Category Archives: Health

IADVL’s Dermatological Disease Awareness Campaign received 9419 pledges

New Delhi, 8th May 2024 – India’s largest organization of dermatologists, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL), marked a significant milestone by achieving the Guinness World Records title for “MOST PLEDGES IN 24 HOURS TO RAISE DERMATOLOGICAL DISEASE AWARENESS”. The most pledges received in 24 hours were 9,419, and were achieved by IADVL members, online, on 5th-6th May 2024. The objective of this event was to bring together 17,000 doctors from across India, who came together online to lend their support for spreading social awareness about dermatological diseases. Through this awareness campaign, the organization aimed to shed light on the complexities of dermatological conditions and the critical role of qualified professionals in their diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Gulhima Arora, President of IADVL DELHI, said, ‘It fills us with immense pride that IADVL’s Dermatological Disease Awareness Campaign Entered the Guinness World Records. In an age rife with misinformation and amateur advice, the significance of NMC-qualified dermatologists has been of paramount importance. This event underscored our steadfast dedication to elevating awareness of dermatological diseases. Through diverse initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and educational programs, IADVL strove to empower both its members and the public with reliable dermatological knowledge.

The official certificate from the Guinness World Record team will be received shortly.

‘A concerning lack of awareness persists regarding the grave threat to the nation’s health posed by unlicensed medical practitioners. Over the past few decades, the proliferation of such practices has surged, leading to detrimental and unrecognized outcomes in various medical procedures, particularly in dermatological and cosmetology procedures. These unauthorized practices often resulted in severe complications and exacerbated untreated skin conditions,’ said Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary of IADVL Delhi. ‘Our event served as a platform to underscore the invaluable expertise NMC-qualified dermatologists bring to the table and the significance of seeking reliable medical advice.’

To gear up for the Guinness World Record attempt, IADVL meticulously laid out preparations, including a dedicated website crafted to streamline the pledging process for IADVL members, engagement of the Digital Forensics Team to audit online pledges meticulously, and submission of proofs and documentation to solidify their integrity and pursuit, all approved by the Guinness World Record standards.

Established in 1973, IADVL stands as a bastion of expertise and trust in Indian dermatology care. Boasting over 17,410 qualified members including dermatologists, venereologists, and leprologists who are board- certified, IADVL is instrumental in setting standards, disseminating knowledge, and advocating for top-tier dermatological care. Today, IADVL remains resolute in upholding professional standards, ensuring patients receive evidence-based care. Through diverse initiatives such as public awareness campaigns and educational programs, IADVL empowers members and the public alike with dependable dermatological knowledge.

Dr Rohit Batra, Immediate Past President, IADVL Delhi, expresses, ‘IADVL is deeply concerned about the growing menace of unlicensed medical practitioners and its detrimental impact on public health. As advocates for patient safety and quality healthcare standards, IADVL calls for increased regulatory measures and enforcement to curb the proliferation of unlicensed medical practices.

Dr. Sumit Gupta, Vice President of IADVL Delhi, emphasized, “As we embarked on this remarkable journey, IADVL reiterated its dedication to advancing dermatology care, fostering public awareness, and effecting positive change in the lives of those afflicted by dermatological diseases.”

The pledge that the members of IADVL took for the GWR Official Attempt stated, ‘As a proud member of IADVL, I solemnly pledge to preserve the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in my role as a Dermatologist, Venereologist, and Leprologists. With unwavering commitment, I vow to provide empathetic care while fostering community awareness regarding Skin-Hair-Nail health, leprosy, and genital diseases. I commit to unflinching dedication to life-long learning, ensuring the delivery of optimal healthcare for the well-being of all.

UYC Global Online Slogan Writing Contest for International Day of Yoga 2024

Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is a youth-led organization committed to utilizing ICT tools and internet media for social impact. Through online campaigns, Udaan has engaged over one lakh individuals in social awareness initiatives, focusing on topics like lifestyle for the environment and Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to Viksit Bharat India @2047. The organization is currently led by eminent Indian Social Worker SR Aman Kumar from Baghpat, serving as its president.

Udaan is inviting submissions for the UYC Global Online Slogan Writing Contest on International Day of Yoga 2024. People from all corners of the world are invited to participate and contribute to spreading awareness about the importance of Yoga with their creative slogans. These slogans will be published on the official website and social media pages of Udaan.

Craft a powerful and inspiring slogan on the given themes:
Yoga for Women Empowerment
Yoga – The Art and Science of Living
Yoga for Global Unity and Oneness
Yoga for a Healthier Planet
Yoga for Peace and Joy
Your slogan may connect with one or more themes, or it can be totally original as well. Showcase your talent and contribute to the global celebration of inner peace, harmony, and well-being!

Benefits:
All original slogans will be prominently featured on Udaan’s official social media pages and website.
Every participant will receive a personalized participation certificate as a token of appreciation.
Winners will receive an exclusive certificate of merit personally signed by President SR Aman Kumar.
The winning slogans will be showcased in a special Yoga Day video message, where winners will have the opportunity to speak out their slogans.
Eligibility:
This contest is open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or other personal attributes.
Slogans can be submitted in either Hindi or English.
All slogans must be original works and free of plagiarism.
Each shortlisted slogan will be published on Udaan’s social media pages within 24 hours of submission.
Winners will be announced based on the engagement their published slogan receives on social media and other given judging criteria.
How to Enter:
Visit the submission link and submit your original slogan along with other required details.

Judging Criteria:
Creativity and Originality
Clarity and Impact of the Message
Engagement on published post
Important Dates:
Entries open: May 5th, 2024
Entries submission deadline: June 18th, 2024
Announcement of winners: June 20th, 2024
Launch of winners’ Yoga Day video message: June 21st, 2024

Manasthali gives a new lease of life to a young man affected by Schizophrenia

New Delhi, 7th May 2024: Manasthali, a renowned mental health organization dedicated to offering innovative and compassionate treatment, has revitalized the life of a 28-year-old schizophrenia patient by providing him with the right support and treatment for his mental health condition. Schizophrenia is a complicated mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and in India as well. A study in 2022 suggests that 7 per cent of Indians suffering from mental health conditions have schizophrenia in various degrees of severity.

Umesh Sandhu (Name Changed) was diagnosed with schizophrenia after his parents complained of living in his imaginary world and talking strangely, thinking that they were very powerful, rich, or renowned. All these symptoms substantially hampered his capacity to operate independently and establish relationships, hampering the quality of his life.

Manasthali took a holistic approach to mental health care, emphasising personalised treatment regimens based on his specific requirements and circumstances. He was given therapy sessions to improve his coping abilities, handle stress, and question skewed views and beliefs. Umesh also underwent medication management to help him cope with his psychotic episodes and maintain his mood.

“Under the guidance and support of Manasthali’s dedicated and skilled health practitioners, Umesh made remarkable progress in his journey towards recovery. His hallucinations and delusions gradually decreased over time, allowing him to reclaim control of his life. With increased confidence and resilience, Umesh reconnected with his hobbies and interests, restored meaningful relationships with family and friends, and pursued his personal and professional goals with renewed zeal,” said *Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director, Manasthali*

Now, Umesh serves as an inspiration to others affected by schizophrenia. His story exemplifies the transformative power of compassionate care, perseverance, and hope in overcoming the challenges of mental illness. Manasthali remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize mental health care and empower individuals affected by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses to reclaim their lives and realize their full potential.

Unveiling the Silent Revolution Dr. Pratik and Dr. Pramila’s Innovation

Pune, India – May 7th, 2024 – A milestone moment unfolded at the Reliance Leadership Innovation Centre in Pune as the esteemed Padma Vibhushan recipient, Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, unveiled the groundbreaking book “Silent Revolution” authored by Dr. Pratik Mungekar and Dr. Pramila Kudva. The private event witnessed the gathering of great personalities including Dr. Prachetan Potadar, Dr. Akshay Raghunath, and Dr. Saravjeet Kirad, who joined in celebrating this significant literary contribution.

During the event, the media inquired about the prevalent challenges within the contemporary education system. In response, Dr. Mashelkar articulated profound insights, emphasizing the importance of not just learning, but the art of learning itself. He underscored the transformative power of moving beyond rote learning methodologies, advocating for an education paradigm that supports creativity and innovation.

Dr. Mashelkar elaborated on the essence of providing every child with not just education, but the right education, delivered in the right manner. He passionately conveyed the necessity of cultivating intrinsic curiosity among students, thereby facilitating the transition from mere information absorption to knowledge creation and innovation.

Addressing educators directly, Dr. Mashelkar urged them to grasp innovative pedagogical strategies, placing a renewed emphasis on student-centric approaches. He stressed the pivotal role of teachers in nurturing a human-centric learning environment, advocating for a departure from conventional teaching methods encouraging a culture of innovation and creativity within educational institutions.

The unveiling of “Silent Revolution” marks a significant milestone in the journey towards redefining education paradigms, guided by the visionary insights shared by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar.

G Square Organizes Drops of Hope Blood Donation Drive, Garners Massive Turnout

Chennai, 06 May 2024 – G Square, South India’s leading plot promoter, recently organized the “G Square Drops of Hope” initiative, a blood donation drive. The initiative was organized in honor of the birthday of G Square’s founder and Managing Director, Mr. Bala Ramajeyam in G Square Beachwalk, Neelankarai.

The real estate company organized the blood donation drive in collaboration with The Madras Voluntary Blood Bureau and has planned to donate the collected blood to the Hindu Medical Mission. This remarkable initiative witnessed the active participation of 100+ G Square employees and people from the public.

Mr. Bala Ramajeyam, Managing Director of G Square Realtors Private Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the “Drops of Hope” initiative, stating, “At G Square, we believe in making meaningful contributions to society beyond our business endeavors. The ‘ G Square Drops of Hope’ initiative is a reflection of our commitment to social responsibility and our desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am extremely elated to see that an initiative like this, organized on my birthday has received such an overwhelming response, participation and reception. We are actually planning to make this initiative an annual event such that many of those in need of blood can benefit from the same. I would like to personally express my gratitude to all the donors for their blood donation, which might just be crucial in saving someone’s life.”

The “G Square Drops of Hope” aims to address the critical need for blood donations within the city and help save lives in our community. The inaugural drive which was conducted just for G Square employees within the organization saw a massive number of participants which prompted the event to be extended to open for the public.

Kochurani, a vibrant 55-year-old, suddenly found her world turned upside down

Kochurani, a vibrant 55-year-old, suddenly found her world turned upside down when she received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer in February 2024. A cherished wife and mother of two, she had always been the beacon of strength and hope for her family and friends.

The Diagnosis:

It all began innocuously with a persistent dry cough in October 2023. Despite diligent adherence to prescribed medications, the cough lingered, prompting further investigation. A plain CT scan initially revealed pneumonia, leading to a two-week hospitalization for treatment. Yet, the cough persisted, prompting a contrast CT scan, which unveiled a concerning mass growth in her left lung. Subsequent lung biopsy confirmed the dreaded diagnosis: lung adenocarcinoma at an advanced stage.

Further tests, including a PET CT scan, revealed the aggressive nature of the cancer, which had metastasized to her right lung, bones, backbone, collar bone, pelvic regions, and the lining of the liver. Amidst escalating pain levels, she underwent radiotherapy to alleviate suffering while awaiting mutation analysis results.

The mutation test results unveiled a rare variant, ERBB2 Exon 20 Insertion, occurring in only 1-5% of adenocarcinoma cases, presenting a daunting treatment challenge. Recommended treatment protocol involved chemotherapy coupled with immunotherapy as the primary line of defence, followed by targeted therapy as the secondary approach. Each cycle of treatment required once every three weeks is a lifeline for Kochurani, promising a second chance to come back to Normal life.

The Plea:

While the family has exhausted savings and incurred loans for a sum of 6,50,000 INR to cover initial treatment costs, the staggering expenses for ongoing care, totalling 26,40,000 INR, looms large. This financial burden threatens to disrupt Kochurani’s crucial treatment regimen, jeopardizing her fight for a second chance at life.

In this time of dire need, we humbly appeal to the kindness and generosity of compassionate souls. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make an immense difference in Kochurani’s battle against cancer. Together, let us ensure she receives the timely treatment and care she so urgently requires, providing solace and support to her loving family in their time of need.

Fernandez Foundation Celebrates International Day of the Midwife

Hyderabad, May 6, 2024: Fernandez Foundation proudly marked the International Day of the Midwife with celebratory events held at Fernandez Stork Home (Banjara Hills) and Fernandez Hospital (Bogulkunta) today. The Foundation, a pioneer in introducing midwifery to the Telugu states since 2017, hosted senior consultants from Fernandez Hospital, alongside parents, healthcare professionals, and seasoned midwives.

The centerpiece of the celebration was the captivating ‘Tree of Life,’ symbolising growth, connection, and nurturing—a fitting tribute to the ethos of midwifery. Attendees were treated to a special Midwifery Open House, offering an exclusive glimpse into the world of midwifery-led natural births. Experienced midwives guided expectant mothers through a comprehensive overview of midwifery care, providing insights into the tools, practices, and philosophies that shape a positive birth experience.

Pregnant mothers had the opportunity to explore exercises tailored to nurture their body and spirit, fostering a blissful birth journey. Interactive sessions facilitated direct engagement with experienced midwives, who shared their expertise on natural birthing methods. Attendees also experienced relaxation techniques such as Aromatherapy and Water birth, aimed at alleviating labor pains.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson and Managing Director of Fernandez Foundation said that “I dream of a world where every pregnant woman will be able to access a midwife, and only if required will see an obstetrician or other specialists depending on her situation.”

“When obstetricians and professional midwives work together, collaboratively, they can support better outcomes and ensure a positive birthing experience for women”, added Dr Tarakeswari S, Chief Medical Director, Fernandez Hospital.

Inderjeet Kaur, Director of Midwifery Services said that “Midwifery-led care aims to provide constant emotional and psychological support to women during and even after childbirth. Midwives create an environment of empowerment and knowledge for women to labour and birth with confidence. Midwifery care supports women with their birth choices, thus ensuring the experience is joyous and positive.”

The event included interactive sessions highlighting the holistic approach to childbirth and the pivotal role of midwifery in promoting natural and enjoyable births. Educational workshops were also conducted, focusing on effective birthing exercises, various birth positions, and the formulation of personalized birthing plans.

Belenus Champion Hospitals Launches State-of-the-Art Cardiology Specialty Clinic

Bengaluru, Karnataka – 6th May 2024 – Belenus Champion Hospitals celebrated the grand opening of its new Cardiology Specialty Clinic today, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by prominent figures in healthcare and local governance. The clinic promises to revolutionize cardiac care with its advanced treatment options and comprehensive health packages.

Dr. Ranjan Shetty, Head of Cardiology at Manipal HAL Old Airport Road, and guest at the event, praised the new facility: “It’s inspiring to see how Belenus Champion Hospitals integrates the latest technology with patient-centered care. This clinic is set to elevate the standard of cardiac health services in our community.”

Manohar Reddy, local BJP President, emphasized the clinic’s role in enhancing community health: “This clinic represents a significant advancement in healthcare offerings available to our community. It’s a step forward in making high-standard healthcare accessible to all.”

Dr. Manjunath H, Founder of Belenus Champion Hospitals, highlighted the clinic’s commitment: “Our goal has always been to lead with innovation and compassion. The Cardiology Specialty Clinic is not just a medical facility; it’s a lifeline to those seeking hope and healing.”

Dr. Kishore Kumar M G, Co-founder, spoke about the integration of services: “We integrate clinical expertise with personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible outcome. Our new packages will cater to diverse needs, ensuring comprehensive care for all heart-related conditions.”

Dr. K. Bharathnandan Reddy, Consultant & Head Interventional Cardiology, and Dr. Prajith Pasam, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, introduced an exclusive Angiogram package priced at just ₹6,499, aimed at making critical diagnostic services more affordable.

Prashanth S Desai, CEO, outlined the future vision: “Today marks a key milestone in our journey towards excellence in healthcare. We are excited about the future and the pivotal role we play in shaping health services.”

Additionally, to prioritize patient health and early detection of cardiac issues, the clinic announced that anyone experiencing chest pain can walk in and receive a free ECG test, ensuring timely medical attention.

The Cardiology Specialty Clinic offers a range of specialized health packages, from basic screenings to comprehensive care plans, ensuring that patients receive tailored treatment that suits their specific needs. The clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of renowned cardiologists and healthcare professionals dedicated to providing the highest standard of care.

Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta’s Breakthrough: Treating 87-Year-Old’s Severe Heart Blockages

Anantapur, 6th May 2024: Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, successfully treated Mr. Reddy, an 87-year-old resident from Anantapur, who experienced severe breathlessness and chest pain. These symptoms led to the diagnosis of critical heart blockages caused by calcium deposits. Dr. Srinivas Prasad BV, Consultant-Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, used the state-of-the-art Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology to address the complexities of Mr. Reddy’s condition. This innovative technique breaks down the calcium while minimizing vessel wall trauma allowing the surgery to be completed efficiently within 45 minutes. Mr. Reddy was able to go home just three days following the procedure, marking another success in advanced cardiac care by Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta.

Mr. Reddy was referred to Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta due to the unavailability of the required resources in Anantapur to perform the surgery. After a comprehensive evaluation, it was revealed that Mr. Reddy had experienced a mild heart attack caused by the calcific blockages in his coronary arteries. The blockages led to chest pain and breathlessness, impacting his daily activities. Given the urgency and complexity of his case, Dr. Srinivas Prasad BV opted for a minimally invasive procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open the blocked arteries and restore normal blood flow. This procedure was complemented using Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology, which efficiently breaks down the calcium deposits while minimizing damage to the vessel wall.

Dr Srinivas Prasad BV, consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, emphasized the necessity of employing advanced technology over conventional methods. He stated, “The patient had calcium deposits in the heart, which complicated the feasibility of conventional angioplasty (a procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels to improve blood flow). Therefore, we opted to proceed with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) to open the blocked arteries, restore normal blood flow, and crush the calcium deposits. Following the crushing of the calcium deposits, a balloon was inserted into the artery to open the arterial blocks, and a stent (a small, metal mesh tube) was placed inside the blockages to help keep them open.”

Thanking the medical team Mr Reddy (Patient) said. “I am immensely grateful to Dr. Srinivas Prasad and the entire team at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta for their exceptional care and expertise. Their dedication and skill restored my health and provided me with reassurance and comfort throughout my journey. I cannot thank them enough for the support, care, and life-saving treatment they provided.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “We are deeply gratified to have been able to offer Mr. Ramesh the highest standard of care, leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in cardiac interventions. By employing advanced technologies like Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), we could navigate the complexities of his condition with precision and efficacy. This successful ou

ASG Eye Hospitals Completes the Acquisition of Vasan Eye Care

Kochi, 04 May, 2024: ASG Eye Hospitals completed the acquisition of Vasan Eye Care Hospitals and introduced new initiatives in ASG Vasan Eye Hospitals in Kerala. ASG Vasan Eye Hospitals, Kerala introduced advanced eye care services for all eye-related problems. With the acquisition of Vasan Eye Care, the network of ASG Eye Hospitals have increased to over 150 across India with presence in 21 states and 83 cities with 600 + Eye Specialists across India.

The hospital offers comprehensive eye care services covering all areas of eye specialization. Patients can now benefit from premium intraocular lenses such as Toric, Multifocal, EDOF, Trifocal ensuring the highest quality vision correction available. The state-of-the-art facilities, all specialized doctors, and state-of-the-art machines adhere to international standards, providing patients with a comfortable and advanced environment for their eye care needs.

The ASG Vasan Eye Care hospital at Kochi has a team of highly skilled doctors led by Dr. Sony George, Senior Consultant, Head of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Vasan Eye Care Hospital-Kochi, and Thrissur. The other team includes Dr. Sreeshankar -CMO, Dr. Amita Nair -Medical Retina, and Dr. Hima Jos Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon.

ASG Vasan Eye Hospital emerges with an enhanced focus on delivering high-tech and affordable ophthalmic care. The ASG Vasan Eye Hospitals in Kerala feature comprehensive eye care services, including cataract surgery, Refractive surgery, vision rehabilitation services, Neuro-ophthalmology, Uveitis, retina, glaucoma, cornea and oculoplasty services, and more. The hospital also provides specialized care round-the-clock, including emergency eye treatments in all the centres with the advanced infrastructures.

ASG Vasan Eye Care has centres spread across major districts in Kerala such as Trivandrum, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Calicut. The hospital accepts all insurances and is empanelled with Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), ensuring accessible eye care for all. ASG Eye Hospitals, has served over 7.5 million people through its 54 state-of-the-art specialty eye care hospitals across 17 states in the country. It has a presence abroad in Uganda and Nepal as well.

ASG Eye Hospital was established in 2005 by Dr. Arun Singhvi (Co-founder, promotor, Chairman, and Managing Director) and Dr. Shilpi Gang (Co-founder, promotor, and CEO) both of them are alumni of the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi. The first hospital was established in Jodhpur city in Dec 2005 and has grown into one of the best eye care centers in India over the years.

Dr. Sony George, Dr. Sreeshankar, Dr. Amita Nair, Dr. Hima Jos, and Himanshu Mathur- Regional Operations Manager attended the press conference held in Kochi ASG Vasan Eye Hospitals.