Category: Health

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Highlights Physiotherapy’s Role in Heart and Stroke Recovery on World Physiotherapy Day

Dr. Kishore Kumar Panda, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, said, “Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people stay active and recover after illness or injury. Timely rehabilitation can help patients regain movement and independence”

 

Speaking on the importance of rehabilitation, Dr. P. P. Mohanty, Director, SVNIRTAR, said, “Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping patients recover after stroke and cardiovascular illness. Early physiotherapy can help them regain movement and independence.”

Dr. Saktimaya Mahapatra, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, said, “The role of physiotherapy is changing with the needs of patients. Today, rehabilitation is closely connected with prevention, recovery and long-term management of several chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease and stroke demonstrate this clearly. A patient may receive timely medical or surgical treatment, but the journey towards functional recovery can continue for weeks or months. Physiotherapists are an important part of that journey, helping patients regain movement, build physical capacity and return to daily life.”

Health Ministry Unveils SUMAN Roadmap 2030 to Accelerate Maternal and Newborn Care

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare convened a two-day national workshop in Lucknow on September 2–3 to advance the implementation of SUMAN Roadmap 2030, with the objective of accelerating progress towards zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Held under the chairpersonship of Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, the workshop brought together more than 200 participants, including senior health officials from States and Union Territories, experts, academics, professional bodies and development partners.

Addressing the inaugural session, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak stressed the importance of registering newly married couples as an early intervention to prevent unintended pregnancies and promote planned and healthy pregnancies. Smt. Patnaik said India has made considerable progress in reducing maternal mortality but highlighted the need for sustained efforts, particularly in States with high maternal mortality ratios and in vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas. She said the SUMAN roadmap places safety, dignity and quality healthcare at the centre of the maternal health journey.

The roadmap follows a life-course and continuum-of-care model, covering healthcare interventions from the pre-pregnancy stage through antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Its strategy is divided into two components: one specifically targeting 13 high-focus States and 130 districts with a disproportionate burden of maternal and newborn deaths, and another covering all States and Union Territories to sustain progress towards Sustainable Development Goal targets. The workshop examined issues including high-risk pregnancies, postpartum haemorrhage, Caesarean-section services, community interventions, Birth Waiting Homes, digital health, grievance redressal and the impact of climate change on maternal health. Guidelines on Birth Waiting Homes, communication material and a video on SUMAN Roadmap 2030 were also launched.

The meeting also gave States an opportunity to present their priorities, implementation challenges and proposed solutions, while a Gallery Walk showcased field innovations from across the country, including maternal health interventions and digital initiatives. Representatives from WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, Jhpiego, FOGSI, C3 and CIFF participated in the discussions and reiterated their support for the programme. Through technical sessions and group exercises, participants worked on practical solutions for high-risk pregnancy management, pre-pregnancy care, postpartum haemorrhage and Caesarean-section services. The Ministry said the deliberations would help translate the SUMAN Roadmap 2030 into measurable action and strengthen the national effort to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths by 2030.

National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata Marks Golden Jubilee with New Clinical and Research Facilities

The National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Kolkata, has celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of contribution to homoeopathic education, research and patient care. The milestone event also saw the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Modular Operation Theatre and a Centre of Excellence, aimed at strengthening the institute’s clinical services, academic capabilities and research infrastructure.

The celebrations were attended by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and Shri Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education. Members of Parliament Jyotirmay Singh Mahato and Samik Bhattacharya, West Bengal MLA Sumana Sarkar, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, along with senior officials, faculty members, doctors, students and other stakeholders, were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Prataprao Jadhav described the completion of 50 years as a significant milestone in NIH Kolkata’s journey. He said the Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity not only to recognise the institute’s achievements over the past five decades but also to define its priorities and vision for the years ahead.

The Minister said the newly inaugurated facilities demonstrate the government’s focus on modernising Ayush institutions through improved infrastructure, quality education, advanced research and better patient-care services. He stressed the importance of combining the strengths of traditional systems of medicine with contemporary technology, research and innovation to respond to emerging healthcare needs. Jadhav also called for stronger opportunities in homoeopathic education and research for students, researchers and young professionals, expressing confidence that NIH Kolkata would further strengthen its position as a leading centre for homoeopathic education, research and patient care.

A Father’s Gift of Life: 55-Year-Old Father Donates Kidney to 22-Year-Old Daughter

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road successfully performs Kidney Transplant, giving young woman a chance at a dialysis-free life

Mumbai|, Aug 31: In an emotional story of unconditional parental love, a 55-year-old father from Bhayandar donated one of his kidneys to his 22-year-old daughter after she was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney failure. The transplant was successfully performed at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, giving the young woman a new chance at a healthier, dialysis-free life.

Her kidney failure was discovered unexpectedly during a routine blood test. Further evaluation and sonography revealed small, shrunken kidneys. She was subsequently started on dialysis. To improve her long-term quality of life, the family decided to explore Kidney Transplantation. However, initially, no suitable donor was available within the family.

At this crucial moment, her father stepped forward to donate his kidney to his daughter. Although he had been newly diagnosed with diabetes, he was determined to become her donor. He underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation and detailed donor assessment at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, and was found medically fit to undergo kidney donation.

The Kidney Transplant was successfully performed under the leadership of Dr. Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, along with a multidisciplinary transplant team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. The transplant team included Dr. Jayesh Dhabalia, Consultant Transplant Surgeon; Dr. Pradeep Vyawahare, Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Prakash Tejwani, Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon and Dr. Ashutosh Baghel, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon. The multidisciplinary team worked together to ensure surgical precision, coordinated transplant care, comprehensive donor evaluation and close postoperative management.

The post-transplant period was challenging and required close monitoring and multidisciplinary care. After approximately 15 days of treatment and observation, the young woman recovered well and was discharged in a healthy condition. She is now doing well and progressing towards a healthier life without dialysis.

Dr. Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said: “A father donating his kidney to his daughter is a profound expression of love and courage. His recent diagnosis of diabetes made the donor evaluation particularly important. Our priority was to ensure that kidney donation was safe for him while giving his daughter the opportunity for a healthier future. We are happy that she has recovered well and is now living without dialysis.”

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road has advanced facilities and multidisciplinary expertise for Kidney and Liver Transplantation, including comprehensive donor evaluation, transplant surgery and post-transplant care. For this family, the successful transplant is more than a medical milestone. It represents a father’s extraordinary gift of life—transforming a difficult diagnosis and the uncertainty of dialysis into renewed hope for his daughter’s future.

St. Mary’s Health System Deploys Canopy’s Wearable Safety Technology System-Wide to Enhance Employee Safety 

138-year-old Maine health system equips all staff, across five locations in three communities, with discreet wearable duress buttons 

LEWISTON, ME, UNITED STATES, Aug 28 –– Canopy, the leader in connected safety technology for healthcare, today announced a partnership with St. Mary’s Health System, a member of Covenant Health serving the Greater Lewiston-Auburn community since 1888, to deploy Canopy Protect across its entire health system. St. Mary’s is equipping every employee, clinical and non-clinical, with wearable duress buttons that can notify nearby colleagues and security, allowing staff to summon support quickly and discreetly. 

The system-wide rollout, which went live August 19, spans a multi-city geographic footprint: St. Mary’s main campus in Lewiston, including d’Youville Pavilion and St. Mary’s Residences, two locations in Auburn, and its Poland location. Coverage extends beyond hospital walls to include parking areas, protecting staff as they walk to their vehicles at night. In total, the deployment covers 1,220 employees and 8 buildings. 

“Listening to our staff and investing in technology that makes their work safer is part of how we continue to evolve,” said Jill Rollins, CNO/COO of St. Mary’s Health System. “Canopy gives every member of our team a simple, discreet way to call for support and adds another layer of safety across our health system.” 

St. Mary’s decision to invest in Canopy grew out of the health system’s ongoing commitment to listening to its staff. Through culture-of-safety surveys, event reviews, and the work of its Workplace Violence Prevention Committee, which includes frontline nurses, emergency department staff, outpatient practice staff, and providers, a consistent need emerged: staff wanted a way to summon help quickly and discreetly, including on locked units where reaching a phone is not always possible. St. Mary’s rollout builds on Covenant Health’s existing experience with Canopy, which is already in use on specific units at two sister hospitals within the health system. 

Workplace violence remains one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges nationwide, and most tools available to health systems, including policies, training, and response protocols, focus on the moment violence occurs or its aftermath. Canopy Protect addresses the critical window before that point. With a discreet double-press of a wearable button, a staff member can call a colleague to check in on them before a situation escalates, enabling pre-escalation intervention that complements the training, education, and response protocols St. Mary’s already has in place.

“Healthcare workers and frontline staff deserve to feel safe every time they step on campus, and we’re proud to partner with organizations like St. Mary’s that are making workplace safety a priority for every single employee,” said Shan Sinha, CEO and founder of Canopy. “A health system that has served its community for nearly 140 years choosing to protect its entire workforce, across every campus, every role, and every shift, sends a powerful message. We’re excited to work alongside their team to create a safer environment for caregivers so they can stay focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient care.” 

Members of St. Mary’s Workplace Violence Prevention Committee, including emergency department staff, outpatient providers, and other frontline team members, previewed the technology ahead of launch and have been enthusiastic advocates for the rollout. On go-live day, St. Mary’s and Canopy teams distributed buttons at morning huddles across the system, with leadership on-site to celebrate the launch alongside staff. 

Researchers discover molecular mechanism that helps aggressive colorectal cancer to spread

Researchers from the University of Turku in Finland and Gustave Roussy Institute in France have discovered a molecular mechanism that regulates whether the cells of an aggressive colorectal cancer are conventional or inverted when they spread in the body. The discovery can help identify patients who have an elevated risk that the cancer metastasises to the abdominal cavity. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.

The researchers studied mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of cancer that constitutes for around 10–15 percent of all colorectal cancers. It is more common in young adults and women. Unlike most colorectal cancers, mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma spreads in the form of small, compact clusters of cells. These clusters, which are known as tumour spheres, migrate to the abdominal cavity and metastasise on the peritoneum. This dissemination pattern is associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options.

The tumour spheres that spread to the peritoneum are typically inverted. This is a phenomenon where the cell clusters secrete a layer of mucus onto their surface. Normally, the mucus is inside the cell cluster, in which case the cluster is considered to be conventional. 

“The mucus forms a protective layer around the tumour, which reduces the effectiveness of cytostatic drugs and facilitates the spread of the cells into the abdominal cavity. This inverted structure not only helps tumour cells to migrate, but also enables them to invade tissue more effectively and makes them more resistant to chemotherapy,” says Academy Professor and InFLAMES research flagship group leader Johanna Ivaska from Turku Bioscience Centre at the University of Turku, Finland.

However, when the cell clusters reach the peritoneum, some of them revert to their normal state, with the mucus inside the tumour sphere. The cell cluster then attaches firmly to the surrounding tissue. This is a step that is thought to promote peritoneal metastasis. Until now, it has been unclear what triggers this reversal.

Chain reaction on a molecular level

The researchers studied tumour samples taken from patients and traced the molecular chain reaction that is triggered when tumour spheres come into contact with collagen, the structural protein of the connective tissue surrounding the tumour. 

A multi-step sequence of events leads to an increase in the levels of three proteins—SorLa, Her2 and HER3—in cancer cells. The activity of these three proteins reverts the tumour cells into the conventional state and strengthens the attachment of their adhesion receptors, integrins, to the surrounding tissue.

Analysis of patient samples confirmed the pattern observed in the laboratory tests: SorLA, HER2 and HER3 levels were highest in tumour spheres in the conventional state, while in the inverted tumour spheres the levels were lower.

Possible treatment: inverting the tumour spheres

Therapeutic antibodies targeting the HER2 and HER3 receptors already exist and are used in the treatment of other cancers. The researchers therefore investigated whether these drugs might affect the inversion and adhesion of tumour cells.

“When tumour spheres grown in the laboratory were treated with antibodies, the cancer cells began to die, were inverted, and their ability to attach to the peritoneum was impaired. The results suggest a potential way of slowing the spread of cancer, but further research and clinical trials are still needed,” says Doctoral Researcher Meri Pelkonen from the University of Turku.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the world’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and in recent years there has been growing concern about its increasing prevalence amongst young adults. The reasons for this phenomenon are not yet fully understood. Mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma is more prevalent in younger patients than other types of colorectal cancer, and therefore understanding its biology is particularly timely.

According to the researchers, the discovered mechanism may also explain the inversion seen in other aggressive cancers and could provide a means of identifying—and, in the future, potentially treating—patients whose tumours are most likely to spread to the abdominal cavity.

The research was funded by the Cancer Foundation Finland, Research Council of Finland, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and EU Horizon 2020.

Indian Railways Launches Special Drive to Ensure Safe Drinking Water at Stations

Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness and disinfection drive across its network to strengthen the safety and hygiene of drinking-water facilities and ensure passengers have access to clean and potable water at railway stations.

As part of the initiative, Zonal Railways will inspect and maintain the complete drinking-water supply chain, including water sources, treatment plants, filtration systems, underground and overhead tanks, water booths, taps and dispensing points. The focus is on preventive maintenance and regular water-quality monitoring rather than relying only on testing at the final point of supply.

During the drive, drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Railway authorities will also check tank covers, vents and overflow points to prevent contamination by birds, animals and algae. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced wherever necessary.

The inspection will also focus on preventing cross-connections between potable and non-potable water systems. Pipelines forming part of the drinking-water network will be checked for leakages, with corrective measures taken to prevent contamination as well as unnecessary water loss.

Special attention will be given to drinking-water facilities dependent on hand pumps and borewells. Zonal Railways will verify that water drawn from these sources remains free from contamination and meets the requirements for safe potable use.

The Railway Board has also directed comprehensive inspections of water coolers and purification systems. Cooler tanks will be cleaned, while leakages in coolers, pipelines and taps will be repaired promptly. UV and RO purification systems will be checked for proper functioning, with servicing, filter replacement and overhauling undertaken wherever required.

The same hygiene and quality-control measures will be extended to Water Vending Machines. Railway authorities will conduct physical, chemical and bacteriological testing of water samples from selected sources, treatment outlets, tanks, coolers, vending machines and drinking-water taps or booths. Daily residual-chlorine monitoring will also be carried out, with re-chlorination or other corrective action wherever necessary.

The Railway Board has further asked Zonal Railways to expedite sanctioned projects for replacing old overhead and underground tanks and constructing new ones. Station-wise deficiencies identified during the special drive will be recorded along with corrective action taken, enabling closer monitoring and time-bound resolution.

The action plan also covers drinking-water infrastructure in Railway colonies and workplaces. Through regular inspection, cleaning, disinfection, infrastructure upgrades and systematic water-quality testing, Indian Railways aims to strengthen its drinking-water management system and ensure safe, clean and hygienic water for both passengers and railway personnel.

Kerala Plans Round-the-Clock Specialist Care at District Hospitals

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced plans to introduce round-the-clock specialist medical services at district and general hospitals across the state, with the initiative aimed at bringing advanced healthcare closer to people’s homes. The programme will cover key departments including general medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, paediatrics and gynaecology, with specialist treatment and surgeries also planned during night hours.

The first phase of the initiative is expected to be implemented within six months, with at least one hospital in every district selected initially before the programme is expanded to other government hospitals. The move is intended to improve access to specialist care at the local level and reduce the pressure on medical colleges, particularly for patients requiring treatment outside regular working hours.

The Health Department has appointed Dr Shinu K.S., Additional Director of its Administration and Training wing, as the Special Officer to coordinate implementation. The department will assess existing hospital infrastructure and determine requirements for doctors, nurses and paramedical personnel before deploying resources and undertaking necessary upgrades. The government expects the initiative to strengthen public healthcare delivery and make district hospitals more capable of handling specialised and emergency medical needs.

From Bhutan to Kolkata: A Robotic Route to Recovery

Sixty-five-year-old Ratna Maya Pibang Rai found an answer—and a path towards recovery—across the border in Kolkata after more than a decade of recurrent diarrhoea and no clear diagnosis. Her robotic-assisted low anterior resection at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata was the first known robotic oncosurgery performed in the city on a patient from Bhutan.

A resident of Dagana, Ratna Maya had visited several hospitals and undergone multiple investigations since 2010-11. Earlier this year, a colonoscopy in Thimphu revealed rectal cancer. Referred through Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan’s apex tertiary-care institution, she travelled to HCG Kolkata.

Colorectal cancer, which includes rectal cancer, was India’s fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2024, with an estimated 83,577 new cases, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.

Evaluation at HCG confirmed adenocarcinoma of the mid and upper rectum. Following preoperative radiotherapy and reassessment, surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon Dr Karan Sehgal and his team planned to remove the tumour while preserving her natural passage and avoiding a permanent stoma.

“Preserving the rectum and the possibility of natural bowel function was especially important. Robotic surgery enabled precision within the confined pelvic space while avoiding a large abdominal incision,” said Dr Sehgal.

Ratna Maya also had diabetes, hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Thorough cardiac assessment and meticulous anaesthesia planning by Dr Moumita Bhaowal, Senior Consultant, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, were essential before surgery.

On July 27, the robotic-assisted resection was performed through ports measuring about 8 mm, with only a small incision required to remove the specimen. Ratna Maya was soon walking and recovering well. Discharged in a stable condition on August 1, she returned for an outpatient review before travelling home with her family on August 7.

For Dr Rupali Basu, RBH, HCG Cancer Hospitals, the outcome reflected the larger purpose of coordinated cross-border cancer care. “In this case, specialised expertise, careful anaesthesia planning and robotic precision came together not only to remove the cancer, but also to preserve natural function and help the patient return home with renewed confidence and quality of life,” she said.

Advancing Neurological Care Through Early Diagnosis, Expertise and Innovation

Rewari, August 22, 2026: Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, in association with the Association of Physicians of India (API), Rewari, organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on Neurosciences today, bringing together physicians and healthcare professionals for an engaging academic exchange on recent advances in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.

The CME focused on strengthening clinical knowledge and facilitating meaningful interaction between specialists and referring physicians. The scientific programme covered contemporary approaches in neurosciences, with discussions aimed at enhancing early diagnosis, appropriate referrals and adoption of advanced treatment strategies for complex neurological conditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aditya Gupta, Chairperson – Neurosurgery & CNS Radiosurgery and Co-Chief – CyberKnife Centre, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Neurological disorders are increasingly being recognised as a major healthcare challenge, and timely diagnosis and intervention can significantly influence outcomes. CME programmes such as this provide an important platform for specialists and physicians to exchange knowledge, discuss challenging cases and stay updated with evolving treatment modalities. At Artemis Hospital, we remain committed to advancing neurosciences through a combination of clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.”

The interaction also highlighted the importance of collaboration between tertiary-care specialists and physicians at the community level to ensure patients with neurological symptoms receive timely evaluation and access to specialised care. Such academic initiatives help bridge knowledge gaps and enable clinicians to make informed decisions based on the latest evidence and clinical practices.

The CME concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing participants to engage with experts, share clinical experiences and discuss practical challenges encountered in day-to-day neurological care. The programme reaffirmed Artemis Hospital’s commitment to supporting continuous medical education and fostering stronger professional collaborations for better patient outcomes.