Category Archives: Health

AHF India Cares, Palladium India Partner for Nationwide HIV Testing Project

17-05-2024, India – As we celebrate World HIV Vaccination Day on May 18th every year, it’s imperative to acknowledge the stark reality: an estimated 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, of which 2.3 million are in India alone. As HIV vaccine remains elusive, the significance of early diagnosis and linkage to care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) cannot be overstated. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life for PLHIV. Moreover, proper linkage to care ensures that individuals receive comprehensive medical attention. It also facilitates ongoing monitoring of the virus’s progression, management of symptoms, and prevention of opportunistic infections.

The early diagnosis and linkage to care have significantly improved the lives of millions of individuals like Ranjita Devi (name changed) whose life took an unexpected turn in February 2023. At one of the screening camps in Samastipur, Bihar, organized by Palladium as part of the Community Based HIV Testing and Linkage (CBHTL) project by AHF India Cares, she tested positive for HIV.

As part of the National HIV Counseling and Testing protocol, Ranjita underwent a confirmatory test at the nearest Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre. The results were perplexing – while kit 1 showed a negative outcome, kit 2 displayed a positive result. Seeking clarity, Ranjita was referred to a hospital in Muzaffarpur for another confirmatory test. However, even after repeated tests, the outcome remained unchanged, plunging Ranjita deeper into despair.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Palladium team reached out to the ICTC Counselor at the District Hospital, initiating a chain of consultations for determining the correct diagnosis. With the intervention of Bihar SACS, an Eliza test was conducted at the blood bank in Samastipur. Finally, Ranjita underwent the confirmatory test in January 2024, which conclusively confirmed her diagnosis. Ranjita was immediately put on treatment.

The correct and early diagnosis and subsequent linkage to care were crucial in Ranjita’s journey. With the support of healthcare professionals and compassionate guidance from the ART Center doctors, she understood that HIV is not the end of the world. She gained a deeper understanding of the pervasive taboo surrounding HIV, recognizing the complex societal attitudes and misconceptions that contribute to discrimination and marginalization of those living with the virus. Today Ranjita is living a healthy life with dignity and creates awareness around her about HIV.

Mr. Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium India, said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AHF India Cares for this invaluable partnership.” He further added, “Recognizing the significance of last-mile support, AHF India Cares collaborated with Palladium India to bolster community-based rapid testing, counseling, and linkage services across 9 States and 22 districts of India. Palladium is working within the framework of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NACP) to ensure that no individual is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2023, the project screened a total of 2,51,000 persons with and attained a 90% linkage to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). While this year, the program has already screened 66,187 people for HIV, of which 994 people are HIV positive with 84% linked to ART.

HIV care means embracing early diagnosis and treatment, empowering individuals to take control of their health, and fostering a community of support and compassion. Together, we can break barriers, save lives, and build a healthier, brighter future.

DMCH launches largest-ever outreach programme

Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H) has launched the largest ever cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) outreach program, the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) in private sector in Ludhiana. The initiative named “Ek (1) ne Bees (20)” has galvanized volunteers and trained them to identify high blood pressure patients. Under the program one volunteer screens 20 people every week.

DMC&H has developed training infrastructure to train medical students, nursing staff & senior secondary students to spread awareness and has so far screened more than 1 lakh people. The DMC&H now targets 2000 volunteers in both urban and rural areas so that more and more people can be screened. The hospital has also involved corporates, schools, NGOs, and others in this outreach program.

“The commitment of industry, corporates, business houses and educational institutions including schools to improve community health is commendable, and it was evident through their active involvement during the program,” said Sunil Kant Munjal, President, DMC&H Management Society on the eve of World Hypertension Day (17th May). This is a one-of-a-kind initiative across the country where students of class XI and XII under the supervision of doctors were trained to identify CVDs and treat the patients. Buoyed with success, DMC&H is now intending to train the guards, security personnel, and support staff of different localities.

“This wide coverage has been made possible by training commoners like school students. If we have to achieve the 25 by 25, we need more people to impart knowledge and awareness,” said Dr Gurpreet S Wander, Professor of Cardiology and Principal of DMC&H. The Government of India has launched IHCI to control CVDs. An estimated 20 crore people nationwide have high blood pressure but less than 2 crore have it under control which is around 10 percent. The government intends to raise it to 25 percent by 2025.

“We are excited to launch the India Hypertension Control Initiative in Ludhiana, which underscores our commitment to combating cardiovascular diseases at the grassroots level,” said Bipin Gupta, Secretary DMC&H Management Society. Cardiovascular diseases, which include heart attacks and stroke, are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity across the world and are responsible for one-third of total deaths in India.
While the deaths due to CVDs are decreasing in rich countries, they are increasing in low and middle-income countries. Hypertension contributes to an estimated 1.6 million deaths annually in India, due to ischemic heart disease and stroke.

The India Hypertension Control Initiative is a multi-partner, five-year initiative between the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), State Governments, WHO India, and the non-government organization Resolve to Save Lives.

MedRabbits Healthcare Announces Strategic Collaboration with AB Bank PLC, Dhaka

India, May 15, 2024 : MedRabbits Healthcare, a pioneering integrated healthcare service based in India, announces strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at extending exclusive benefits medical value travel and other benefits to AB Bank customers and employees. Under this agreement, AB Bank cardholders and customers will enjoy discounts of up to 50% on healthcare services provided by MedRabbits, enhancing accessibility to quality medical care.

The signing ceremony, held at AB Bank’s headquarters at Dhaka, was attended by senior officials from both organizations. Representing AB Bank PLC. was Mr. Md. Rezaul Shahriar, Executive Vice President and Head of Branches and Distribution and Mr. Md. Zakir Hossain, Vice President & Head of Cards – Retail banking division. MedRabbits was represented by its CEO Mr. Amol R Deshmukh.

Mr. Md. Rezaul Shahriar, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with MedRabbits to offer our valued cardholders exclusive healthcare benefits. This strategic alliance reinforces our commitment to improving customer experience and well-being.”

In response, Mr. Amol R Deshmukh, Founder and CEO, MedRabbits Healthcare, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with AB Bank PLC. represents a significant step towards our goal of making quality healthcare services accessible to more individuals. We are excited about the opportunity to positively impact the health and well-being of AB Bank’s cardholders and employees.”

This partnership underscores the shared vision of both organizations to promote health and wellness within the community by facilitating affordable access to essential healthcare services. Additionally, MedRabbits collaborated with NRBC Bank PLC and Dhaka Bank Limited in October 2023, to host employee health camps.

Aster Medcity Introduces Latest Hip Replacement Technology for the First Time in Kerala

Kochi, 15th May- 2024: Aster Medcity introduced the first Direct Anterior approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) in Kerala, introducing an innovative technique that originated recently in the USA. This cutting-edge technology, clinically proven to surpass existing methods, marks a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery. The Direct Anterior approach, performed for the first time in Kerala at Aster Medcity, offers superior benefits over traditional hip replacement procedures. Unlike conventional techniques that involve cutting or separating muscles from the bone, this innovative approach utilizes a new path to access the hip joint with better accuracy, resulting in enhanced patient outcomes.

The milestone procedure, conducted on a 55-year-old individual had been suffering from hip pain for the past three years. Despite previous recommendations for hip replacement from multiple hospitals, the patient was apprehensive until the pain became unbearable, prompting a visit to Aster Medcity.

With the Direct Anterior approach, patients experience reduced pain, minimal blood loss, and accelerated post-operative rehabilitation. The technique enables patients to lie comfortably during surgery and facilitates immediate post-operative ambulation, leading to faster recovery compared to conventional methods.

“This is going to be a mile stone and game changer in the total hip replacement surgeries with so much of advantages to the patient during and after the surgery,” said Dr. Vijaya Mohan S, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedic Surgery. Aster Medcity-Kochi.

Farhaan Yasin, The Vice president, Aster India commented that this is an excellent example of Aster’s commitment to people of Kerala to bring the latest technology and benefits in treatment developments to Kerala without any delay whenever it happens anywhere in the world.

The Indian Chest Society unveils special booklet on Cough Management

India, May 15th, 2024: The Indian Chest Society (ICS) today unveiled a special booklet titled ‘Guidelines For Cough Management in India’, focusing on the comprehensive management of cough in India. This initiative comes at a crucial time when respiratory health is of paramount concern globally. The special booklet is part of ICS’ medical initiative supported by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited (Dr. Reddy’s), a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, India as a scientific partner.

Through this booklet, ICS aims to illuminate the prevalence of cough, explore its diverse causes, and provide insights into its diagnosis and management. With dedicated sections on both dry and wet cough management, considerations regarding red flags, appropriate times for specialist referral, the relevance of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), and a critical examination of banned FDCs in India, the booklet offers evidence-based strategies for clinicians to tailor their treatment approaches accordingly.

To enhance informed decision-making in clinical practice, the booklet also includes a section on fixed-dose combinations which are better alternatives to codeine-based combinations for managing dry cough, and sheds light on appropriate Beta-2 receptor agonists for wet cough management.

The distinguished panel of eight pulmonologists, comprising Dr. R Vijai Kumar, Vice President of ICS, Dr. Deepak Talwar, Honorary Secretary of ICS, Dr. PradyutWaghray, Dr. Maulik Sanghvi, Dr. S Z Jafrey, Dr. Mahavir Modi, Dr. Meghana Subhash, and Dr. Visweswaran, has been instrumental in shaping the content of this booklet

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. R Vijai Kumar from ICS said, “We believe that this initiative will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals across the country, contributing to enhanced patient care and improved outcomes in cough management. We would also like to thank Dr. Reddy’s for providing scientific support.”

DocTube Launches Mother’s Day Campaign Focusing on Mental Health of Mothers

Mumbai, 14.05.2024 – DocTube, the leading platform for public awareness health content, is thrilled to announce its upcoming Mother’s Day campaign, dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health of mothers. This campaign features 10 esteemed doctors who create insightful content, culminating in the release of 50+ engaging videos on DocTube.

The mental well-being of mothers is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of healthcare. Through this campaign, DocTube sheds light on various mental health challenges that mothers face and provides valuable insights, tips, and resources to support their mental wellness journey.

The campaign features a diverse range of topics, including maternal stress management, postpartum depression, work-life balance for mothers, coping mechanisms for parenting challenges, and self-care practices for mothers.

The campaign kicked off on 12.05.2024, with new videos being released daily on DocTube’s platform and will continue until 14.05.2024. In this campaign, renowned gynecologists and psychiatrists such as Dr. Harish Shetty, Dr. Kersi Chavda, Dr. Shubhangi Raghunath Parkar, Dr. Ardhanaari Manickavasagam, Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, Dr. Sunila Khandelwal, along with many other prominent names in the field, are sharing their valuable insights on maternal mental health. The campaign addresses critical topics including post-partum depression and its impact on mother and child, as well as menopause and its effects on mental health. These discussions are presented in various vernacular languages such as Tamil, English, Hindi, and Bengali, catering to diverse audiences across the country.

HCG Expands with Two New Comprehensive Cancer Care Centers in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 14, 2024: Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited (HCG) is expanding its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of its two new state of the art, comprehensive cancer care centres in Whitefield and North Bengaluru. With this strategic expansion, India’s largest cancer care network plans to extend specialized and advanced modes of cancer treatment to these two highly populated neighborhoods in the city, making them the third and fourth in its hospital network in Bengaluru. The two strategically located centres will commence operations in early 2025.

Both facilities will provide the entire spectrum of cancer care, from high precision diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, all under one roof. The Whitefield and the North Bengaluru facility with integrated and holistic cancer care will accommodate a total of 125 beds. The two additions to the HCG chain of cancer care hospitals in the city share locational advantage similar to the HCG’s flagship Centre of Excellence at KR Road and Double Road with a total of 300 beds. Along with these four modern centres, HCG has three daycare centers in the residential neighborhoods of Kalyan Nagar, Malleshwaram and Banashankari. HCG plans to add two new day care centres to the city network to reduce travel time and make cancer care easily accessible to patients who need repeated treatments like chemotherapy. With the introduction of the MR LINAC radiation system in its North Bangalore facility, HCG is poised to revolutionize radiation therapy in the state. This state-of-the-art technology integrates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with linear accelerator (LINAC) to improve clinical outcomes, decrease side effects and reduce treatment period.

Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited said, “As Bengaluru evolves into a metropolis, HCG remains outcome-focused on its mission to bring world-class cancer care closer to a wider population. Our new advanced centres at Whitefield and North Bengaluru are pivotal to our aim of extending our network to the local community sustainably, ensuring high-quality cancer care is accessible to all. With Bengaluru being HCG’s home ground, this expansion not only reflects our deep-rooted connection to the city but also our commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape for the benefit of the local community”.

Mr Raj Gore, CEO, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd said, ” In a sector marked by demand-supply gap and fragmentation, there exists significant potential for growth and consolidation. We are focused on expanding our reach and taking HCG’s comprehensive & quality cancer care services closer to patients in and around Bengaluru. As a leading healthcare provider dedicated to excellence, we remain firm in our commitment to investing in new infrastructure, advanced treatments, and cutting-edge technology”.

HCG has further reiterated its position as a leading cancer care provider in the region. HCG’s present network encompasses 21 comprehensive cancer centres with 24 hospitals across India and Africa, and seven-day care centres.

Sleepless and Still Standing: Ways to Push Through the Day

Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Not getting enough shut eye and powering through the day is just not medically recommended. It could be the late-night work, assignment submission, your new bundle of joy, a fun night out, just the heat wave or even those pesky mosquitoes keeping you up at ungodly hours of the night. The next day is a punishment. Your concentration wavers, head gets heavy, eye strains to keep up, fatigue sets in, and productivity dips to an all-time low. Sleep deprivation is a common issue, and while an occasional sleepless night might not cause lasting harm, chronic sleep loss can significantly impact your physical and mental health.

Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on both mental and physical health. Notably, it impairs cognitive function, leading to difficulties in concentration, problem-solving, and mood regulation. This not only jeopardizes daily tasks but also strains relationships and diminishes overall life satisfaction. Moreover, inadequate sleep disrupts hormonal balance, affecting the production of key hormones crucial for various bodily functions. This disruption increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and weakened immune function. Chronic sleep deprivation not only heightens susceptibility to infections but also correlates with a shorter lifespan, underscoring the critical importance of sufficient sleep for overall health and well-being.

What is the required amount of sleep, then?

At least six to seven hours of sleep are required for the body to support various vital functions and to promote optimal physical and mental performance. During sleep, the body engages in crucial restorative processes such as tissue repair and muscle growth. Additionally, adequate sleep is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, supporting immune function, and regulating metabolism.

Even a single day of sleep deprivation, though seemingly harmless in the long term, can give rise to a host of short-term challenges. These include difficulties with concentration, heightened irritability, drowsiness, and decreased productivity. The resulting fatigue can compromise coordination and reaction time, elevating the risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, diminished performance at work or school can exacerbate the adverse effects of sleep deprivation.

Tips for Getting Through a Sleep-Deprived Day:

If you find yourself facing a day after a restless night, here are some tips to help you cope:

Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help improve alertness and combat fatigue.
Avoiding strenuous activity: Opt for light exercise or stretching instead of pushing yourself physically. Also avoid activities like driving or lifting heavy weights or operating machinery.
Take breaks: Give your mind and body short breaks throughout the day to help you stay focused.
Skip caffeine in the afternoon: While a morning cup of coffee might be helpful, avoid caffeine later in the day as it can disrupt nighttime sleep.
Power nap (if possible): If you have the opportunity, a short 20-minute nap can significantly improve alertness and cognitive function.
Avoid making important decisions: When sleep-deprived, your judgment might be clouded. Wait to make important decisions until you’ve had a chance to rest and recharge.

The recommended amount of sleep varies by age group. For adults aged 18 years and older, it’s generally advised to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, although individual needs may vary. Infants need the most sleep, with 14-17 hours recommended for those aged 0-3 months, gradually decreasing as they grow older. For children and teenagers, the recommended sleep duration ranges from 12-15 hours for babies aged 4-11 months to 8-10 hours for teenagers aged 13-18 years. Following this will ensure, you have a productive day, and your body and mind are well-rested.

Healthy game-life balance and IPL 2024 Stars by Mohak Arora, Sports Coach, Parimatch Sports

By Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports Expert.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of gaming. Whether you’re into mobile games, console gaming, or PC gaming, the allure of virtual worlds and exciting challenges can sometimes lead to neglecting other important aspects of life. However, maintaining a healthy game-life balance is crucial for overall well-being. Here are some simple tips to help you strike that balance:

Set Boundaries

One of the first steps to achieving a healthy game-life balance is to set clear boundaries. Decide how much time you want to dedicate to gaming each day and stick to it. You can use alarms or timers to remind yourself when it’s time to take a break and attend to other responsibilities or activities.

Prioritize Responsibilities

Before diving into a gaming session, make sure you’ve taken care of your responsibilities, such as schoolwork, chores, or work-related tasks. By prioritizing your responsibilities first, you’ll be able to enjoy gaming without the guilt or stress of unfinished tasks looming over you.

Schedule Regular Breaks

Spending long hours in front of a screen can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. To avoid burnout, make it a habit to take regular breaks during gaming sessions. Use these breaks to stretch, hydrate, or engage in other activities that promote relaxation and well-being.

Practice Time Management

Effective time management is key to maintaining a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life. Consider creating a schedule or to-do list that allocates time for gaming as well as other activities, such as exercise, socializing, and personal development.

Stay Active

Gaming often involves long periods of sitting, which can have negative effects on your health. To counteract this, make an effort to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing sports, or doing workouts at home, staying active is essential for overall health and well-being.

Connect with Others

While gaming can be a solitary activity, it’s important to maintain connections with friends and family members outside of the virtual world. Make time for socializing and bonding with loved ones, whether it’s through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, or online chats. Building and nurturing relationships is crucial for a fulfilling life.

Set Realistic Goals

When it comes to gaming, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of achievements, rankings, or completing objectives. While setting goals can be motivating, it’s important to keep them realistic and manageable. Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself to achieve perfection and remember to enjoy the journey.

Monitor Your Mental Health
Pay attention to how gaming affects your mood and mental well-being. If you find that gaming is causing stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions, it may be a sign that you need to review your priorities and habits. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if needed.

Embrace Variety
While gaming can be a fun hobby, it’s important to diversify your interests and activities. Make time to explore new hobbies, interests, and experiences outside of gaming. This will not only enrich your life but also help prevent burnout and boredom.

Be Flexible
Finally, remember that achieving a healthy game-life balance is an ongoing process that requires flexibility and adaptation. Be willing to adjust your routines and habits as needed to accommodate changes in your life circumstances and priorities.

By implementing these tips into your daily routine, you can cultivate a healthy game-life balance that allows you to enjoy gaming while also thriving in other areas of your life. Remember, moderation is key, and finding the right balance will ultimately lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka Honors Mothers with Special Health Session on Mother’s Day

14th May, 2024: Following a heartwarming celebration dedicated to cherished mothers, Manipal Hospital Dwarka organises a session and a Health Mela for expecting and new mothers to highlight the significance of health on Mother’s Day. The event was full of warmth and was a step to show the appreciation of mothers’ love by taking care of their health and well-being. From insightful discussions on nutrition, physical activities & mindful living to engaging activities and delightful surprises, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the essence of motherhood. During this event the hospital also launched the Wow Mom Health Card, offering mothers special benefits and discounts on healthcare services.

Dr. (Lt. Col) Leena N Sreedhar, Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, captivated the audience with her enlightening overview of International Mother’s Day, emphasizing its significance and said, “We at Manipal Hospital Dwarka have joined hands together to pay tribute to the unconditional love, nurturing care and the selfless sacrifices which are made by mothers that shaped the destiny of their families nurturing children and eventually in nation building which is why taking care of mother’s health is necessary. Mother is the one who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take, so here’s wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day”