September 2024

Over 500 Join Rela Hospital’s Walkathon to Promote Lung and Heart Health Awareness

deccanwebtv Sep 28, 2024

Chennai, 27 September 2024: Rela Hospital organised a 5-km walkathon to raise awareness about lung and heart health, attracting over 500 participants, including doctors and students, in commemoration of World Lung Day and World Heart Day, which fall on September 25 and 29, respectively.

Mr. Pavan Kumar Reddy IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tambaram, flagged off the event in the presence of Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO, Dr. Srinath Vijayasekharan, Director and Senior Consultant, Institute of Cardiac Sciences, and Dr. Aishwarya Rajkumar, Clinical Lead – Transplant Pulmonology, Rela Hospital.

The hospital is also hosting a free heart and lung health camp on September 29. This event is open to individuals experiencing symptoms related to heart or lung conditions. The heart health camp will be useful for people with symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest or upper body pain, heartburn, and swelling in the legs. The heart check to be conducted will include an ECG, an ECHO screening, and a consultation with a cardiologist. The lung health camp is best suited for individuals with chronic cough, persistent mucus production, wheezing, coughing up blood, or allergies. The lung check will feature a pulmonary function test, an x-ray screening, and a consultation with a pulmonologist. Smokers are also encouraged to attend the camp. To register for the camp, patients can call +91 8610682479

In his comments, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy said, “The role of a hospital extends beyond treating diseases; it is also vital in spreading awareness about disease prevention. At Rela Hospital, we actively conduct awareness programs, including walkathons on significant international health days. We focus particularly on heart and lung health because diseases related to these areas are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is an urgent need for the public to advocate for a cleaner environment and healthier lifestyles, as these factors significantly contribute to the development of these diseases. At the same time, we are committed to enhancing our expertise and integrating advanced technologies to alleviate suffering in these areas. Furthermore, we also partner with other hospitals and NGOs to extend our reach and provide our expertise for the benefit of patients beyond our immediate community.”

In his observations on World Heart Day, Dr. Srinath Vijayasekharan, said, “Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to rise due to factors like poor lifestyle choices, hypertension, and diabetes, among others. CVDs remain the leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year. In India alone, heart disease accounts for over 25% of all deaths, with younger populations increasingly at risk. However, advances in medical technology—such as early diagnostic tools, minimally invasive procedures, and breakthrough treatments like stents and robot-assisted surgeries—have also greatly improved patient outcomes in recent years. Still, prevention is the key to reduce the burden of CVDs. We can protect our heart health by adopting healthier diets, staying physically active, and managing stress.”

In her comments, Dr. Aishwarya Rajkumar said, “On World Lung Day, we are reminded of the critical importance of healthy lung function, as our lungs provide oxygen essential for every cell and organ in the body. Without proper lung function, our overall health and quality of life decline. Chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma affect over 500 million people worldwide. In India alone, air pollution contributes to 1.7 million deaths annually, with lung disease incidence steadily rising due to poor air quality, smoking, and occupational hazards. Fortunately, advances in medical technology, such as improved diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgeries, and innovative treatments like targeted biologics, are transforming how we diagnose and treat lung diseases. These innovations offer hope for better outcomes, but preventive measures like clean air and regular check-ups remain essential.”

Chennai Plays Host to a heart-warming moment: Blood Stem Cell Donor Meets 11-Year-Old Survivor

deccanwebtv Sep 28, 2024

Chennai, September 27, 2024: In a touching tale of humanitarianism, Selva, an 11-year-old boy from Tiruchirappalli who survived Fanconi Anemia, met the person who helped save his life—Dr. Smita Joshi, a 26-year-old clinical pharmacist from Bengaluru for the first time. Selva, who was treated under Dr. Aruna Rajendran, now attends school in the 7th standard, enjoying a new lease on life thanks to the blood stem cell transplant he received.

Dr. Smita Joshi, a dedicated healthcare professional working in Bengaluru, became a stem cell donor with DKMS BMST Foundation India, driven by her passion for helping others. Despite initial reservations from her family, she proceeded with the donation without informing her parents. “I felt it was something I had to do. Knowing I could give someone a second chance at life was motivation enough,” said Smita.

“We are immensely grateful to Dr. Smita Joshi for her life-saving deed. Selva’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable,” said the survivor’s parents.

Selva was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells. A stem cell transplant was Selva’s only hope for survival. Dr. Aruna Rajendran, Associate Professor, Dept of Hematology, Institute of Child Health, Madras Medical College & Bone Marrow Transplant Unit In charge, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, said, “Fanconi Anemia is a rare but serious genetic disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure and life-threatening conditions like leukemia. A stem cell transplant is often the only curative option for these patients. I am pleased to see Selva fully recovered and thriving after his transplant. It is crucial that more individuals, like Dr. Smita Joshi, register as potential stem cell donors, as this can provide hope and life-saving treatment to many more patients in need.”

Every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder such as thalassemia or aplastic anaemia. A significant number of these patients are children and young adults, and for many, a blood stem cell transplant is their only hope for recovery. However, for the transplant to be successful, the patient must find a matching Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) donor. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of registered blood stem cell donors, most patients struggle to find a suitable match. With only a one-in-a-million chance of finding a compatible donor, there is an urgent need for more individuals of Indian ethnicity to register as potential donors.

Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India says, “With over 70,000 individuals in India succumbing to blood cancer and blood disorders annually, there is a critical need for more people to register as stem cell donors. India faces a significant challenge in finding HLA-matched donors for patients in need of stem cell transplants. Donating blood stem cells is a voluntary act of solidarity with a seriously ill person and Dr. Smita’s decision to become a donor is a tangible expression of empathy, stories like Selva’s remind us of the life-changing power of stem cell donation.”

Since Selva’s parents could not afford the costs related to Selva’s treatment DKMS-BMST also helped him to access stem cell transplant by removing the barrier to this life-saving treatment.

In India, patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face substantial challenges in accessing high-end treatment for life-threatening diseases like blood cancer and other blood disorders due to the enormous costs involved. Guidance on treatment options and potential sources of financial support are the most critical factors affecting access to treatment in India. The DKMS BMST Patient Funding Program addresses these challenges by offering partial financial support for stem cell transplant patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in India when financial resources, including government and other funding support, may not be sufficient to cover all expenses. Efforts of this program have illuminated the path towards a brighter future for many patients, providing them with the promise of a healthier life.

He further emphasises, “As a non-profit organisation, we work to support Indian blood cancer and blood disorder patients to get a second chance at life. To be able to do this, it is important to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. With the DKMS Patient Funding Programme, we support underprivileged blood cancer and blood disorder patients by covering a part of their stem cell transplantation costs.”
DKMS BMST Foundation India continues its mission to raise awareness about stem cell donation and encourages more people to register as potential donors. Selva’s story, and the actions of donors like Smita, offer hope to the thousands of patients still waiting for a match.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analysed for your HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register

Meridian Hospital Celebrates “World Heart Day”and Empanelment Under the ‘Innuyir Kappom-Nammai Kaakkum 48’ Scheme

deccanwebtv Sep 28, 2024

Chennai, 27th September, 2024 – Meridian Hospital, a 300-bedded Multi-Super Specialty Hospital known for its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to healthcare proudly celebrated World Heart Day with a commitment to advancing emergency care, announcing its empanelment under the ‘Innuyir Kappom-Nammai Kaakkum 48’ scheme, a Golden Hour life-saving initiative launched by Tamil Nadu’s Honourable Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin. Meridian Hospital, located along major highways, has witnessed a significant number of road accident cases and has been providing critical care to victims.
Meridian Hospital, renowned for its clinical excellence in North Chennai, has already successfully performed kidney transplants and is poised to offer heart transplant services in the near future.
This landmark scheme ensures that all road accident victims, regardless of their state or country of origin, are eligible for hospital treatment free of cost for the first 48 hours following an accident within Tamil Nadu’s limits. The initiative provides access to 81 critical medical treatments that could be pivotal in saving lives during the golden hour. Even those who are not enrolled in the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) can avail of these benefits.

Prof. Dr. Ashok Thiakarajan, Chief Executive Officer, Meridian Hospital, stated, “We are honoured to be part of this NK 48 scheme initiative that aims to provide immediate and life-saving medical care to accident victims for the Golden period. We have educated CPR for more than 1,00,000 Lakh population in beach, parks, corporates, schools and other public places. Meridian hospital is fully equipped to offer emergency/Trauma treatments through the doctors team consists of Ortho, Cardiac, Vascular, Neuro and plastic surgeons 24×7”
The scheme’s main objective is to prioritize the critical first hour after a road accident, known as the ‘Golden hour,’ especially on highways, where immediate medical attention can dramatically improve survival rates. Meridian Hospital’s team of skilled doctors and emergency specialists are committed to delivering timely care to road accident victims, aligning with the scheme’s goals to safeguard lives across Tamil Nadu.
Dr Daniel Nixxon, Managing Director, Meridian Hospital,”Meridian hospital is dedicated to offering comprehensive medical care, and being empanelled under the ‘Nammai Kaakkum 48’ scheme allows us ensure that NO LIFE IS LOST due to the non- availability of money or facility for the people in their time of greatest need. This partnership reflects our mission to provide accessible, quality healthcare for all.”
World Heart Day celebrations at Meridian Hospital also included free heart check-ups, awareness sessions on cardiovascular health, and workshops aimed at educating the public on preventing heart disease and the importance of emergency preparedness.