Category health

By Dr. Arun A Kumar, Senior Specialist – Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Aster RV Hospital

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects the veins, usually in the legs, causing them to become enlarged, twisted, and bulging. They occur when the valves within the veins fail to function properly, leading to blood pooling and increased pressure within the affected veins.

While varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic concern, they can also cause discomfort, pain, and other complications. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to manage and treat varicose veins effectively.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Age and Genetics

As we age, the natural wear and tear on vein valves can lead to their dysfunction. Additionally, a family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing this condition.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Occupations that require long periods of standing or sitting can put additional pressure on the veins, hindering blood flow and increasing the risk of varicose veins.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause can weaken vein walls and valves, making women more susceptible to varicose veins.

Obesity

Excess weight puts added pressure on the veins, impairing their ability to transport blood efficiently and potentially leading to the development of varicose veins.

When is a procedure for Varicose Vein required?

Treatment for varicose veins is typically recommended when the symptoms and complications associated with them become bothersome or when they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Some common indications for varicose vein procedures include:

Pain and Discomfort

When varicose veins cause persistent pain, throbbing, aching, or cramping in the legs, treatment may be advised to alleviate these symptoms.

Swelling and Inflammation

Varicose veins can lead to swelling, inflammation, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected leg. Treatment may be considered to reduce these symptoms.

Skin Changes

Skin discoloration, rashes, dryness, and itchiness around the varicose veins can indicate the need for treatment to prevent further skin complications.

Ulcers and Bleeding

In rare cases, varicose veins can develop ulcers or skin sores, which are often difficult to heal. Additionally, if the veins are prone to bleeding, medical intervention may be required.

Treatment options for Varicose Veins

Several treatment options are available for varicose veins, depending on the severity and specific needs of the patient. These procedures aim to relieve symptoms, improve appearance, and prevent complications. Here are some commonly used treatments:

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and elevating the legs can alleviate symptoms and prevent further progression.

Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings provides external pressure that helps improve blood circulation and reduces discomfort associated with varicose veins.

Endo-venous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

EVLA is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to heat and seal off the affected vein. It is effective for larger varicose veins can be performed under local anesthesia.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Similar to EVLA, RFA involves using heat energy to close off the damaged vein. A catheter with a radiofrequency device is inserted into the vein to achieve this.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

This surgical procedure involves making tiny incisions over the varicose veins and removing them through these small cuts. Ambulatory phlebectomy is suitable for larger varicose veins close to the surface of the skin.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein, causing it to close and eventually fade away. Sclerotherapy is commonly used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.

Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity, can play a significant role in preventing or managing varicose veins. Taking proactive steps to care for your vascular health can go a long way in ensuring your overall well-being and quality of life.

28th July 2023: Medanta group of hospitals, a leading healthcare service provider, announced the launch of Tele-ICU services in India as Medanta e-ICU project, in association with GE HealthCare, a leading global medical technology and digital solutions innovator, with a vision to nurture ‘super specialty based critical care practices’.Thisassociationaims transform healthcare delivery and address the existing gaps in critical care, with high-level knowledge transfer via 24×7 Medanta e-ICU Command Centre, powered by cutting edge technology from GE HealthCare that equips both central and bedside medical teams.

The Command Centre was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath.This medical-technical platform will provide near real-time patient monitoring, even during the odd hours like midnight, enabling early patient interventions.As a result of this fusion, the decision-making ability of an ICU can bring extraordinary results in clinical outcomes.

In India,the availability of round-the-clock, well qualified on-site intensivist staff is limited and costly which can result in delays of appropriate clinical decisions and may lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and financial burnout. Alternate strategies were needed to bring expertise and proactive, continuous care to critically ill patients. TheCommand Centreaids direct integration ofhospitals systems to devices, enabling increased efficiency, greater collaboration, enhanced patient care, and a reduction in cost of care, improving the overall experience for patients and clinical teams. Medanta will support the service delivery with the help of a closed super specialised critical care medicine team at the command centre, applying globally accepted best practices.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman & Managing Director, Medanta said, “Infrastructural gaps in critical care are more pronounced with limited resources in districts and smaller towns. Through this association with GE HealthCare, we aim to offer valuable lifesaving digital/tele-ICU services. The platform will provide continuous 24×7 advanced consultation, care, and monitoring to critically ill patients without having to physically transfer them to a super-specialty hospital, enhancing a healthcare professional’s capability to treat and consult more patients.”

Chaitanya Sarawate, President & CEO, GE HealthCare South Asia and Managing Director, Wipro GE Healthcaresaid,“Our mission is to bringquality care to every citizen in India. With thisassociation, we are combining our proven precision technology with expert clinical knowledge from Medanta to help break the barriers of accessand cost; and contribute to better patient care and improved outcomes across all of India.” He further added, “In critical patient conditions, accurate diagnosis is vital and every second matters.The Command Centre, powered by guidance from a super speciality critical care team will help make this possible. Medanta is among the finest healthcare institutes in the country with deep clinical knowledge and we are confident this associationwill be a big step forward in transforming critical care delivery in India.”

Dr. Dilip Dubey, Director, Medanta Digital Critical Care Services said, “Evolution of critical care medicine as a super speciality took long journey. Over a period, the medical world acknowledged the importance of its diversified approach which incorporates the potential of superior diagnosis establishment, intelligent monitoring, and timely therapeutic decisions. To match the above standards, Medanta created a dedicated tele-ICU team to cater these digital critical care services. The team will work round the clock in theCommand Centre, with specific expertise in diagnostic critical care medicine and ICU infections.”

In January 2023, GE HealthCare completed its spin-off and began trading on Nasdaq.Over the past decades, GE HealthCare has strengthened its presence in India by investing significantly in R&D, manufacturing, distribution capabilities and supply chain.

Haldwani, 28th July 2023: Eye-Q, the leading hospital eye care chain, has announced that it’s Haldwani Centre has been awarded the prestigious National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) certification. Having treated more than 75 lakh patients to date across all hospitals, this recognition comes as a testament to Eye-Q’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional eye-care services and patient safety.

The NABH is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India, established to develop and operate an accreditation program for healthcare organizations. This program is designed to meet the needs of consumers while setting benchmarks for the progress of the health industry. Eye-Q’s Haldwani Centre successfully met the stringent criteria set forth by NABH and received the certification on 15th May 2023.

On receiving the NABH certification, Dr Ajay Sharma (Founder & Chief Medical Director, Eye-Q) stated, “We are thrilled to celebrate our Haldwani Centre’s NABH certification as a mark of excellence in eye care. This achievement solidifies the unwavering dedication of our team to endorsing the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. With the NABH seal, we embark on a new chapter of assurance and trust, assuring our patients that their vision health is in the most capable hands. At Eye-Q, we remain focused on delivering compassionate and cutting-edge eye care, ensuring brighter vision and a better quality of life for all our patients.”

“Obtaining the NABH certification for our Haldwani Centre has been an incredible journey of perseverance and dedication. This recognition sets a new benchmark in the industry, motivating us to continuously raise the bar and redefine what exceptional eye care truly means. We are equally excited about the future possibilities that this certification brings- from increased patient trust and turnover to elevated staff job satisfaction as well as cultivating a thriving learning environment.” said Dr. Mahesh Mathur (Medical Superintendent of Eye-Q).

The Eye-Q vision hospital in Haldwani is well-known for the high-quality treatment of various eye ailments such as Cataract, Refractive, Disorders associated with Retina, Cornea, Squint & other vision problems.

The NABH certification brings several benefits to all stakeholders involved. For patients, it ensures a higher quality of care and enhanced patient safety. Patients can rest assured that they are receiving treatment at a facility that adheres to all government and local compliances. For the hospital itself, the accreditation stimulates continuous improvement and provides a marketing advantage in the competitive healthcare landscape. In addition, the dedicated staff at an accredited hospital experiences higher job satisfaction due to opportunities for continuous learning, a positive work environment, and effective leadership. As part of its commitment to quality assurance, Eye-Q also maintains an internal monitoring committee to ensure that all clinical and non-clinical practices exceed industry standards, further assuring the quality of patient care.

What is Hepatitis & its types?

Viral Hepatitis is a systemic infection affecting liver predominantly by any one of the hepatitis viruses. Most common viruses causing Hepatitis are Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G. Other less common causes of Hepatitis are caused by Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes Simplex virus and Falciparum Malaria. 0n exposure to the virus, about two-thirds of patients do not develop any symptoms. Others may develop fulminant and fatal acute infections on one hand, and from subclinical persistent infections to rapidly progressive chronic Liver disease leading to Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

How does Viral hepatitis spread?

Hepatitis A (HAV)

It spreads through the feco-oral pathway and is linked to poor sanitary conditions. HAV infection is frequent in underdeveloped countries such as India during childhood, resulting in mild hepatitis and posing little danger during pregnancy.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

HBV is transmitted through needle stick injuries, tattooing, piercing, and contact with contaminated blood and body fluids such as saliva, vaginal and seminal secretions. Acute infection is manifested by flu-like symptoms. Approximately 90% of individuals have spontaneous resolution of acute infection, 5-10% would become chronic carriers.

It is often transmitted from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission) or through exposure to maternal blood, vaginal secretions during delivery or acquired during breastfeeding. If a patient tests positive for Hepatitis B virus, HBV antiviral medication should be continued during the pregnancy and after delivery.

Pregnant women may experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, and joint pain. In addition the routine screening for Hepatitis B is done in pregnant women.

Hepatitis E

HEV can also be transmitted through feco-oral route. Pregnant women with Hepatitis E, especially those in their second or third trimesters, are at increased risk of acute liver failure, foetal loss and death.

How Viral Hepatitis affect pregnant women ?

In most cases , acute or chronic HBV infection in pregnancy is not different from that occurring in non- pregnant women. Outcome of maternal infection is strictly dependent upon the stage of the disease. Patients with advanced disease may develop jaundice, rupture of oesophageal varices, liver failure.

Maternal infection with viral Hepatitis can lead to increased incidence of low birth weight and preterm births. During your pregnancy, pregnant women undergo blood tests for 3 infectious diseases: hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. Babies born to a mother with hepatitis B have a greater chance of developing chronic hepatitis if they are not properly treated at birth. It is very important that pregnant people know their hepatitis status in order to prevent passing the virus on to their newborn baby during delivery.

What are the preventive measures for Viral Hepatitis?

Improving hygiene conditions and providing safe, clean drinking water helps in preventing HAV and HEV spread. Active screening of high-risk groups for HBV, HCV infection helps in identifying carriers and preventing community transmission.

Awareness about Viral Hepatitis, their modes transmission and preventive measures among community helps to curb these infections.

In addition, screening of blood and blood products, as well as routine testing of tissue and organ donors, are part of the HHBV and HCV infection prevention approach.

Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing HAV and HBV because these are vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr. Dharshitha Varigonda

Consultant General Physician,

Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Kondapur.

Bangalore, 27th July 2023: Indira IVF, India’s largest chain of infertility treatment hospitals, pledges to train 300 and 350 embryologists and fertility specialists, respectively, needed by 2028. This initiative has been taken up to match the demand and supply gap for such professionals in the future, owing to the increase in the requirement of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in the next five years.

At present, India has roughly 1,350 trained embryologists whereas the demand was for 2,800 in FY23 as per estimates considering 1 embryologist per 100 cycles. In terms of fertility specialists, India has 1,950 gynaecologists that perform IVF treatment whereas the industry will need an approximate 3000 in the coming years. Estimates suggest that there are 40,000 gynaecologists in India in 2023.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Nitiz Murdia – Managing Director and Co-Founder of Indira IVF said, “The infertility treatment sector in India is currently on a growth path. In India alone, an estimated 280,000 IVF cycles have been performed in FY23; this number is expected to notch as high as 5,20,000 IVF cycles in FY28. This calls for a clear demand for trained professionals – both embryologists and fertility specialists – who can ensure patient satisfaction with the best possible outcomes. We would need approximately 6,250 embryologists and 3000 gynaecologists performing IVF by 2028 to meet the increasing demand, which is 4-5x and 1.5-2x respectively of the current demand.”

Dr Kshitiz Murdia – CEO & Co-Founder of Indira IVF added, “The Indian infertility treatment industry can strategically match the demand of embryologists and fertility specialists through effective targeting and training. For instance, India currently has over 35,000 gynaecologists who can be trained to become specialists while leveraging post-graduate students in life sciences and clinical embryology to become expert embryologists.”

“Thus far, we have already trained 150+ andrology technicians, 200+ embryologists and 350+ fertility specialists at our state-of-the-art training centre in Udaipur, Indira Fertility Academy. The Academy has access to world-renowned scholars and educators from the fertility treatment world and beyond, bringing together inspiring faculties from across the globe to train learners in IVF. The laboratory is equipped with a cloud-based simulator that takes the learner through 1,500 modules and varied scenarios, equipping them to navigate real-life scenarios just like an expert with 10 years of experience would,” Dr Kshitiz Murdia added.

Indira Fertility Academy (IFA) is the academic wing of Indira IVF, set up with a vision to develop and groom talent for infertility treatment. The Academy is based in Udaipur, Rajasthan and is recognised by Merck Foundation and the British Fertility Society. In addition to training talent from India, students from countries in Africa, from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other South-East Asian countries, gain knowledge and experience with the Academy’s hands-on training approach.

New Delhi, July 26, 2023 –

The much-anticipated event titled “Evidence of cure for incurable” was held at the LTG Auditorium, located at Copernicus Marg, opposite Doordarshan Bhawan, Mandi House. Organized by prominent figure Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, the event witnessed the presentation of astonishing medical recoveries from patients previously deemed to have incurable diseases.

The gathering of medical professionals, researchers, and patients was also live telecasted on www.coronakaal.tv, Sudarshan News, and Saadhna TV, reaching millions worldwide.

The event was centered around the success stories of patients who had experienced remarkable recoveries from seemingly incurable ailments. A couple of patients shared their journeys to health and presented their medical reports and evidence supporting their extraordinary transformations.

Pathan Abdul Gaffur, who received treatment at Parul Hospital in Baroda, recounted his experience of enduring 2-3 dialysis sessions due to his condition. However, through the innovative approach adopted by Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Gaffur’s health took an unexpected turn for the better, defying the odds of his initial prognosis.

Laxmi’s story echoed similar sentiments, as she had undergone 2-3 dialysis sessions at Maharana Bhupal Hospital in Udaipur before embracing the groundbreaking treatment that led to her incredible recovery.

Vikas Gupta, a patient at BL Kapoor Hospital in New Delhi, expressed his gratitude while sharing his experience. Gupta underwent ten cycles of immunotherapy as part of the innovative treatment approach introduced by Acharya Manish Ji. Remarkably, Vikas Gupta’s journey was devoid of any discomforts, a testament to the effectiveness and patient-centric nature of the groundbreaking therapy.

Bebi Manik Deshmukh, who had ovarian cancer, connected via a Zoom call to narrate her inspiring story. Deshmukh received treatment at Lodha Multispeciality Hospital in Raigarh, where she underwent the transformative medical approach. Throughout her treatment journey, she experienced no discomfort, further highlighting the potential of Acharya Manish Ji’s groundbreaking method in tackling challenging cancer cases.

Shabana’s testimonial from Bapuji Hospital in Karnataka revealed the success of her treatment, which involved 2 dialysis sessions, and how the groundbreaking methodology changed her life for the better.

During the event, Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury launched the much-awaited book titled “Fish Tank Model for Heart Care.” The book extensively documented the evidence and methodology behind the breakthrough approach that has been transforming the lives of countless patients worldwide.

Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, renowned for his academic accomplishments with a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering, a Post Graduate degree in Diabetes, and a PhD in Diabetes & CKD, is also the inventor of the groundbreaking GRAD* system. He said, “Today marks a momentous occasion where we challenge the notion of incurability and showcase the power of innovative medical approaches. The recoveries of these remarkable patients stand as evidence that with the right knowledge and methodologies, we can conquer diseases once deemed insurmountable. Our Fish Tank Model for Heart Care, along with the GRAD* system, has opened new horizons in the realm of medical treatments. Let this day be a beacon of hope for those seeking healing from seemingly incurable ailments.”

Everyone must get health insurance as Ayush cover does not work in all Ayurvedic hospitals, which government must address at the earliest. Asia’s biggest Ayurvedic Hospital, HIIMS, is in Meerut with a bed capacity of 1000 beds. The Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Mumbai facilities have 100 and 150 beds respectively.

The event culminated with a sense of hope and optimism as the remarkable recoveries and groundbreaking approach offered promising prospects for countless patients worldwide. The research presented during the event is expected to shape the future of medical treatments, providing new avenues of hope for those in need.

Delhi, 26th July 2023: In an era where primary healthcare systems worldwide are striving to accommodate an aging and chronically ill population, technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility, affordability, accountability, transparency, and quality of healthcare services. Connect and Heal is at the forefront of this transformation, addressing the urgent need to improve access to healthcare services and reduce mortality rates. Through its innovative approach, the company brings diagnostics, ambulance services, clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies under one umbrella, thus eliminating the need for patients to interact with multiple stakeholders separately. This simplifies the overall healthcare journey while reducing complexity and costs.

A recent report by EY reveals that 75% of India’s population living outside urban areas faces limited access to hospitals and healthcare facilities. In this context, Connect and Heal offers various groundbreaking services, including teleconsultation, to overcome infrastructural challenges and reduce patient waiting times, effectively bridging the accessibility gap. By embracing emerging technologies such as digital health applications, telemedicine, and secure information exchange, Connect and Heal ensures that clinicians and patients alike benefit from these advancements while prioritizing patient data protection and privacy.

We understand that personal health information is highly sensitive and can be exploited for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. As a result, we have employed advanced encryption techniques to protect the confidentiality of the information. We also maintain strict access controls, allowing only authorized personnel to access patient data on a need-to-know basis. Additionally, we regularly update our security protocols to stay ahead of emerging threats and adhere to industry best practices. By prioritizing data protection, we aim to prevent scenarios where specific disease or terminal illness details are leveraged for coercion or extortion. Our commitment to maintaining the privacy and safety of patient data is unwavering, ensuring a secure environment for our valued patients.

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Chennai, Tamil Nādu,26th July 2023Post signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK. Stalin in the month of May 2023, OMRON Healthcare Manufacturing India (a subsidiary of OMRON Healthcare Corporation Japan) has begun the construction of its new plant in Chennai with a groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony was held with SMCC Construction India -the Indian subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., a leading Japanese general contractor supporting OMRON for the construction of the facility.

This state-of-the-art facility will mark OMRON’s debut in the healthcare manufacturing space in India and will further strengthen its presence in the home healthcare device industry in the country as well as its global network of production facilities with locations in Japan, China, Vietnam, Italy, and Brazil.

Team OMRON and SMCC at the ceremony

“The new manufacturing plant will house advanced machinery and cutting-edge technologies to ensure efficient and precise production processes. Also, I would like to state that OMRON is committed to putting safety as a top priority at every stage of the manufacturing as well as the construction process. One of our key objectives is to ensure all workers come to work and go back home safe and happy. So, to start with, every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of the staff during the construction period,” says Takuto Iwanaka, Director, OMRON Healthcare Manufacturing India Limited.

He further added, “This milestone event is also a gesture for us to recognize the significant role played by the Indian government in creating a favorable business environment for the healthcare industry. The company is grateful for the support and encouragement received throughout the planning and execution of this project. The new manufacturing plant will not only generate employment opportunities and will also contribute to the overall economic development of the region.”

The new manufacturing plant will commence operations by March 2025

Profile of the factory

Name: OMRON HEALTHCARE MANUFACTURING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Date of establishment: July 14, 2022

Operation start date: March 2025 (TBD)

Area size: approx. 24,000 m2

Items to be manufactured: Blood pressure monitors.

Rendering of the factory:

Source: OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd.

Vineet Anand, a talented makeup and fashion stylist known for challenging online beauty standards, has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As someone who constantly strives to redefine beauty norms, Vineet’s hair has always played a vital role in their self-esteem and self-expression. However, struggling with hair loss for an extended period took a toll on how they perceived their own beauty. But Vineet refused to let that define them.

Over a year ago, Vineet made a life-changing decision—to undergo a hair transplant that would help them reclaim their confidence and challenge the very beauty standards they sought to redefine. They found an incredible ally in Dr. Kavish, a renowned hair transplant specialist, and the exceptional team at DermaClinix. Vineet is filled with gratitude for their expertise and unwavering support throughout this transformative journey.

“We are dedicated to helping individuals like Vineet Anand reclaim their confidence and embrace their authentic selves. Our goal is not just to restore hair, but to empower our patients to challenge societal beauty standards and celebrate their uniqueness. It has been an honor to be a part of Vineet’s transformative journey, and we are thrilled to see the incredible results they have achieved.” – Dr. Kavish, renowned hair transplant specialist at DermaClinix.

As a queer individual pushing the boundaries of conventional beauty, Vineet feels incredibly fortunate to have had the unwavering support of their loving parents. Their parents’ understanding, encouragement, and belief in their journey have been immeasurable. Acting as pillars of strength, they have empowered Vineet to embrace their true self and challenge societal expectations.

Today, Vineet proudly showcases the extraordinary results of their hair transplant journey—a testament to their resilience and the skill of Dr. Kavish and his team. Not only has their hair been restored, but their confidence has been reignited, enabling them to continue breaking barriers in the world of beauty and fashion.

Vineet’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing authenticity and celebrating uniqueness. As a makeup and fashion stylist who constantly challenges online beauty standards, they encourage others to recognize their inherent worth and express themselves fully. Vineet believes that by uplifting and supporting one another, individuals can overcome any obstacle and foster self-confidence and empowerment.

In an era where social media often imposes narrow beauty ideals, Vineet Anand’s hair transplant journey serves as an inspiration to their followers and the wider community. By sharing their story, Vineet hopes to inspire individuals facing similar struggles, urging them to embrace their authenticity and challenge societal norms.

As a queer stylist who dares to redefine beauty standards, Vineet Anand continues to make waves in the industry. Their hair transplant journey is not just a personal triumph but also a powerful statement—a reminder that self-acceptance and self-expression can lead to true liberation.

Mumbai, 25th July 2023: PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network, has launched the Health Correspondents* Program with an aim to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to the country’s most vulnerable and last-mile population. This is in line with the company’s nation-building pledge to make all essential services available for the country’s underserved population and ensure the overall transformation of Bharat through a mass transformation approach. The company’s existing network of retailers, such as kirana stores, mobile recharge stores, medical shops, customer service points (CSPs) and travel agents, along with new appointees through Gram Panchayats and local institutions, will be leveraged for this initiative.

The Healthcare Correspondents (HCs) will act as intermediaries between healthcare providers and the rural population, aligning with the Ayushman Bharat vision of the Government of India to enhance primary healthcare in tier II regions and beyond. PayNearby plans to leverage its Distribution as a Service (DaaS) network to bring essential healthcare services to rural Bharat, ensuring equitable access across the country. The program includes promoting various healthcare-related products and services through its HCs, including a Health Card mapped to the citizen’s PayNearby account, to provide discounts on medicines, medical tests, basic medical equipment and doctor consultations via telemedicine. Furthermore, to safeguard citizens from financial risks and life’s uncertainties, the HCs will offer tailor-made healthcare insurance schemes as well.

PayNearby aims to recruit HCs in every corner of the country, utilizing existing infrastructure like gram panchayats. By the end of FY23-24, the company plans to convert at least 1 lakh of its million+ active retailers into HCs, expanding the reach of telemedicine services.

Speaking on the occasion, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “Healthcare is one of the most important parameters of a country’s progress. The true growth of a nation lies in its ability to provide comprehensive health services to its population. PayNearby understands the importance of prioritizing people’s health and empowering them to take care of themselves and their families. By introducing Health Correspondents Program in our portfolio, we seek to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services, enabling citizens in Bharat to access all the necessary facilities available to their urban counterparts.

Our retailers are the flagbearers of the massive inclusion mission that we have undertaken. In times of crisis, they have always been at the beck and call of the citizens. Their role during the pandemic, as community managers bringing government relief funds to the masses or ensuring mass registration for the immunization program, gave us the confidence that our retail partners can double up as HCs and use technology to enable quality healthcare services in their communities. With time and adequate handholding, HCs will be trained to bring about a behavioral shift so that technology can be used for all primary healthcare needs, whether it is teleconsultation with specialists, ordering medicine at discounted rates or health-related awareness and training programs locally.

With this initiative, we are committed to helping the country achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and take the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Swasthya’ mission a notch higher.”

During the pandemic, the local trust of PayNearby’s retailers came into play when they doubled up as frontline warriors and ensured DBT and other relief funds reached the hands of the intended. In addition, they also helped people register on the CoWIN app for vaccination, creating large-scale community awareness for the immunization program. Success of societal welfare programs like these has augmented the trust and reach of the PayNearby network and elevated them as community managers in their territories, which will now be leveraged to enable affordable healthcare at the last mile.