Category Archives: Health

Sarvodaya Hospital Performs India’s First Bilateral Hip Replacement in 165-kg Young Patient

India,  Nov 21: In a landmark achievement that underscores its leadership in advanced orthopaedic care, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad, has successfully treated a highly complex case of bilateral Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the hip in a 27-year-old patient weighing 165 kg.

Rohit Mundra, a young professional from Kolkata, was suffering from severe AVN in both hips – an increasingly common condition in younger Indians that severely restricts mobility and affects long-term quality of life. Compounded by class III obesity (BMI 49.2), which represents the most severe category of obesity and is associated with significant health risks like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers, while also experiencing challenges such as reduced mobility and psychosocial stress. His case posed significant surgical challenges that only a high-expertise centre could address.

The patient successfully underwent hip replacement surgery on one side last year. Encouraged by his recovery and the exceptional expertise of the medical team, in 2025 he returned for the replacement of the second hip. This procedure has now been completed with equal success, further underscoring the team’s commitment to delivering advanced care and restoring mobility for patients.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Pankaj Walecha, Director & Head  Robotic Knee & Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Such cases demand exceptional experience and a specialised ecosystem.  A 165-kg young adult undergoing Total Hip Replacement is not common, and it requires a high level of surgical skill, meticulous planning, and a fully prepared multidisciplinary setup. AVN is rising sharply in younger age groups, and we now see such patients daily in our OPD, coming not only from all across India but also from Bangladesh and Nepal.”

Dr. Pankaj further added that obesity, steroid use, alcohol intake, and delayed diagnosis are major contributors to early hip joint destruction, often making Total Hip Replacement surgery the most effective solution.

Sarvodaya Hospital has emerged as a trusted centre for Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement and complex joint reconstruction, supported by the advanced operation theatres designed for high-risk surgeries, a specialised orthopaedic anaesthesia and critical care team, next-generation imaging and computer-assisted navigation and a rehabilitation program tailored for obese and young patients.

Obesity not only accelerates joint damage but also makes hip replacement technically demanding, requiring advanced expertise, customised implants, and an infrastructure equipped to handle high-risk procedures safely.

This successful outcome reinforces Sarvodaya’s growing reputation for managing challenging orthopaedic cases with precision, safety, and long-term functional results.

SIMS Hospital Saves 29-Year-Old’s Brain, Heart and Leg from Extremely Rare Recurrent Stroke

Chennai,  Nov 19: SIMS Hospital recently managed an exceptionally rare case of a 29-year-old man who suffered a recurrent stroke caused by a blood clot in his brain, along with simultaneous clots in his heart and leg. Multi-organ clotting with a second stroke in a young adult is considered an extraordinary medical occurrence.

The patient, previously diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APLA)—an autoimmune condition that increases the risk of abnormal clot formation—had his first stroke at age 26, which required emergency decompression surgery. A short interruption in his regular medication triggered this second, more severe episode. Recognizing early symptoms such as slurred speech, he immediately sought medical attention, which was crucial in preventing permanent damage.

The case was managed by a multidisciplinary team;Dr. Prabash Prabhakaran and Dr. Vivek Iyer (Neurology), Dr. Rithesh R. Nair and Dr. S. Selvin (Interventional Neurology), supported by Dr. Sairam Subramaniam (Vascular and Endovascular Surgery). The patient has been discharged, is stable, and will require lifelong medication with regular follow-up.

Dr. Vivek Iyer, Joint Director of Neurology, commented, “A 29-year-old presenting with a second stroke and clots in three major organ systems is extremely rare. It required a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to manage immediate threats and secure a positive long-term outcome.”

Dr. Prabash Prabhakaran, Director and Senior Consultant, Neurology, emphasized, “Stroke can affect people of any age. This patient’s self-awareness and rapid response were instrumental in his survival. Recognizing early signs and reaching the hospital promptly gave us a critical window to intervene.”

The interventional team performed a surgical thrombectomy to remove the clot from the right femoral artery in his leg while simultaneously administering clot-dissolving medication to clear blockages in the heart and brain. Treating clots in three organs simultaneously is highly complex, as each presents unique risks and requires different treatment strategies.

Dr. Rithesh R. Nair, Director and Senior Consultant, Interventional Neurology, explained, “Our immediate goal was to restore blood flow. Performing thrombectomy in the leg while simultaneously treating the heart and brain clots highlights the advancements in interventional neurology and its ability to manage complex, multi-site clotting events.”

Experts noted that India records 1.6 million new stroke cases annually, with an incidence of 119–145 per 100,000 people. Strokes in individuals below 40 are increasing due to sedentary lifestyles, chronic stress, unhealthy diets, poor sleep, altered blood clotting patterns, and exposure to pollution and microplastics, along with traditional risk factors such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Modern stroke treatment—including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomyhas significantly improved outcomes, allowing restoration of blood flow even in smaller and medium-sized vessels. However, early recognition and rapid hospital arrival remain the most critical factors for survival and recovery.

Singapore-India Collaboration Strengthens Maternal and Child Health Services in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, India, Nov ,18– The Singapore International Foundation (SIF), SingHealth, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM), Government of Tamil Nadu today marked the conclusion of the second phase of the Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Services (EMCH) Project.

Launched in 2015, the EMCH Project aims to strengthen maternal and child healthcare across Tamil Nadu. Building on the success of the first phase, the current phase (2023–2025) extended its reach to Primary Health Centres, enhancing the management of high-risk pregnancies and neonatal emergencies, and improving outcomes across the state’s maternal and child health system.

VISION 2020 Hosts National Summit on Diabetic Retinopathy; Unveils New Guidelines

India 15th November, 2025:- VISION 2020: The Right to Sight  India, announced a comprehensive two-stage program culminating in the National Summit on Diabetic Retinopathy, observed on World Diabetes Day. The key highlight of the summit was to launch the updated, comprehensive guidelines on Management of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in India, and foster a nationwide effort to combat diabetes-related vision loss, a rapidly escalating public health challenge in India.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a rapidly escalating public health challenge in India, with over 101 million people currently living with the condition and an additional 21.5 million in the pre-diabetic stage. The number is projected to rise to 109 million by 2035. One of the most serious and sight-threatening complications of diabetes is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a microvascular condition affecting the retina and a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults.

In India, epidemiological data show that DR affects approximately 18% of urban and 10.4% of rural populations with diabetes meaning nearly one in five urban diabetics is at risk of vision impairment. While early detection and timely intervention can prevent blindness in most cases, awareness levels remain low, not only among patients but also among some healthcare practitioners.

With the rising burden of diabetes and its related complications, strengthening awareness, promoting early screening, and updating management guidelines are crucial to reducing the preventable impact of diabetic retinopathy across the country.

As part of this comprehensive two-stage program, two high-level consultations were organized: the World Retina Day Consultation, focused on drafting the new national guidelines, and the World Diabetes Day National Summit, dedicated to policy engagement and public awareness through activities such as an awareness rally and walkathon to encourage regular diabetic screening.

The prestigious one-day National Summit on Diabetic Retinopathy, held on November 14, 2025, in New Delhi, brought together key stakeholders from across sectors including representatives from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, non-governmental organizations, industry leaders, and the medical community to drive collaborative action on preventing vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy.

Distinguished speakers and experts in attendance included Dr. Rajendra P. Joshi, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Prof. Praveen Vashist, Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, Dr. J.S. Titiyal, President Elect, AIOS; Dr. Manisha Agarwal, Ophthalmologist/Eye Surgeon, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi; Dr. Ranjana Mittal, Senior Consultant – Ophthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Saini, President, VISION 2020, India, said, “At VISION 2020: The Right to Sight India, our mission has always been to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure equitable access to quality eye care across the country. The launch of the updated Diabetic Retinopathy guidelines, in collaboration with is a significant stride towards that goal. Diabetic Retinopathy is a growing public health concern, silently threatening the vision of millions. These new guidelines rooted in expert consensus and enriched with the latest diagnostic and management protocols—will empower healthcare providers to detect and intervene earlier, especially in underserved communities. By updating our 2015 DR Manual and aligning it with current best practices, we aim to drive nationwide awareness, strengthen clinical capacity, and reinforce the message that vision loss from diabetes is preventable with timely action.”

The event focused on policy integration strategies to promote early screening and timely intervention for diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of preventable vision loss among working-age adults. The discussions reflected the incorporation of advanced global standards and technological innovations in screening and treatment, aimed at enhancing early detection and management practices nationwide. This renewed focus underscores a commitment to patient-centric care and collaborative action in addressing the growing burden of diabetes-related eye diseases. Experts at the event emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment, and multi-sector partnerships to achieve long-term improvements in eye health outcomes.

Dr. Praveen Vashist, Secretary, VISION 2020, India, stated, “We believe that innovation in healthcare thrives on meaningful collaboration. The updated Diabetic Retinopathy guidelines are a testament to what’s possible when public health institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders like India come together with a shared vision. This partnership ensures that these guidelines are not just clinical documents they are catalysts for systemic change. By aligning with national health priorities and integrating into existing care pathways, we aim to translate these recommendations into real-world impact, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations. Our goal is to ensure that every individual at risk of vision loss due to diabetes has access to timely screening, diagnosis, and care—regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.”

Dr. Monika Puri, Chief Commercial Officer, Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd. shared, “Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, yet many people remain unaware that timely eye check-ups can save their vision. On World Diabetes Day, I urge everyone living with diabetes to get a simple annual retina screening. Early detection and treatment can protect sight and improve quality of life. Together, we can reduce avoidable vision loss and ensure that every person with diabetes receives the eye care they deserve.”

Sarthak Trust to Host National Abilympics & 12th Disability Conference in Delhi

New Delhi, 15th November 2025: — After successful Regional Abilympics across Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Guwahati, the much-awaited National Abilympics 2025 and 12th National Conference on Disability (NCD) are set to take place in New Delhi this November. The 12th NCD, organized by Sarthak Educational Trust in collaboration with the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), TPCDT, and IndusInd Bank, will be held on November 20–21, 2025, at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI), New Delhi. A 22-member Russian delegation including 10 candidates are participating in the Indian Abilympics competition for the second consecutive year. The initiative emphasizes the significance of expanding support for people with disabilities and fostering bilateral ties between Russia and India in this field.

The two day conference will be graced by Shri Ravinder Singh (Indraj), Minister of Social Justice & Welfare for SC & ST, Dr. Vineet Joshi, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), Shri Rajiv Kumar, Former Election Commissioner of India, Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Mr. Pradeep Kharola, Director General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Shri Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief CSR & Sustainability, Tata Power, Shri Lov Verma, Former Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD), Government of India, Shri Krishan Kalra, President, NAAI & Former President, AIMA, Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust & Secretary General, NAAI, Shri Siddhartha Rastogi, Managing Director, Ambit Asset Management along with other dignitaries. The event will bring together government leaders, corporates, NGOs, media representatives, and persons with disabilities to deliberate on the evolving landscape of inclusion, skill development, and sustainability in India.

Now in its 12th edition, the National Conference on Disability (NCD) has become one of India’s foremost platforms for driving the disability inclusion agenda. Over the years, it has been graced by dignitaries such as Hon’ble Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the Former Vice President of India, who inaugurated the Sarthak Global Resource Centre during a previous edition. The 2025 conference will be anchored around the theme “Sustainable Development Goals and Disability Inclusion”, focusing on integrating disability perspectives across key SDGs for true inclusive growth.

This year’s agenda includes impactful sessions such as Partnerships for an Inclusive India, Employer Panel on Equal Opportunity, Early Intervention & Inclusive Education, Technology & Innovation for Inclusion, PwD Leaders’ Panel: Voices of Change, and Media & Narratives: Shaping Inclusion.

The event will also feature an Assistive Devices Display, and the release of Sarthak’s Coffee Table Book, making the conference both celebratory and solution-oriented.

The National Abilympics 2025, to be held alongside the conference, will bring together medalists from four regional events South Zone (Chennai), West Zone (Mumbai), North Zone (Lucknow), and East & North East Zone (Guwahati). Over 500 participants from more than 20 states competed across diverse skill categories such as ICT, Crafts, Hospitality, and Services during the regional rounds. These 60+ winners will now compete at the national stage, with the best talents advancing to represent Team India at the 11th International Abilympics 2027 in Finland, widely known as the “Work Skill Olympics” for Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General of NAAI and Founder & CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust, said, “The National Abilympics and NCD mark not just the culmination of a year-long journey, but a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to inclusion. Through this platform, we’re turning skill into opportunity and opportunity into empowerment. Our mission to train 10 million Persons with Disabilities and facilitate 2 lakh sustainable jobs by 2027 continues to guide every effort we make.”

Over the past year, the regional Abilympics have uncovered inspiring stories of resilience from rural Assam to metropolitan Mumbai showing that skill knows no boundaries. With strong government partnerships and corporate participation, the upcoming national event promises to be a defining moment in India’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth for all.

QNET India Launches ‘Sweet Without Guilt?’ Campaign for World Diabetes Day

QNET India Region Launches ‘Sweet Without Guilt?’ Campaign for World Diabetes Day, Promoting Smarter Wellness Choices

Hyderabad, 12^th November, 2025: QNET, one of Asia’s leading direct selling companies, has launched a new digital campaign titled ‘Sweet Without Guilt?’ to mark World Diabetes Day 2025. The initiative aims to raise awareness about diabetes management and promote informed lifestyle choices that align with QNET’s broader wellness philosophy.

Through the theme #ManageDiabetesWithQNET, the campaign breaks common myths surrounding diabetic diets and emphasizes moderation, balance, and natural wellness. The 30-second digital film showcases QNET’s Nutriplus Monofloral Honey, Nutriplus Natose Stevia, and Nutriplus DiabaHealth – products developed to help consumers make smart, sustainable health choices without compromising on taste or vitality.

The ‘Sweet Without Guilt?’ campaign adopts a relatable “Myth vs Fact” storytelling approach, reflecting QNET’s focus on making wellness communication more accessible. With clean, natural visuals and an empowering tone, the campaign underlines that diabetes management is not about restriction, but about making conscious daily swaps.

Commenting on the initiative, Nischal C, Head of Corporate Communications, QNET India region said,  

“Our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their wellness journey through awareness and choice. This World Diabetes Day, we’re encouraging consumers to explore natural, evidence-backed alternatives that make everyday living both healthier and happier.”

Smiles in the Streets: Building Community Happiness Through Connection

India, 10th November, 2025: A smile is the gentlest expression of goodwill. It does not require translation and has the vibration of goodwill. A smile when consciously expressed will become yoga in action – a gesture that bonds hearts together and alters the energy in a space. It helps to overcome division, relieves tension and makes normal everyday situations gateways to harmony.

The Street as a Living Classroom.

Yoga is more than just what happens on the mat. The big classroom is life and awareness is put to test and is reinforced. Balance and mindfulness come alive on the street-in its sounds, face, and ever-changing rhythm. Every encounter with a fellow creature is the chance to learn how to be present, kind, and stable on the inside. This is what Yoga Beyond the Mat is all about: being mindful when in motion, being balanced when taking action, being serene when interacting. In this way, the mundane world is turned into a spiritual sphere of development.

The Stillness of Movement – The Nature of Sthiti Dhyan.

Even in movement, silence exists; even in words, stillness can be found. Sthiti Dhyan, or State Meditation, is the art of being centred and being fully engaged in life. It is the art of stillness of movement, of calmness of transition. This kind of awareness enables one to be calm but alert, quiet but awake. The smile that comes out of this internal balance will be powerful and graceful. It is a living meditation, it diffuses calmness without utterance, devotion without strenuousness.

The Wave of Human Interconnection.

All relationships are exachange of energy. A simple smile, a patient gesture, or a kind word in a busy space can ripple through the hearts of many and uplift collective consciousness. These minor gestures form invisible circles of trust and warmth. Societies start healing when people use conscious positivity. The mood of a city changes when its inhabitants decide to act with empathy and care rather than indifference and mindlessness. Happiness, therefore, is a collective resonance and not an individual endeavour.

Movement of Light and Laughter.

Smiles in the Streets is a dream of a civil culture founded on understanding and benevolence. This movement under the undergoing of the World Yoga Organization, calls on the citizens, the youth and institutions to join hands to establish harmony through human association. Streets can be turned into the citadens of happiness through the public gathersings, mutual thoughts, and mere acts of kindness.

The streets in India can be bright as well as enlightened not just with light but with awareness places where laughter runs freely, where compassion is culture and where humankind is reminded of their unity. Peace can be opened by the smile of one. When communities are smiling collectively, they create more than a happy society, they create hope, belonging and strength.

Make every smiling a ray of attention. Send it flying round and in between the hearts till all the streets shall shine with the glory of a quiet mind and a happy nation.

Plum introduces CeraSense™: The smart way to winter-proof your skin barrier, minus heaviness

Mumbai, 07th November, 2025: Plum, one of India’s most admired new-age beauty and personal care brands, has launched CeraSense™, a breakthrough winter care innovation that helps skin rebuild barrier, retain moisture, and resist damage all while staying feather-light on the skin.

Powered by the next-gen technology, CeraSense™ is a proprietary ceramide blend that retrains the skin barrier at a molecular level. The smart formula combines Ceramides that rebuild, Peptides that repair, Acai that defends against stressors, Prebiotics that balance the microbiome, and 1% NMF that delivers lasting hydration.

The range features two essentials the CeraSense™ Moisturizing Crème and the CeraSense™ Milky Toner. Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier, the moisturizing crème locks in moisture for up to 72 hours while supporting microbiome balance and protecting against environmental stressors. The Milky Toner, specially designed for Indian skin instantly replenishes hydration with a silky, non-sticky texture, leaving skin supple, balanced, and refreshed.

Speaking about the launch, Shankar Prasad, Founder & CEO, Plum, said,

 “With CeraSense, we wanted to go beyond just moisturizing dry skin, our goal was to help skin relearn how to protect and repair itself first. Think of your skin like a cake. Most creams are just frosting—they sit on top. CeraSense goes deeper, like a layered cake, reaching every layer to hydrate, strengthen, and help your skin relearn how to protect and repair itself. With Plum’s clean, effective formulations, every ingredient plays a precise role, giving long-lasting comfort without the heaviness or greasiness of typical winter creams. Skincare that works smarter, feels lighter, and truly gets what your skin needs – that’s CeraSense.”

With CeraSense™, Plum once again brings together smart science and thoughtful care because when it comes to skin and chemistry, Plum gets it right.

“Crore Archana” Concludes with Grand Lamp Ceremony and Festivities

Devotion Meets Culture: “Crore Archana” Concludes with One Lakh Lamps and Cultural Festivities

India, 5th November, 2025: The 27-day-long “Crore Archana” festival at the North Guruvayoorappan Temple in Mayur Vihar concluded on Sunday with a grand ceremony marked by the lighting of one lakh lamps, symbolizing divine illumination and devotion.

The temple premises were beautifully adorned with intricate floral decorations, while devotional music, traditional dance, and cultural performances filled the atmosphere with spirituality. Thousands of devotees from across Delhi-NCR gathered to witness this auspicious moment, creating a scene of collective faith and devotion.

Dedicated to Lord Guruvayoorappan, the festival featured the daily chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama  the thousand sacred names of Lord Vishnu  repeated millions of times over the 27 days, corresponding to the 27 nakshatras (constellations). Each day also included Kalasham puja, abhishekam, Vedic recitations, and group prayers.

Prior to the rituals, purification ceremonies such as Prasada Sudhi and Bimba Sudhi were conducted, while devotees also participated in special offerings like the Udayasthamaana Puja.

The temple management committee described the Crore Archana as more than just a religious observance calling it a celebration of unity, positivity, and spiritual awakening.

Following the rich traditions of South Indian temple worship, the North Guruvayoorappan Temple continues to serve as a major spiritual and cultural hub for devotees in Delhi-NCR. This year’s Crore Archana  the first of its kind in North India  evoked overwhelming enthusiasm, devotion, and community participation throughout the 27 days.

Dr. Bhupesh Bagga Elected OMIG President at LVPEI’s Bug Busters 5 and AMR Awareness Run

Leadership and learning at LVPEI: Dr Bhupesh Bagga elected OMIG President amid Bug Busters 5 and AMR Awareness Run

Hyderabad, 3rd November, 2025: Dr Bhupesh Bagga, Consultant Ophthalmologist – Cornea & Anterior Segment at L V Prasad Eye Institute was elected as president of the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group, (eyeomig.org/Facebook) an international non-profit organization of physicians and scientists who focus on the study of “bugs and drugs” in the eye. 

The group was established in 1990 and is based in Pittsburgh, USA. The group’s core mission is to present new information on ocular infections, the immune system’s response to them, and related treatments. Participation in their annual meeting where they discuss topics like infectious agents, immunity, inflammation, and new data and statistical analysis is much sought after by scientists and clinicians worldwide. 

Dr Bhupesh spearheaded the Bug Busters 5 Conference organized by LVPEI between Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025. The conference saw in-person and virtual participation of both national and international speakers. Around 120 delegates from across India participated in the three-day conference. Papers and sessions were presented on various aspects of ocular immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology.  

Corneal infections pose significant challenges to eye health, and finding effective solutions requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bug Busters was conceived by LVPEI to explore the latest advancements in corneal infection research and enable multidisciplinary collaboration among ophthalmologists, microbiologists, immunologists, and other professionals working in the domain. It brings together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians from around the world to exchange knowledge, present groundbreaking findings, and discuss cutting-edge strategies in the field of corneal infections. 

Bug Busters 5 enabled engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and thought-provoking presentations that delved into the complex nature of corneal infections and explored innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

As part of Bug Busters 5, a ‘Race Against Resistance AMR Awareness 4K Challenge’ was organized today, starting at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Banjara Hills. The run was organized as a precursor to the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), a global campaign held annually from November 18–24 to raise awareness about Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and promote best practices to combat it.

On this occasion Dr Shivaranjani Santosh, Paediatrician, Magna Centres for Obesity, Diabetes, and Endocrinology, Hyderabad; said, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) arises from the excessive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are misused, they lose their effectiveness, failing to work when they are truly needed to fight bacterial infections. Tragically, many lives are being lost because medicines that once saved lives no longer work. We must act responsibly. Avoid buying antibiotics over the counter or using them for every minor illness, many ailments are caused by viruses or other non-bacterial factors where antibiotics offer no benefit. Antibiotics should be used only when bacterial infection is confirmed, strongly suspected, or in high-risk cases where timely intervention is critical. The government must strictly regulate over-the-counter antibiotic sales. Patients should stop self-medicating. Doctors must prescribe antibiotics judiciously, and RMPs should refrain from administering high-dose antibiotics or steroids unnecessarily, such practices can endanger lives.

Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI); said, Indiscriminate use of antibiotics poses a serious threat to our community. I urge everyone not to buy medicines over the counter, and never to use antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. Always ensure that you complete the full course prescribed, stopping midway only fuels resistance. When we use antibiotics responsibly, not just for humans, but also in poultry and animal husbandry, we can collectively overcome this growing menace and safeguard health for generations to come.

Dr Ponnari Gottipati, Associate Director Research, LVPEI & Co-Founder, Super Heroes against Superbugs; said, Antimicrobial resistance is fast emerging as a grave concern for humanity. The very antibiotics that empower us to treat critical ailments, from cancer therapies and organ transplants to cesarean deliveries, are losing their power. These wonder drugs help us fight infections that arise during such treatments, but their overuse and misuse are rendering them ineffective. Today, antibiotics are being consumed excessively, often without need or proper guidance. This alarming trend means that even minor infections, which were once easily curable, could soon become life-threatening. The lack of awareness around this issue is a serious challenge. This run is our collective step towards creating awareness. We aim to educate everyone on the responsible use of antibiotics, understanding when they are necessary, when they are not, and why they should never be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Buying antibiotics over the counter, sharing them between patients, or stopping the course midway, all these practices fuel resistance. Completing the full course as prescribed by a medical professional is vital to ensure antibiotics remain effective for everyone. Together, we can fight this invisible enemy. Through this awareness run, let’s pledge to use antibiotics wisely and safeguard their power for future generations.

Organized in collaboration with Superheroes Against Superbugs initiative, the run included a fun element where runners solved puzzles related to antimicrobial resistance. About 200 enthusiastic clinicians, scientists and the public participated in the run to create awareness on the harmful effects of the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) is one of the fastest-growing health threats of our time and most people don’t even know they could be contributing to it!  Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

The latest AMR report by the World Health Organization (WHO) quotes experts describe findings, “as deeply concerning and predict 70% increase in related deaths by 2050.” It also states, “more than 40% of antibiotics losing potency against common blood, gut, urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections between 2018 and 2023.”

India ranks among the top countries globally for age-standardized mortality due to AMR. In 2019, India had approximately 297,000 deaths directly attributable to AMR and over 1,042,500 deaths associated with AMR as a contributing factor. About 66-67% of reported AMR cases were from the productive age group of 15 to 64 years. The high rates of infectious diseases make antibiotic use—and misuse especially important to create awareness about.