Category Archives: Health

Leading the Change: 4 Platforms Revolutionizing India’s Dental Industry

India’s dental industry is evolving rapidly, driven by growing demand, increased awareness of oral health, and the need for streamlined access to quality supplies. In this changing landscape, a new league of platforms is stepping up, transforming how dental professionals discover, purchase, and manage essential products and services. These platforms are bridging the gap between manufacturers and clinics, bringing affordability, convenience, and nationwide reach to a once fragmented supply chain. Whether you’re running a well established practice or just setting up your first chair, these companies are making daental procurement faster, easier, and more reliable than ever before.

Here’s a look at four key platforms that are leading the charge and revolutionizing India’s dental ecosystem.

Dentalkart

Dentalkart is India’s leading online destination for dental supplies and the most recognized name in the country’s dental e-commerce space. Founded in 2016 and now listed on the NSE, Dentalkart offers an extensive range of over 20,000 products across 700 categories, sourced directly from more than 500 manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for consumables, instruments, or equipment, Dentalkart provides competitive pricing, and a seamless ordering experience. Its user-friendly interface, fast delivery network that reaches even remote areas, and responsive customer support have made it the trusted choice for hundreds of thousands of dentists across India. Committed to creating the most dependable and accessible dental marketplace in the country, Dentalkart continues to set the benchmark for e-commerce in the dental industry.

PinkBlue

PinkBlue positions itself as more than just a marketplace; it is a tech-enabled ecosystem for dental practices. Known for features like inventory tracking, real-time stock visibility, and seamless integration with clinic management software, PinkBlue helps automate supply chain operations. Clinics can even subscribe for recurring deliveries, ensuring they never run out of essential items. It’s ideal for medium to large clinics looking to improve operational efficiency through digital tools.

Dental Avenue

Dental Avenue caters to dentists who focus on high-end, specialist procedures. As a distributor for international brands such as Septodont and Ivoclar Vivadent, Dental Avenue emphasizes quality over quantity. The platform is especially strong in categories like endodontics, implants, and prosthodontics. With dedicated B2B support and a more curated catalog, it’s well-suited for specialists and premium dental clinics that demand top-tier products and service.

ToothKart

ToothKart is gaining attention as a fast-growing online dental store with a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It focuses on delivering competitively priced dental supplies without compromising quality. Their platform is beginner-friendly and often features promotions targeted at dental students and newly established clinics. As they continue to expand their product range, ToothKart is becoming a popular choice for price-sensitive professionals and those just starting out.

World Kidney Cancer Day: Early Detection Vital as Kidney Disease Rises Globally

“On World Kidney Cancer Day, we recognize the growing challenge of kidney disease worldwide. Studies suggest that by 2040, chronic kidney disease could become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost. Too often, those at high risk—such as people with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or a family history hesitate to get screened due to lack of access and awareness. Early warning signs like fatigue, swelling, muscle cramps, or changes in urination should never be ignored, as they can signal kidney cancer or chronic disease, which may progress to kidney failure.

 

Treatments for advanced kidney disease, including surgeries and transplants, remain unaffordable for many. That’s why early detection is so vital. With advances in AI-powered diagnostics, we can now spot risks sooner and improve outcomes.”

Three-Year Cancer Remissions Mark Milestone for CAR T-Cell Therapy at Narayana Health City

Bengaluru, India 19th June, 2025 – In a landmark development for cancer care in India, two patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed follicular lymphoma at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, have completed three years of successful follow-up—making this one of the longest documented survivals post-CAR T therapy in South India.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy, a cutting-edge immunotherapy, has become a beacon of hope for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant lymphoma. India now produces CAR T therapy domestically, with two CDSCO-approved products—NEXCAR19 and QARTEMI—making this life-saving treatment more accessible and affordable.

Ms. Perumala (name changed), a 66-year-old homemaker, relapsed with aggressive lymphoma in 2022 and underwent CAR T therapy in March 2023. She has since been in complete remission and is now enjoying quality time with her grandchildren.

Among the long-term survivors is Mr. Rehan (name changed), a 43-year-old from Bengaluru who was diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic. After exhausting all conventional therapies, he received CAR T therapy in November 2022. Despite multiple setbacks, including a severe COVID-19 infection and swine flu during his Hajj pilgrimage, he is now in remission and in his third year of follow-up.

India witnesses over 1.4 million new cancer cases annually, with lymphomas accounting for a significant burden among haematological malignancies. While conventional treatments help many patients, relapsed or treatment-resistant cases often have poor survival outcomes. The five-year survival rate for such patients can be as low as 20–30%.

The successful outcomes seen with CAR T-cell therapy, particularly with India’s CDSCO-approved versions like NEXCAR19 and QARTEMI which mark a pivotal opportunity to bridge the survival gap in advanced cancer care. If scaled effectively, this therapy could transform India’s cancer treatment landscape, reducing dependence on overseas options and significantly improving long-term survival rates.

“These cases reflect the transformative potential of CAR T therapy for patients who have exhausted all other options. With this therapy now approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and commercially available, Indian patients no longer need to look abroad for advanced treatment,” said Dr. Sharat Damodar, Senior Consultant, Haematologist and Head of Adult BMT at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru and Chairman of the Oncology Collegium at Narayana Health.

The encouraging outcomes observed at Narayana Health City reaffirm the efficacy of CAR T therapy and represent a significant milestone in India’s journey toward advanced cancer care.

“At Narayana Health, we have always believed that the best of global innovation must be made accessible to every Indian. As one of the early pioneers in cancer care and CAR T-cell therapy in the country, we remain committed to staying ahead of the curve with cutting-edge treatments that offer new hope to patients. Our journey is driven by a single purpose — to make world-class care affordable and available to all,” said Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Founder of Narayana Health, Bengaluru.

Habuild hits the 1 crore milestone as more Indians commit to daily healthy habits

Chennai: Habuild, India’s first habit building platform, has crossed a significant milestone by building a wellness-first community of over 1 crore members across the country. With this achievement, now 1 in every 140 Indians is now a part of Habuild, underscoring the platform’s growing influence in making holistic wellness accessible, inclusive, and routine.

What began as a simple yet powerful idea to make people fall in love with consistency has now evolved into one of India’s largest digital wellness communities. From 1000 users in 2022  to 1 crore in 2025, Habuild’s journey is rooted in creating daily discipline around yoga, mindfulness, and healthy habits, without preaching perfection or pushing unrealistic goals.

Commenting on the milestone,  Saurabh Bothra, Co-founder of Habuild  , said, “We are deeply humbled and inspired to see over 1 crore Indians committing to better health through daily habits. Our goal was never just numbers, it was to build a movement where wellness is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in discipline rather than motivation. I started Habuild for my mom but even after 1 Crore+ people joining us, this is just the beginning.”

Habuild’s approach offering live yoga sessions, habit challenges, and expert-led conversations continues to resonate with diverse age groups, professionals, homemakers, and first-time wellness seekers. With the platform reaching users in Tier 1 to Tier 4 cities, its philosophy of “doing over planning” is creating tangible shifts in how India engages with health. “We have seen everyone from a 3 year old to a 91 year old attend our session,” added Bothra.

As International Yoga Day approaches, Habuild aims to further amplify this momentum with community initiatives, social impact initiatives, and a call to adopt yoga not as a one-day event, but as a lifetime practice.

MGM Healthcare Performs Rare Skull Base Surgery on 1-Year-Old

Chennai, 19th June, 2025: MGM Healthcare successfully performed a Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak from a herniated brain inside nose with Skull Base Defect Reconstruction on a one-year-old child from Odisha. , marking a rare and complex intervention in pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery. This surgery was done using duragen, a collagen-based biomaterial, instead of a traditional autograft. The surgery was uneventful, the patient was discharged 48 hours post-surgery.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurs when there is a defect or tear in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, allowing the clear, cushioning fluid to escape from its normal pathways. When such a leak occurs at the skull base, it can lead to nasal discharge, recurrent infections, and breathing difficulties.The presence of congenital meningomyocele inside the nasal cavity proved to be the biggest surgical challenge . The condition is extremely rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 cases.

In this case, the child had been experiencing multiple episodes of brain fever, persistent CSF leakage and complete nasal blockage for nearly six months, due to a congenital skull base defect. This is a rare condition where the base of the skull does not fully develop during the growth period. If left untreated may lead to life-threatening complications due to the exposure of prolapsed meninges herniating into the nasal cavities from above. It was left undiagnosed and untreated till the pertinent investigations clinched the diagnosis. In the earlier visits to the hospitals, the baby was treated conservatively in the hope that mouth breathing would abate as the age progresses.Finally , a proper evaluation led to the diagnosis of this clinical entity.

The intra operative innovation using collagen based artificial dura eliminated the requirement for a secondary surgical site, thereby reducing surgical invasiveness, an important consideration in pediatric surgical care. In such an underweight child, especially , during the growth phase , it’s important to preserve the existing anatomy to the extent possible.

Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department, Institute of ENT, MGM Healthcare said, “Navigating through a narrow transnasal route in a one-year-old child with such a high-risk skull base defect is always a surgical challenge. This case reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention. Open surgical approaches in such cases can be highly morbid. However, by employing the endoscopic technique along with advanced biomaterials, we were able to minimize scarring, ensure faster recovery, and reduce the overall surgical burden on the child.”

Using advanced high-definition endoscopic imaging technology, Dr. Mohanty and his team successfully navigated the infant’s extremely narrow nasal passage to locate and repair the skull base defect with high precision.

This case also underscores the value of cadaveric dissection-based training and continual upskilling in endoscopic skull base approaches, which enhance surgical precision and enable safer, more effective treatment of rare and complex cases like this one.

Narayana Health Doctors Reattach Severed Foot in Rare Surgery

Bengaluru, 19th June, 2025: In a rare and complex surgical feat, doctors at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, have successfully reattached the foot of a 23-year-old woman, Pavithra, following a devastating road traffic accident (RTA) that resulted in a traumatic foot-level amputation.

The incident occurred on May 14th, when Pavithra was riding pillion with a family member on a two-wheeler and was involved in a collision that led to the complete severing of her foot. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, her family quickly retrieved and preserved the amputated limb in a clean, cool condition and rushed her to Narayana Health City within the critical golden window of six hours.

What followed was an intricate, high-stakes surgical procedure led by Dr. Ravi D R, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, supported by a specialised trauma and microsurgical team. The surgery, which lasted several hours, involved meticulous repair of crushed bone, arteries, veins, nerves, and tendons to restore the limb’s viability.

“Foot re-implantation surgeries are extremely rare, especially in cases involving severe crush injuries,” said Dr. Ravi. “Most such injuries are considered unfit for reattachment. However, quick-thinking action by the patient’s family, combined with our team’s preparedness, surgical precision, coordinated care, and overall medical excellence, made this extraordinary outcome possible.”

This case is medically significant not only due to the complexity and rarity of foot re-implantation but also because it demonstrates the level of coordinated trauma care that is available in select advanced centres. To the team’s knowledge, this is the first such successful foot re-implantation performed at their unit since 2018.

Pavithra is currently recovering well under close observation, with early signs of success and the initiation of physiotherapy for rehabilitation. Her case underscores the importance of public awareness in post-amputation first aid—prompt transport, proper preservation of the limb, and immediate medical intervention, which can make the difference between permanent disability and functional recovery.

Know Everything about Autism Spectrum Disorder

By-Dr.  Joseph Sunny, CEO and Founder Prayatna Centre For Child Development, Kochi 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurological and developmental disorders affecting children worldwide. Defined by a broad spectrum of symptoms ranging from social difficulties to repetitive behaviours, autism presents unique challenges for both individuals and their families.

What is ASD?

ASD is characterized by a combination of challenges in social interaction, communication, and behaviour. It is known as a “spectrum” disorder due to the wide variation in symptoms and severity. Symptoms typically emerge within the first three years of life and can persist throughout an individual’s lifetime.

Identifying Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of autism early is vital for intervention and support. The most common symptoms in children include delays in language development and echolalia, which is the constant repetition of words or phrases.

Children may engage in certain common repetitive behaviours or actions such as hand-flapping or spinning. Children with ASD are either Hypersensitive and Hyposensitive. They have difficulty in processing sensory information which leads to increase in sensitivity or avoidance of touch, light, and sound while some children may be seen showing an intense interest in specific topics of conversation or objects. Difficulty communicating is yet another symptom and children may struggle to understand verbal and nonverbal cues. This may sometimes affect their ability to make friends.

Exploring Causes

While the exact cause of autism remains unclear, several factors may contribute to its development such as genetics, preterm birth or low birth weight, maternal diabetes during pregnancy. Excessive screen time, particularly without sufficient parent-child interaction; a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “virtual autism”, has also been linked to the increase in prevalence of autism. Apart from these, advanced parental age, particularly paternal age, has been associated with a higher risk of autism in children.

Early Identification

Parents play a crucial role in identifying potential signs of autism in their children. Identifying sensory issues, such as aversions to stimuli or unusual reactions, can become valuable early indicators. If a child consistently fails to respond when their name is called or shows strong reactions to certain textures or sounds, it’s important to take notice and consider consulting a Family Physician or Paediatrician promptly.

 The Role of Parental Participation

Active involvement of parents in therapy sessions is crucial for the progress of children with autism. During therapy sessions, parents should be encouraged to actively participate and facilitate activities, while the therapist guides the process. Parents should also create a supportive environment at home to reinforce learned behaviours and skills gained by the child during therapy sessions as it will help promote continuity in engagement of child even within the home atmosphere thereby mitigating the effects of developmental delays.

 Is Autism Curable?

While there is currently no known cure for autism, various therapies and interventions can help manage its symptoms effectively. Consulting a developmental pediatricians or clinical psychologists can provide valuable guidance on developing an individualized support plan for each child.

It’s essential to keep children motivated and engaged in activities they enjoy, fostering a positive and supportive environment for progress.

Understanding autism as a spectrum disorder requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses early identification, parental involvement, and access to appropriate support services. By raising awareness and promoting acceptance, we can create a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism for their growth and development.

Amway India strengthens its immunity portfolio; launches Nutrilite Triple Protect

New Delhi, 17th June 2025: With rising lifestyle diseases and growing health awareness, India is seeing a clear shift toward proactive healthcare. Aligning with the evolving consumer need, Amway India, a leading company supporting health and wellbeing, strengthened its nutrition category offering with Nutrilite Triple Protect. A scientifically formulated, plant-based supplement powered by the natural strength of Acerola Cherry, Turmeric, and Licorice. This potent formulation has nutrients that offer triple-action benefits—supporting immunity, reducing inflammation, and providing strong antioxidant protection for the gut, skin, and immune health.

Commenting on the launch, Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, stated, “As poor nutrition continues to impact over half the nation’s health, the need for clean, plant-based solutions for overall wellbeing has never been greater. Today’s consumers are prioritizing health like never before, with 52% ranking immunity as the top benefit they seek in supplements – underscoring a growing demand for holistic wellness recommendations. Keeping in mind the consumer needs and as part of our strategic business priority of Accelerating Product Innovation Pipeline, we are happy to introduce our latest innovation – Nutrilite Triple Protect by Amway. This one-of-a-kind formulation brings together science-backed ingredients to support immunity, gut and skin-empowering individuals to take a proactive, holistic approach to wellness. With a health-first approach, we at Amway are committed to empowering individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing and focus on enhancing their healthspan—living not just longer, but healthier lives.”

Nutrilite Triple Protect embodies the philosophy of sustainable, plant-based, and evidence-backed nutrition. Each serving delivers 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C, ensuring support for immune health. The formulation includes Acerola Cherry extract—sustainably sourced from certified organic farms in Ubajara, Brazil—which contains nearly seven times more Vitamin C than Amla. It also includes 40mg of Turmeric Extract (equivalent to 50 times raw turmeric) and 167mg of Licorice Extract (equivalent to six times raw licorice), both sourced from certified organic farms, contributing to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, this thoughtfully combined formulation has ingredients that support immune, gut, and skin health.

Talking about the power-packed formulation, Amrita Asrani, Chief Marketing Officer, Amway India, said, “Nutrilite Triple Protect is a testament to Amway India’s ongoing commitment to advancing holistic well-being. Packed with Acerola Cherry, Turmeric, and Licorice, this powerful trio has nutrients that come together to support overall health. At the frontline — as a soldier — is Acerola Cherry, used as one of the sources of vitamin C along with ascorbic acid to support the immune system. Next in line is Licorice, as a peacemaker – Licorice exhibits anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties that may support the body’s overall defense mechanism. Finally, Turmeric takes on the role of the protector, neutralizing free radicals and providing antioxidant benefits. Together, these ingredients form a triple-action formulation that works harmoniously to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant benefits to promote overall wellness”

With Nutrilite Triple Protect, Amway India is reaffirming its commitment to helping millions embrace wellness as a way of life. Backed by 90 years of global expertise in nutrition, Nutrilite continues to lead the way, emphasizing sustainability, scientific innovation, and a commitment to preventive healthcare. Nutrilite’s seed-to-supplement philosophy, ongoing R&D investments, and uncompromising quality standards ensure the delivery of world-class quality products with safe, pure, and effective ingredients supporting a healthier future.

Swallowed toothbrush retrieved without surgery successfully at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

New Delhi, 17th June 2025: In a rare and possibly fatal emergency in the early hours of 24th May, a 37-year-old female was admitted to Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, part of Manipal Hospitals – Eastern India’s one of the largest hospital chains at 2:00 AM with accidental swallowing of a toothbrush. Dr. Sanjoy Basu, Senior Consultant – Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital – Mukundapur, who performed the emergency procedure timely with his team, extracted the object from the stomach of the patient through a high-risk endoscopic procedure.

She was experiencing breathlessness and chest pain, prompting immediate medical evaluation. Although a chest X-ray was done as per standard emergency protocol, the plastic toothbrush was not visible on the scan. Dr. Basu reached the hospital at 3:00 AM and conducted an emergency upper GI endoscopy, where the toothbrush was found lodged deep in the stomach.

While sharing the details, Dr. Sanjoy Basu said, “This was a high-risk situation. A long foreign object like a toothbrush, if left inside the stomach, can cause serious internal injuries—perforation of the stomach lining, bleeding, or complete obstruction of the digestive tract. Unlike smaller ingested items or cases where objects are stuck in the esophagus, the challenge here was that the toothbrush had traveled all the way down to the stomach. Endoscopically retrieving it from that depth without causing trauma required extreme precision. At one point, while pulling it out, it got stuck again at the upper food pipe. With controlled manual intervention and careful head extension, we managed to bring it out safely. Each step had to be calculated—we were racing against time to prevent the need for surgery.”

Using a snare inserted through the endoscope, the team carefully maneuvered the toothbrush back up the food pipe. With the patient’s head extended and under strict monitoring, the object was finally removed manually through the mouth. The entire procedure took about 45 minutes and was completed by 5:00 AM. The patient was discharged in stable condition later the same day.

New guidelines for monitoring IBD patients to prevent bowel cancer

June 17th, 2025: The new guidelines, developed for the British Society of Gastroenterology by academics at the Universities of Newcastle, Oxford, Central Lancashire and others, have been published in the UK journal Gut. This work was supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

Despite improved treatments and regular check-ups, people with IBD – which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – still have a higher risk of developing and dying from bowel, or colorectal cancer compared to the general population.

A person’s risk of developing bowel cancer may depend on different factors, for example: how long they have had IBD; which part of their bowel is affected; or the severity of inflammation they experience.

India is witnessing a significant rise in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, particularly in urban areas. This trend is attributed to factors such as urbanisation, dietary changes, and improved hygiene practices. Despite the growing prevalence, India currently lacks formal national guidelines for IBD management. Instead, healthcare providers often rely on international protocols, such as those from the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), to guide treatment decisions. The recent UK-led initiative to develop global consensus guidelines for IBD management, as reported by Newcastle University, presents an opportunity for India to adapt these recommendations to its unique healthcare context, enhancing patient care and outcomes across the country.

Among the recommendations in the guidelines are that all IBD patients have a colonoscopy around eight years after their symptoms start, and that any patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis – a rare condition that causes inflammation of the bile ducts and sometimes liver damage – should have a colonoscopy at diagnosis.

Among those contributing to the new guidelines were doctors, including endoscopists and surgeons, specialist nurses, and patients. They analysed more than 7,500 publications to arrive at 73 statements that might inform clinical decision-making and deliver IBD colorectal surveillance services.

Chris Lamb, Professor of Gastroenterology at Newcastle University as well as a member of the NIHR Newcastle BRC and a co-author on the paper, added: “Working in partnership with patients and clinicians from across the UK we have an important up-to-date framework for care using the latest evidence, technology, and expert opinion.

“This will help to provide shared decision-making tailored to the individual for personalised risk prediction and treatment. Developing the guidelines allowed us to identify key factors for delivering the highest quality care in the NHS, how best to train the future workforce, plus to identify where more research is needed in 2025 and beyond.”

Accurate, up-to-date advice for clinicians

Professor James East, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and first author on the paper said: “These guidelines provide accurate, up-to-date advice for clinicians working with IBD patients, to give them the tools they need to give the best possible care and treatment for their patients.

“That might relate to how to discuss the risk of colorectal cancer with individual IBD patients; when to start and stop surveillance, how often it should happen and who should receive it; how to organise services and support patients; and a wide range of other issues that might arise.”

Professor Morris Gordon, from the University of Central Lancashire, is co-first author of the guidelines. He highlighted: “These guidelines represent a significant shift in approach and employ the best available methods to support the guideline group in identifying, appraising, using and describing evidence that underpin their decision-making. This is presented transparently to the reader so they can always understand how and why decisions were made and supports individual discussions with patients.”

Catherine Winsor, Director of Services and Evidence at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, said: “We know that people living with Crohn’s and Colitis need personalised, joined-up care and some IBD services are stretched. Having this clear set of guidelines to facilitate the early detection of cancer in people with Crohn’s and Colitis is a huge step forward. Whilst we know that most people with IBD will not go on to develop colorectal cancer, the earlier changes are spotted, the more effective treatment will be. Anything that enables early detection and gives patients and clinicians a clear path is vital.”

The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on colorectal surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease are published in Gut.

Three papers have already been published as part of the process of producing the guidelines, with two more expected.

Low-coverage whole genome sequencing of low-grade dysplasia strongly predicts advanced neoplasia risk in ulcerative colitis

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Modalities for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Update from 2010 (standard operating procedure): protocol for the 2024 British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines on colorectal surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease