success is its state-of-the-art treatments. The clinics are equipped with the latest advancements in dental technology, making even the most complicated procedures more efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable for patients. Clove Dental excels in using cutting-edge laser dentistry, which is widely recognized for its effectiveness. Clove Dental undertakes all complex procedures starting from root canal to full mouth rehabilitation, advanced surgeries of jaws including fractures and pathologies, orthognathic surgeries, orthodontic correction using aligners and braces and the practice of Implantology using most recent techniques.

With their extensive experience and unwavering commitment to patient well-being, Clove Dental’s dentists have successfully catered to over 1.5 million customers in the past 12 years. As a result, their network of clinics has garnered widespread acclaim and has become a trusted and respected name in the dental industry, spanning across 26 cities.

In addition to its exceptional dental care, Clove Dental sets itself apart from others with its 4-step sterilization process, and exceptional patient care. radiation safety, sterile environment, transparency in prices, friendly layout, open on Saturday and Sunday and all specialties under one roof practiced by in-house specialists giving the patient end-to-end treatment. At Clove Dental, we take sterilization to the next level with our AI-enabled dental chair with computer vision named DORI, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and patient safety, which is monitored centrally.

This meticulous approach instills confidence in patients and contributes to the continued trust placed in the Clove Dental brand by thousands of patients every month since its inception every month.

Mr. Amarinder Singh, CEO of Clove Dental, expressed his pride in the accomplishment, stating, “We take immense pride in building the largest network of skilled dentists and specialists across the nation, spread over 400+ locations. Our commitment is to provide top-notch treatment and individualized care, making quality dental services accessible across the country. Our dentists constitute the core of our commitment and we’re proud of our journey. “

Lt. Gen Dr. Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer of Clove Dental, expressed his pride in the accomplishment, stating, “We are proud to have assembled the largest network of dentists and specialists in the country, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality treatment and personalized care. Our team of highly qualified dentists undergo regular training and attend dedicated workshops to follow the best international practices.

New Delhi, 18th Aug 2023: Indian Orthopaedic Association, in collaboration with Kadambini Orthopaedic and Spine Trust (KOST-KCT), organized a special event at ACNR, MSS Hospital, Pitampura, Delhi, as part of the annual National Bone and Joint Day celebration. This year’s event spotlighted the urgent mission of providing Basic Lifesaving Skills training to 1.4 lac first responders.

This significant gathering highlighted the pressing need to address trauma and accident-related deaths in India. The theme for this year, “Each ONE Train ONE Save ONE,” underscores the critical role of immediate assistance and proper first aid in reducing fatalities caused by accidents.

India holds the unfortunate distinction of ranking first in road traffic accident deaths across 199 countries, as reported by the World Road Statistics 2018. In 2019 alone, a staggering 4,49,002 road accidents were reported, leading to 1,51,113 lives lost and 4,51,361 individuals injured. The event’s focus on imparting basic lifesaving skills training to first responders serves as a crucial step towards bridging this gap and saving lives.

The event saw the presence of esteemed medical professionals, including Dr. Shankar Acharya, Senior Orthopaedic & Spine Surgeon from Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi, and Trustee of KOST-KCT. Dr. Acharya emphasized that a substantial portion of these accidents could be prevented with timely medical care within the first golden hour after an accident. Immediate and proper first aid, even by common individuals or trained personnel, can significantly impact the survival rate of accident victims.

During the event, Dr. Suresh Kumar Chugh, General Physician, and Dr. Satish Pal, Head Physiotherapist of ACNR, highlighted the importance of prompt medical attention after accidents. They stressed the significance of efficient patient transfer and first aid, underscoring their potential to be lifesaving.

Dr. Shankar Acharya , Spinal Surgeon and Head Spine department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital expressed, “The alarming statistics surrounding road accidents and trauma-related deaths in India require immediate attention. We can play a crucial role in saving lives and reducing these unfortunate incidents by empowering individuals with basic lifesaving skills and promoting timely first aid. The National Bone and Joint Day 2023 reminds us that we can make a difference in preventing avoidable fatalities.”

Moreover, the event also catered to bone health, with BMD assessments for 150 patients and education on osteoporosis prevention. Dr. Shailesh Tiwary, Senior Physiotherapist, provided patients with osteoporosis insights on maintaining proper posture and engaging in suitable exercises.

As the National Bone and Joint Day 2023 event concluded, a heartfelt appeal was extended to the media to disseminate this crucial message. By doing so, the Indian Orthopaedic Association aims to garner widespread support and participation, significantly reducing trauma and accident-related deaths across India.

Bangalore, India and Mahwah, New Jersey, 18th August 2023 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark), a research-led, integrated, global pharmaceutical company has received final approval by the United States Food & Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) Tacrolimus Ointment, 0.03%, the generic version of Protopic1 Ointment, 0.03%, of Leo Pharma AS. Glenmark’s Tacrolimus Ointment, 0.03%, will be distributed in the U.S. by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA.

According to IQVIATM sales data for the 12-month period ending June 2023, the Protopic® Ointment, 0.03% market2 achieved annual sales of approximately $15.4 million*.

Glenmark’s current portfolio consists of 184 products authorized for distribution in the U.S. marketplace and 51 ANDA’s pending approval with the U.S. FDA. In addition to these internal filings, Glenmark continues to identify and explore external development partnerships to supplement and accelerate the growth of its existing pipeline and portfolio.

Complimentary medical surgeries, medications, hearing aids, and eyeglasses were provided at the large-scale health event held at Presidency University on Saturday

Bengaluru: 16 Aug 2023: Residents of Bangalore are likely familiar with the exceptional medical facilities and healthcare services available in the city. However, individuals residing in rural and semi-urban areas on the outskirts of Bangalore often face challenges in accessing affordable and high-quality healthcare. To address this gap, Presidency University, Bangalore in association with Presidency Foundation hosted a Mega Health Camp on August 2023. The Chief Guest for the event was Yelahanka MLA Shri S. R. Vishwanath. The health camp was attended by over 2000 individuals from 54 villages who were treated by 60 doctors, 55 paramedics and nurses.

The Mega Health Camp was organised by the University with the goal of meeting the community’s healthcare needs. Free health diagnosis and screening were provided to underprivileged patients requiring medical attention. Experienced doctors and physicians from well-known hospitals conducted comprehensive health checkups and diagnoses during the camp.

The health camp was organised with the objective of offering complimentary Ayurvedic consultations and medications, as well as general health examinations and medications. The medical camp’s main highlight was the provision of free surgeries for patients with conditions such as piles, appendicitis, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and hernias. The camp was open to all individuals in need of medical care, regardless of their age, gender, caste, or economic status. Services offered included:

· Diagnostic tests done for blood pressure, blood sugar.

· Computerised eye tests, surgery and distribution of glasses.

· Gynaecological exams for women

· Cardiac checkup- consultation through ECG

· Cervical and Breast cancer checkup and advice.

· Speech and hearing checkup

Speaking at the inauguration of the Mega Health Camp Yelahanka MLA Shri S. R. Vishwanath said “As a government, we are committed to the well-being of our citizens, and events like this mega health camp reaffirm that commitment. It’s heartening to see the collaboration between the Presidency team and the healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care. Such initiatives not only promote health awareness but also underline the importance of preventive healthcare for the needy. Our goal is to create a healthier nation, and today’s event is a significant step in that direction.”

Dr. Nissar Ahmed, Chancellor, expressed his pride in the achievements of the students and the University’s commitment to providing them with transformative experiences. He stated, “I am immensely proud of our students, faculty, and all the dedicated organizers who have made this mega health camp a resounding success. Your hard work, commitment, and passion for community well-being are truly commendable. This event not only showcases the exceptional capabilities within our institution but also highlights our collective responsibility towards society. By offering healthcare services to a wide spectrum of individuals, you are embodying the spirit of empathy and service that we hold dear.”

This mega health camp stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication to community well-being. The combined efforts of our students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and volunteers have resulted in a truly remarkable event that has touched the lives of many.

Hyderabad/New Delhi,16th August 2023 With the objective of amplifying patient voices on a unified platform, the International Patients’ Union, a strategic business unit within Digital Health Associates, launches the Patients Union App on the iOS platform. The app offers disease-specific communities where patients can connect with others who are dealing with similar medical conditions, creating a platform for mutual support and the exchange of personal experiences. With 24/7 community access, users can stay connected at their convenience, seeking advice and sharing insights whenever they need them.

The app also provides access to a reliable repository of authentic medical resources, encompassing information about medical conditions, diseases, drugs, and medical devices. Notably, users can directly connect with prominent healthcare professionals and policy-makers, gaining valuable insights and guidance. The app also keeps users informed about government healthcare schemes designed to enhance healthcare access. Its user-friendly features include a voice-enabled interface for enhanced accessibility, while multilingual support eliminates language barriers and caters to a diverse global audience. Moreover, the app ensures maximum outreach by being available on both Android and iOS devices.

The Patients Union App is available free to patients and caregivers, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. The Patients Union App embodies the spirit of patient-centricity, embodying the belief that every patient deserves a voice in their healthcare decisions. For more information and to download the app, visit https://linktr.ee/patientsunion?fbclid=PAAaZ4JOZG4OvQTODuhxAYWSzN5hWxLOI8MD-dDj3mw_Dcnxs0mig-HzfK6u4

Talking about the launch of Patients Union App, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, founder of Digital Health Associates, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Patients Union App, a groundbreaking step towards empowering patients in their healthcare journey. By facilitating meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and access to resources, we envision a future where patients actively participate in shaping their healthcare experiences. This platform will become the biggest disrupter in healthcare over the next three years.”

Healthcare is at an inflection point, with the next decade poised to bring transformative shifts. Amid this evolution, it is imperative to ensure that the voice of the most crucial stakeholder – the patients themselves – is heard and considered. The International Patients’ Union acknowledges the need for a patient-focused approach, where policies and programs are designed to enhance accessibility, affordability, and acceptability for patients around the world.

About International Patients’ Union:

The International Patients’ Union facilitates the connection of patients from across the country with leading doctors, policy-makers, regulators, industry leaders, and fellow patients. This provides them with a platform to express their opinions, participate in policy development, and exchange insights on managing their medical conditions effectively. Moreover, they can access reliable information about diseases and treatments to enhance their understanding.

Hyderabad, 16th August 2023 In a heartening display of humanity and selflessness, two exceptional individuals, Sandipan and Harsh—dedicated army personnel—have emerged as heroes by donating their blood stem cells to save blood cancer patients. Back in 2019, they registered as potential blood stem cell donors during a donor registration drive organized by DKMS-BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a second chance at life to blood cancer patients. This Independence Day, these brave hearts urge everyone to unite for the cause by registering as potential stem cell donors and helping blood cancer patients get freedom from this deadly disease.

Every year, over one lakh people in India, are diagnosed with some form of blood cancer, making it one of the country’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Most people are unaware of the fact that a stem cell transplant can treat life-threatening diseases like blood cancer or disorders like Thalassemia and Aplastic Anaemia is not widely known. A patient needs healthy stem cells from an HLA-matched donor for a successful stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, only 30% of the patients with blood cancer find a matching donor in their family, and the rest, 70%, depend on an unrelated donor.

Harsh and Sandipan shared their experiences and expressed their incredible journey as lifesavers. Harsh shared, “When I registered as a potential stem cell donor with DKMS-BMST, I was initially unfamiliar with the profound impact I could make on a person’s life. However, as I delved deeper, my heart swelled filled with emotion, realizing that even my modest contribution could become a beacon of hope, giving someone a precious second chance at life. When I received a call from DKMS-BMST telling me I was a match to help someone in need, it was a great moment and an indescribable feeling. Knowing that I could save someone’s life made me feel special. I registered in July 2019, and only five months later, I donated my blood stem cells to someone I had never met before. It’s truly amazing how simple acts like donating blood stem cells can make a big difference for others, even if they are strangers.”

Sandipan, a devoted father, loving husband, and passionate army personnel hailing from the Latur district of Maharashtra, India, displayed unwavering commitment amidst the pandemic. While concerns about loved ones ran high, Sandipan recognized his duty and journeyed from Latur to Bangalore to donate his blood stem cells.

Sandipan says, “In 2020, a phone call from DKMS-BMST changed my life. I learned that I had been identified as a possible match for a needy patient and asked whether I’d still be interested in donating my blood stem cells. Despite initial reluctance from friends and family, I recognized it was my moment to embody the hero within me, driven by my duty as army personnel to aid those in need. Becoming a stem cell donor has truly enlightened me about the incredible courage and determination of individuals battling blood cancer. I consider it a privilege to provide them with an opportunity for a second chance at life.”

Lifesaving beyond the battlefield: Sandipan’s inspiring story of selflessness

For a successful blood stem cell transplant, ethnicity also plays a pivotal role in finding the match, particularly considering the unique HLA characteristics of patients and donors of Indian origin. This underrepresentation of Indians in the global database intensifies the challenge of finding suitable matches. Recruiting a greater number of potential blood stem cell donors from India is the key to improving this situation.

Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST, praised the selfless dedication of Sandipan and Harsh, highlighting their unwavering commitment to the nation and humanity. He affirmed, “At DKMS-BMST, we firmly believe that every healthy individual, aged 18 to 55, can join the lifesaver squad. Thousands need life-saving transplants, and a straightforward swab can grant a second chance at life. This Independence Day, I invite all to join us: step forward, swab, and become agents of change.”

Underlining the vital importance of a comprehensive stem cell donor registry in India’s battle against blood cancer, Patrick emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Every five minutes, a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder like Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia emerges in our country India. The foremost challenge that looms before Indian patients needing life-saving transplants is finding matching blood stem cell donors. WMDA, the global registry, boasts over 41 million registered donors, but India’s number is a mere 0.5 million. A significant number of patients are caught in the grip of a critical predicament – the search for a well-matched stem cell donor. The solution lies in establishing a robust and extensive donor database to bridge this gap between patients and potential donors. At DKMS-BMST, we are committed to dispelling misconceptions surrounding stem cell donation. It’s vital for the public to understand that donating stem cells is a straightforward and painless process.”

Since its inception in 2019, DKMS-BMST has helped 95 patients find a matching stem cell donor and undergo a lifesaving transplant and has registered over 90000 potential stem cell donors. The organization aims to register many more donors in India and worldwide to give as many patients a second chance at life as possible.

New Delhi, 16th August 2023 Digital Health Academy, a prominent Strategic Business Unit under the banner of Digital Health Associates Pvt Ltd, proudly announces the commencement of the second cohort of the Post-Graduate Certificate Programme in Digital Health and Diploma Programme in Digital Health. In a collaborative effort with the esteemed Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Raipur, these programs are poised to equip participants with an in-depth understanding of the Digital Health sphere, propelling them towards unrivaled career growth and excellence.

The meticulously structured courses, spanning one year (53 weeks), offer a comprehensive self-paced learning experience. The online delivery format ensures participants can immerse themselves in a flexible learning environment that adapts to their individual preferences and schedules.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be conferred with the prestigious title of “Executive Alumni,” jointly awarded by the revered Indian Institute of Management- Raipur and Digital Health Academy.

Commenting on the program, Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, the Founder of Digital Health Academy, expressed, “Those without formal training in Digital Health will hit a career block in the next three to five years and so we developed this world-class course. This course emerged from an exhaustive two-year research effort involving eminent global authorities in Digital Health. With insights gathered from more than 60 influential figures across diverse healthcare sectors such as hospitals, pharmaceuticals, research and development, med-tech, information technology, regulatory bodies, and policy-making entities spanning regions like the USA, U.K., E.U., South-East Asia, and Africa, as well as from extensive research conducted in over 127 countries, this course was meticulously tailored to fulfill pertinent requirements. It stands as an exceptional amalgamation of a comprehensive framework, enriching content, and instruction by the foremost Digital Health experts globally.”

Participants will benefit from an array of valuable learning materials, including comprehensive study resources covering vital topics, pre-recorded video lectures by accomplished Digital Health Practitioners, and curated reading materials featuring reputable journals and relevant articles.

Throughout the course, participants will earn certification by meeting minimum requirements, including achieving a 50 percent score at each level (Basic, Advanced, and Professional), active participation in webinars with a minimum 50 percent attendance, and successful completion of a satisfactory Dissertation.

Speaking about the course, Prof. (Dr.) Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, Indian Institute of Management said, “Our first batch of this program in collaboration with DHA has resulted in a very meaningful output as well as lovely testimonials. This prompts us to launch the second batch and we look forward to delivering an equally meaningful engagement with a new group.”

Eligibility and Application Details

Candidates aspiring to enroll in the Diploma Programme in Digital Health must hold a graduation degree or equivalent and be aged 25 years or above as of July 20, 2023. Professional degree holders are exempt from the age criteria. Proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement.

For the PG Certificate Programme in Digital Health, applicants should possess a graduation degree or its equivalent, along with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in various healthcare roles. Proficiency in English is also obligatory for admission.

The selection process is meticulously designed to identify candidates who align with the program’s values and objectives. It involves two stages that evaluate candidates based on their profiles, experiences, and potential contributions.

Enrollment Deadline

The early application deadline for submissions is August 25, 2023, while the final application opportunity closes on September 25, 2023. For detailed information and enrollment, visit www.digitalacademy.health

New Delhi, 14th, August, 2023, Friday — Marking the occasion of World Organ Donation Day on 13th August, Sanar International Hospitals, announced the launch of the podcast series ~ Zindagi Phir Se ~ A curated series of personal stories of organ recipients and their families, the show highlights their journey of struggle and then transformation as they receive the gift of life from donors. The series is scheduled to go LIVE on August 12th, across listening apps. Including Spotify, Gaana, iTunes, Jio Saavn, Amazon podcasts, Apple podcasts, etc.

An independent initiative by the city’s well-known HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Ankur Garg at Sanar International Hospital; it is a step in the direction to educate and build further awareness on the cause that often remains unaddressed.

Talking to the media at the launch announcement conference that was held at the hospital, earlier in the day, Dr. Ankur Garg adds,“Organ donation has always been a neglected part of healthcare. There have never been enough initiatives or awareness drives either by the govt bodies or private healthcare partners. Secondly, at a societal level we are largely ignorant about the concept and to add to it religious myths and dogmas. Also as the major healthcare institutions providing organ transplant services are private healthcare providers and we as a society have lots of doubts which are not true. So I feel we should be first totally aware and informed about it before putting forward our doubts and myths”

Expressing his views on the subject, Dr. Sanjay Durani, Medical Superintendent, Sanar International Hospitals, says, “Organ donation is a life-giving and life-enhancing act. While the statement does hold a lot of meaning, it does not really suffice to encourage a larger section of the society to be a voluntary donor, due to which we are witnessing a huge gap between voluntary organ donors and recipients. There is an urgent requirement of mass level awareness in institutions like schools and colleges; to spread the correct information, especially to debunk the myths and eradicate the fear and false beliefs associated with organ donation. At Sanar International Hospitals, we support and strongly advocate voluntary organ donation. In a very short span of time since its operation, our hospital has performed close to 100 successful Organ Transplant procedures (Kidney and Liver) and also blood and marrow transplants. Donation affects more than donors and recipients. It also affects the families, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who love and support those in need of transplantation, and who benefit from their renewed life and improved health after transplant. The huge gap exists even when an individual can save up to 7-8 lives. Awareness is the key to increase organ donor ratios in India.”

Kidney and Liver are two of the most common organs transplanted with the kidney topping the list. Apart from this heart, lungs, pancreas, and small intestine are transplanted as well. Shortage of kidneys as an organ available for transplant can be made from the fact that millions of people are dialysis-dependent year after years. As there is no technology available yet to replace the functions of the liver the data around this is not as accurate but again millions of people are in need of a liver as well.

As donation is a voluntary process, the only way we can urge is to have more awareness drives and spread it around with the help and support of the media industry.

“Government can take lot of steps, the most basic ones like, introducing a small chapter of 4-5 pages about organ donation and brain death in schools and colleges. It’s not going to harm anyone. More public messages and communications from the government as it authenticates the same. As lot of brain stem deaths happen due to road traffic accidents, so at the time of applying for driving license, same can be incorporated as a small logo on it whether one wishes to be an organ donor or not in such eventuality. Also this area is a very important one for spreading awareness around and my effort here is to raise public awareness about Organ Donation and transcend the barriers of myths and misconceptions and help our country overcome the challenge of organ scarcity.”Dr. Ankur Garg , adds further.

India despite being one of the most populous nations has one of the lowest organ donation rates, as low as 0.5 per million population. At the community level we need to be more aware of the concept of organ donation and brain death. Introducing a small chapter about organ donation in schools and colleges can have tremendous effects. Healthcare institutions on a regular basis be it small or big should have articles & blogs published about the same. One brain dead donor can donate his two kidneys, a liver which again can be split and be put in one adult & one child, a heart, pancreas & small intestine as well. So saving 8 lives and also changing the lives of these 8 families and associated members, some may be the backbone of the family, someone might be the only child, someone may be a mother or anyone for that matter.

The ‘Zindagi Phir Se…’ podcast campaign seeks to harness the power of podcasting to address the critical shortage of organ donors in India. By sharing real-life stories of organ recipients, the campaign endeavors to dispel misconceptions related to organ donation while highlighting the transformative impact it has on the lives of recipients and their families. It is an eight-episode series spread over two months August and September which can be listened to on all major audio platforms.

Explaining about the campaign, Mamtaa. Dhingra, PR Consultant, Podcaster and Founder, Lateral Sutraa and promoter of the campaign , says, ” At Lateral Sutraa we are always committed to social and educational causes. After a successful campaign on Acid Attack Survivors in 2016, we are happy to collaborate with Dr. Ankur Garg for such a meaningful campaign. Public awareness plays a pivotal role in bringing about societal change. ‘Zindagi Phir Se…’ campaign is reflective of the responsibility we need to uphold, so we can collectively champion causes that matter. We aim to help the masses to develop a new approach towards organ donation this time with the new and emerging medium of podcast. Organ donation is not just about giving life—it’s about giving hope, and we believe this podcast will resonate with hearts across the nation”, she continues.