Health

Rotary Club of Madras East Donates State-of-the-Art Neonatal Ambulance to Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital

deccanwebtv Jun 26, 2026

Chennai. June 26, 2026: The Rotary Club of Madras East (RID 3234), in association with the Rotary Club of Irvine and Rotary district 5320, Irvine, USA, inaugurated Project SHISHU (Global Grant #2683839) – a Rotary Global Grant project marking the donation of a state-of-the-art Neonatal Ambulance to the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Nungambakkam, Chennai. The inauguration ceremony was held at the hospital premises on 26th June 2026. This ambulance is to safely move critically ill newborn babies to the hospital.

The ambulance was handed over by Rtn AKS Er Muruganandam M (MMM), the Chief Guest, RI Vice President 2026-27 and RI Director 2025-27, and Chairman of Excel Group of Companies in the presence of The Guest of Honour, Rtn AKS Vinod Saraogi, District Governor, RID 3234 and many Rotarians.

Dr. Janani Sankar, Medical Director, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital expressed her gratitude to Rotary Club of Madras East for their kind gesture and added that the ambulance is fully equipped to manage critically ill neonates while being transported from other hospitals to our NICU. This Ambulance, valued at ₹72 lakhs, is equipped with a transport incubator, neonatal ventilator and advanced life support systems, bringing NICU level care directly to newborns during transport. Designed as a “Neonatal ICU on wheels”, this ambulance ensures uninterrupted critical care for the sick extreme premature neonates as +early as 24 weeks and neonates weighing less than 600 grams from the moment they leave the hospital till they reach our NICU, especially involving long distance inter-state transports. Our NICU is a State-of-the-Art centre which deals with many challenging neonatal problems. Neonates as low as 600 gms are treated in our NICU and we provide 24/7 coverage and care by trained Neonatologists.

Speaking at the event Rtn Balaji Sreenivasan, President – RC of Madras East said: Since our charter in 1985, RCME has stood as a pillar of community service in Chennai. With 200 committed Rotarians, the club has always believed that true service means reaching those who need it most. Project SHISHU is a proud reflection of that belief – a neonatal ambulance that will ensure no newborn loses the battle simply because help arrived too late. At RCME, we do many projects with focus on maternal and child health, women empowerment, and youth services to name a few”

He further highlighted RCME’s extensive work in healthcare, including initiatives focused on neonatal care, paediatric cardiac surgeries, cancer care, vision restoration, mental health, and community wellness.

Project SHISHU – an acronym reflecting the Rotary commitment to the well-being of newborns – addresses one of the most critical challenges in neonatal healthcare: the safe transfer of critically ill newborns. The donated neonatal ambulance is equipped with advanced life-support systems purpose-built for neo-natal care, enabling the safe transport of premature and critically ill infants to and from the CHILDS Trust Hospital.

Project SHISHU is funded through Rotary International’s prestigious Global Grant mechanism (Grant #2683839), made possible through an international partnership between the Rotary Club of Madras East (RID 3234, Chennai) and the Rotary Club of Irvine (USA). The project reflects the power of cross-border Rotary collaboration in delivering high-impact humanitarian outcomes.

For further information contact: Sankar Ramani, KKCTH – 94422-00444

MGM Healthcare Achieves India’s First LVAD Heart Pump Implant in Nearly 80-Year-Old Heart Failure Patient

deccanwebtv May 21, 2026

Chennai, May 21, 2026: Setting a first-of-its-kind milestone in cardiac care in India, MGM Healthcare has successfully implanted a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical heart pump, in a nearly 80-year-old retired Chennai resident suffering from advanced heart failure and co-morbidities including low blood pressure, worsening kidney function, and lung congestion.

The patient’s heart had become too weak to pump enough blood to the rest of the body, the vital function performed by the left ventricle. This condition is known as left ventricular failure, or advanced left ventricular systolic heart failure. As a result, he frequently suffered severe breathlessness and required repeated ICU admissions. On one occasion, he had to be readmitted to the ICU on the very same day he was discharged from the hospital. Seeking a permanent solution to his recurring breathlessness and the underlying heart condition, the patient opted for advanced definitive treatment.

Considering his advanced age, fragile clinical condition and worsening kidney function, the medical team ruled out heart transplantation and instead opted for implantation of a LVAD. The device sits inside the left ventricle and takes over much of the pumping function.

The LVAD implantation was performed by the team lead Dr. K R Balakrishnan, Chairman- Cardiac Sciences, Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & mechanical Circulatory Support and Dr. Suresh Rao K G, Co- Director- Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & mechanical Circulatory Support at MGM Healthcare. The intervention was successful, following which the patient recovered in hospital for three weeks before being discharged. He is now living independently, able to go for regular walks and leading an active, brisk life.

In his comments, Dr. K R Balakrishnan said, “Our heart works as a two-sided pump, the right side sends blood to the lungs, while the left side pumps blood to the rest of the body. In this patient, the left side had become extremely weak and was barely able to perform its function, which is why he was experiencing frequent breathlessness and repeated hospitalisations. A conventional heart transplant was not feasible because of his advanced age, fragile condition and worsening kidney function. Even LVAD implantation carried significant risk, as multiple organs were beginning to fail. We therefore carried out a comprehensive evaluation, including heart function studies, lung pressure assessment, and checks of all major organs from the kidneys to the brain. Although LVAD is usually an elective procedure, in his case there was little time to wait as his organs were deteriorating, making timely intervention critical. We are extremely happy that the procedure went well.”

In his comments, Dr. Suresh Rao said, “LVAD technology was originally introduced as a bridge-to-transplant option for very sick patients awaiting a donor heart. Today, it is also being used selectively as a long-term therapy for patients who may not undergo transplantation. While the hospital has implanted LVADs in many patients below 65 years of age, this is the first time it has performed the procedure in a patient close to 80 years old.

In his comments Mr. Nilesh Mundada, COO, MGM Healthcare & Sr. VP – Finance, MGM Group, said, “MGM Healthcare’s commitment has reflected the milestone of pushing past the boundaries of advanced cardiac care as well as bringing in life-saving innovations to patients. The successful implanting of LVAD in a nearly 80-year-old patient, who had an advanced heart failure, emphasizes the strength of our experts. As heart failure continues to emerge as a growing health challenge, we will remain committed to delivering world-class treatment solutions that help us improve the outcomes and give patients renewed hope and quality of life.

India’s First Right Shoulder-Artery Heart Valve Replacement Performed at SRM Prime Hospital

deccanwebtv Apr 3, 2026

Chennai, April 2 2026: In a first in India, SRM Prime Hospital performed an Alternate Access Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/Implantation (TAVR/TAVI), a minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedure, through the artery under the right shoulder (right axillary artery), instead of the standard leg artery route, to save a 73-year-old patient with calcific severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the heart valve narrows due to calcium deposits, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body.

The patient, a retired professional, was discharged the third day after the procedure, and is now able to resume normal daily activities as before.

TAVR/TAVI procedure is used to replace a diseased aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery. Doctors deliver an artificial valve through a thin tube inserted into a blood vessel (artery) and position it within the narrowed valve to restore normal blood flow. The most common route is through the artery in the leg. However, in this patient, all conventional access routes proved to be unsuitable due to vascular limitations such as narrowing, blockages, or unfavorable anatomy of the blood vessels. As a result, doctors opted for the right axillary artery.

The Procedure was led by Dr. Balamurugan S, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology and supported by Dr. A. Thomas George, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine & Diabetology, Dr. P Balasubramanian, Senior Consultant – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Dr. A. B. Gopalamurugan, Procedure Proctor, Cardiac Anesthetists and Critical Care Intensivist.

In his comments Dr. Balamurugan, said, “The patient exhibited features of decompensated heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump effectively. Our evaluation confirmed calcific severe aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve caused by calcium deposits that restrict blood flow. Given his age and condition, we opted for TAVR/TAVI; however, none of the standard access routes such as femoral, transcarotid, transcaval or Left subclavian, were feasible. The only viable option was the right axillary artery. We therefore performed this entirely percutaneous right trans-axillary TAVR, an India-first, using an advanced catheter-based valve delivery system.”

He further added, “Modern treatments like TAVR provide safe and minimally invasive options, as there is less surgical trauma and faster recovery options, especially for elderly patients or those at high risk for open-heart surgery. In this case, it required advanced pre-procedure planning and precise catheter manipulation due to the tortuous course of the artery, along with expertise in alternative vascular access techniques. We are happy that our team, with utmost dedication to the quality outcome, performed the first of the kind procedure in India, and saved the senior citizen’s life.”

In his comments Dr. A. Thomas George said, “Patients undergoing advanced procedures like TAVR are often elderly and have multiple underlying health conditions that need careful medical management. Our focus is on optimising these conditions and ensuring the patient remains stable throughout the treatment journey.”

Aortic stenosis is primarily a disease of the elderly, with an incidence of about 2-7% in people above 65 years. It is usually caused by age-related valve degeneration and can also occur in conditions like chronic kidney disease. While age-related degeneration cannot always be prevented, risk can be reduced by controlling blood pressure and managing cholesterol. Regular cardiac check-ups, especially after age 60, is important.

People should not ignore early warning signs such as fatigue during mild exertion, breathlessness, chest discomfort, and fainting spells. These symptoms may indicate serious valve disease. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and helps prevent complications such as heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar Removes Congenital Lung Defect in One-Year-Old Using Minimally Invasive Surgery

deccanwebtv Mar 17, 2026

Chennai, March 17 2026: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar has successfully performed a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive procedure, on a one-year-old girl to remove a congenitally developed non-functional portion of the lung (the lower lobe of the left lung) which posed a potential risk of severe respiratory complications, recurrent infections, or bleeding in the future, and could also have adversely affected heart function.

The condition, known as bronchopulmonary sequestration – a congenital malformation of the airway and lung – was diagnosed during fetal development and closely monitored until the child turned one year old, allowing doctors to plan the surgery safely for optimal outcomes. The condition is rare, accounting for only about 2% of congenital lung anomalies. The successful use of VATS to treat bronchopulmonary sequestration marks a first-of-its-kind achievement in Chennai.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery, who led a team including Dr. Mohan Raj, Consultant – Paediatric Surgery; Dr. Prabhakaran G, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics; Dr.Arun Kumar S, Lead Consultant – Neonatology, Dr. N.K.V. Vigneshwar, Associate Consultant – Neonatology, Dr. Vidhya Mohanram, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia; and the multidisciplinary ICU team.

The procedure lasted approximately three and a half hours. During surgery, the team carefully removed the affected lower lobe of the left lung and ligated the abnormal blood supply from the aorta to the diseased segment.

In his comments, Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam said, “This was a particularly challenging surgery because the bronchopulmonary sequestration was located entirely within the left lung lobe and had a major blood supply directly from the aorta. Performing the procedure thoracoscopically in a child is technically demanding due to the limited space in the chest cavity. However, we opted for it, as this minimally invasive approach could mean less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to conventional open surgery.”

The child’s recovery has been remarkable. She was monitored in the ICU, shifted to the ward after two hours, and discharged within three days. Paediatric lungs continue to grow until around nine years of age, allowing the remaining lung to compensate for the removed lower lobe. She is expected to lead a normal, healthy life.

In his comments, Mr. Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President – Group Strategic Initiatives, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, said, “This successful surgery demonstrates our commitment to advanced paediatric surgical care and highlights our focus on minimally invasive techniques that ensure faster recovery and better outcomes for our patients.”

Kauvery Hospitals Highlights Importance of Early Access to Level I Trauma Care on World Head Injury Awareness Day

deccanwebtv Mar 17, 2026

Chennai, March 17, 2026: Marking World Head Injury Awareness Day (March 20), the Kauvery Group of Hospitals emphasised the critical importance of rapid access to Level I Trauma Care Centres for patients suffering from severe head injuries and other life-threatening trauma. Thiru K Shankar, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, graced the occasion.

Head injury refers to trauma affecting the scalp, skull or brain, most commonly caused by road traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries or assaults. Globally, more than 50 million people sustain head injuries each year, while in India the estimated incidence is around 1.5 million annually, with nearly 60% resulting from road traffic accidents.

Trauma care facilities are categorised into four levels depending on the expertise and infrastructure available. Level I Trauma Care Centres represent the highest level of emergency care, equipped to manage the most complex and severe injuries.

Addressing the media, Dr Krish Sridhar, Group Mentor – Neurosciences and Director, Institute of Brain & Spine, Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, said that timely and specialised trauma care plays a decisive role in saving lives. “Head injury is one of the most serious consequences of trauma, particularly in road traffic accidents. The outcome for the patient depends greatly on how quickly they reach a Level I Trauma Care Centre where specialised teams and advanced facilities are available round-the-clock. Early access to such centres during the golden hour can significantly improve survival and neurological recovery,” he noted.

In his comments, Dr Ranganathan Jothi, Chief – Brain & Spine Surgeon and Director of Neurosciences, Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani, said, “Many serious head injuries require urgent neurosurgical intervention. In patients with traumatic brain injury, conditions such as intracranial bleeding or brain swelling can deteriorate rapidly if not treated promptly. Immediate access to neurosurgical expertise, advanced imaging and intensive care – all available in a Level I Trauma Care Centre – can make the difference between life and death or between full recovery and long-term disability.”

Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, commented: “World Head Injury Awareness Day is an important reminder of the growing burden of trauma in our society. Strengthening trauma systems and ensuring that patients are transported quickly to advanced trauma centres is critical. Across the Kauvery network, our trauma teams are equipped to provide comprehensive emergency care so that patients receive timely treatment during the most critical moments.”

Kauvery Hospitals manages hundreds of trauma and head injury cases every year, particularly across its advanced facilities in Chennai, including Alwarpet, Radial Road and Vadapalani, where specialised neurosurgical and trauma teams function round-the-clock.

Across the Kauvery network, Level I Trauma Care Centres are equipped with: 24×7 availability of neurosurgeons, trauma surgeons, emergency physicians and critical care specialists; advanced imaging facilities, including CT and MRI; dedicated trauma resuscitation teams; immediate access to operating theatres for emergency surgery; specialised neuro-critical care and intensive care units, and multidisciplinary teams capable of managing complex polytrauma cases.

To further support emergency response, Kauvery Hospital has strengthened its advanced ambulance network and introduced an SOS feature in the Kauvery Kare mobile application, enabling users to quickly request emergency assistance and ambulance transport to the nearest trauma care facility. Through continued awareness initiatives and advanced trauma care systems, Kauvery aims to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with severe head injuries.

10th Edition of CAHOCON 2026 to Bring 2,500 Healthcare Leaders to Chennai to Advance Patient Safety

deccanwebtv Mar 13, 2026

Chennai, 12 March, 2026: The 10th edition of CAHOCON 2026, India’s premier healthcare quality conference organised by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), will be held from April 10 to 12, 2026, in Chennai, bringing together 2,500 healthcare leaders, clinicians, administrators, and policymakers – including over 200 international delegates, to discuss advancements in patient safety, healthcare quality, accreditation, and digital transformation.

Guided by the theme ‘Tech. Touch. Trust – The New Healthcare Code’, CAHOCON 2026 will emphasise the human connection, reliability, and innovation at the heart of advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. The main conference will feature high-impact scientific sessions, panel discussions, innovation showcases, and interactive networking opportunities, along with poster presentations by researchers and clinicians that highlight innovative projects and foster knowledge exchange.

Alongside the conference, CAHOCON 2026 will host a comprehensive healthcare exhibition with around 150 stalls, showcasing cutting-edge products and services from leading medical equipment manufacturers, digital health companies, pharmaceutical firms, and service providers. The conference will also feature three breakout houses, designed to facilitate smaller group discussions, interactive workshops, and focused learning sessions.

Recognised by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) as the first ISQua Regional Conference for South Asia, CAHOCON 2026 will witness addresses by 20 ISQua experts. The conference will honour excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety through the prestigious CAHO Awards, celebrating institutions and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing healthcare standards.

The pre-conference workshops on April 10 will bring together 32 leading hospitals from Chennai, providing hands-on training and practical insights into quality improvement and patient safety.

Addressing a press meet, Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President, CAHO, said, “Over the past decade, CAHO has evolved into a powerful national movement dedicated to strengthening healthcare quality and patient safety across India. Through continuous training, accreditation support, knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives, we are working to build a culture where quality and safety are embedded in every aspect of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General, CAHO, and AGS & Quality Manager at Christian Medical College, Vellore, commented: “CAHOCON has grown into one of the most influential platforms for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in India. It brings together clinicians, hospital administrators, quality professionals and policymakers to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn from global experiences. Through this collaborative forum, we aim to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare systems and ensure that patients across the country benefit from safer and higher-quality care.”

In his address, Dr. S. Manivannan, Org. Co-Chairperson, CAHOCON 2026 and Founder & Managing Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said: “CAHOCON 2026 is set to be a landmark gathering for healthcare professionals from across the country, bringing together clinicians, administrators, researchers, and innovators under one roof. This year’s event will feature pre-conference workshops, high-impact scientific sessions, and panel discussions designed to address the latest advancements and challenges in healthcare. Our attendees will gain unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, while also exploring practical solutions that can be implemented in their institutions.”

Dr. Sathish Devadoss, Org. Secretary, CAHOCON 2026 and Vice Chairman of Devadoss Multispecialty Hospitals, Madurai, said: “CAHOCON 2026 will feature a dynamic array of scientific sessions, covering the latest breakthroughs, clinical practices, and emerging technologies in healthcare. Our pre-conference workshops are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences, equipping participants with practical skills and innovative approaches that can be applied immediately in their practice. From expert-led lectures to interactive panel discussions, the event promises to stimulate meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and provide attendees with actionable insights to enhance patient care and drive excellence in healthcare delivery.”

In his remarks, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Academic Committee, CAHOCON 2026 & CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said: “CAHOCON 2026 brings together a distinguished lineup of speakers, including leading clinicians, researchers, and healthcare innovators. There will be 20 international speakers including Dr Eyal Zimlichman – Deputy Director General & Chief Quality Officer, Sheba Medical Center, Israel; ISQua Academy Member, and Prof David Bates – Chief, Division of General Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA, who will share their expertise and experiences. The event also attracts a diverse group of participants, from hospital administrators to frontline practitioners, creating a vibrant environment for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. This convergence of minds ensures that every attendee gains fresh perspectives, practical insights, and the inspiration to implement best practices in their own institutions.”

CAHOCON 2026 has Dr. Nalla G Palaniswami, Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital, as Org. Chairperson, and Dr. Gurushankar, Chairman of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, as one of the Org. Co-Chairpersons.

The press meet was attended also by Mr Adel J, FLAB Healthcare; Dr Arjun, New Medical Centre, Puducherry; Dr V.V. Jaichandran, Sankara Nethralaya; Ms Sandhya Cherian, Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Chennai; Dr Raju Sivasamy V P, SIMS Hospital, Dr Ashokan and Dr Babu Narayanan, GEM Hospital; Ms Gayathri Sandeep, Seethapathy Clinic; Dr Lasya Thambidurai, St. Peters Medical College; Dr Sudagar Singh, SRMC; Mr Venkat Phanidhar, Shasta Healthcare Solutions; Dr Jothi Clara, Healthbridge Company; Mr Mohammed Farouk, Rela Hospital, and Dr Balamurugan, Dr. Muthus Hospital.

Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre Launches Genomic Lifestyle Counselling (GLC) – Marking a New Era in Precision Medicine

deccanwebtv Mar 7, 2026

Chennai, March 7, 2026: Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, one of Asia’s largest and most respected diabetes care networks today announced the launch of its Genomic Lifestyle Counselling (GLC) program, a pioneering initiative designed to integrate genetic insights with personalized lifestyle interventions for the prevention and management of metabolic diseases.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman emphasized that healthcare is rapidly transitioning from a generalized approach to precision-based care. He stated that genomic science now enables clinicians to understand individual susceptibility to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. By leveraging genetic profiling, interventions can be tailored with greater accuracy, improving outcomes and long-term disease prevention.

Dr. Mohan highlighted that India faces a significant and growing burden of diabetes and obesity. Innovative strategies like Genomic Lifestyle Counselling represent a critical step towards predictive, preventive and personalized healthcare.

Dr. R. M. Anjana, Managing Director elaborated on the scientific framework of the GLC program. She explained that the model combines genomic risk assessment with structured lifestyle modification plans, including diet optimization, physical activity recommendations, and behavioural guidance. The goal is to provide patients with actionable, evidence-based strategies aligned with their genetic predispositions.

Dr. Anjana noted that this approach strengthens early risk identification and empowers individuals to make informed decisions to delay or prevent the onset of metabolic disorders.

Dr. Geeta Dharmatti, Nutrigenomic Counsellor detailed the practical implementation of GLC. She explained how nutrigenomics enables customized dietary planning based on gene–nutrient interactions, ensuring that nutrition advice is scientifically aligned with an individual’s metabolic profile. The program also integrates continuous counselling support to enhance adherence and measurable health outcomes.

The launch of Genomic Lifestyle Counselling reinforces Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre’s commitment for over 35 years to research-driven innovation and comprehensive diabetes care. By embedding precision medicine principles into routine clinical practice, the institution aims to redefine preventive healthcare standards in India.

For more details, call 8939110000 or visit www.drmohans.com