Health

Over 1,000 Participants Come Together for MGM Cancer Institute’s Walkathon for Breast Cancer Awareness

deccanwebtv Nov 3, 2025

Chennai, November 2, 2025: MGM Cancer Institute hosted “Walk in Pink”, a walkathon to raise breast cancer awareness, attracting over a thousand participants, including hospital staff, healthcare professionals, and students from across the city.

The walkathon began at MGM Cancer Institute on Nelson Manickam Road and concluded at Tower Park, Anna Nagar. Surgeon Commander Mohan Telkatwar, Officers In charge Medical Services, Headquarters, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Indian Navy Area was among the guests who took part in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M A Raja, Director & Senior Consultant-Medical Oncology, MGM Cancer Institute said, “We are committed to promote the need for early detection, preventive care, and the promotion of breast health. We hope that community events like Walk in Pink will go a long way in raising awareness about breast cancer, and its early detection. In India, breast cancer accounts for nearly 30% of all cancers among women. In Tamil Nadu, the age-standardised rate of breast cancer in Chennai is the highest in India. Generally, over 50% of the cases are diagnosed in advanced stages. In this context, there is an urgent need to spread awareness about the early detection of breast cancer and promotion of healthy lifestyle. When detected early, survival rates can exceed 90%.”

He added that as a nation, India has made remarkable progress in the fight against breast cancer, with widespread adoption of advanced screening and diagnostic technologies, and awareness programs reaching millions of women. MGM Cancer Institute has been striving to provide accessible, world-class care for every woman.

In her comments,Dr. Veda Padma Priya, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant – Breast Oncology, MGM Cancer Institute, said, “Cancer prevention begins with the small choices we make every day. Staying active through simple habits like walking, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding polluted environments can go a long way in reducing cancer risk. Each of us has the power to take action within our means, and by doing our bit consistently, we can build healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.”

Rela Hospital Rolls Out Mobile Stroke Care Unit and Launches ‘New Beginnings’ Support Group

deccanwebtv Oct 31, 2025

Chennai, October 31, 2025: Rela Hospital unveiled its pioneering Mobile Stroke Care Unit and “New Beginnings”, a dedicated support group for stroke survivors, on the occasion of World Stroke Day.

Film director Ms. Aishwarya Rajinikanth officially launched these services in the presence of Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital; Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan, Clinical Lead, Neurology & Neuro-Sciences, and Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel, Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon, Rela Hospital. The event featured leading stroke-care experts sharing inspiring stories of treatments and recovery journeys of patients.

World Stroke Day is observed annually on 29 October to raise global awareness about strokes – their prevention, symptoms, treatment and the support required for survivors. This year’s theme, as set by the World Stroke Organisation, is #EveryMinuteCounts, putting the spotlight on recognising the warning signs of stroke and acting fast.

The Mobile Stroke Care unit at Rela Hospital will provide rapid-response outreach, including on-site neurological assessment, thrombosis screening, emergency transport coordination, tele-consultation with neurologists and initial rehabilitation counselling. Meanwhile, the “New Beginnings” support group will offer stroke survivors and their caregivers a structured platform to connect, share experiences, inspire each other and access guidance on life after stroke.

In his address, Prof. Mohamed Rela said that stroke incidence in India is rising rapidly. Population-based studies report annual stroke incidence between 105 and 152 per 100,000 people. A recent study noted that India recorded over 1.25 million new stroke cases in 2021, marking a 51 % increase over three decades. Stroke-related mortality and disability are also increasing. However, when detected early – during the “golden hour” – stroke can often be treated successfully, reducing both death and long-term disability. There is a need for greater public awareness about stroke symptoms, regular screenings and immediate medical support.

He said that the hospital is happy to launch the Mobile Stroke Care Unit, as it enables doctors and paramedics to reach patients within minutes of a stroke, ensuring that life-saving treatment can begin even before the patient reaches the hospital. Likewise, the “New Beginnings” support group is a timely community initiative that brings survivors and caregivers together, helping them share coping strategies, regain confidence, promote rehabilitation, and rebuild meaningful lives after stroke.

Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan said that a stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). Risk factors include uncontrolled high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. People at high risk should consider regular vascular screening and work with their physicians to manage risk factors through medications and lifestyle modification.

In his comments, Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel said, “At Rela Hospital’s Department of Neurology, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions through advanced facilities such as EEG, EMG, Nerve Conduction Studies, and a fully equipped Neurointerventional Cath Lab. Our 24×7 neuroradiology support, neurophysiotherapy and rehabilitation unit, and specialized care in areas like epilepsy, movement disorders, and neuro-oncology ensure patients receive accurate evaluation, timely intervention, and continued support under one roof.”

Kauvery Hospital, Chennai marks success of its 4½-Hour Stroke Reversal Program

deccanwebtv Oct 29, 2025

Dr K Vijayakarthikeyan IAS graced the occasion as a chief Guest.

Chennai , 29th October 2025 : For many families, a stroke comes without warning and changes life in minutes. But at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, timely care has rewritten that story for hundreds of people.

At a success meet held on World Stroke Day 2025, the hospital shared the promising outcomes of its 4 1⁄2 – Hour Stroke Reversal Program – a specialized initiative that focuses on treating stroke patients within the crucial early hours after onset.

Over the last two years, Kauvery Hospital’s stroke teams across Chennai have managed 956 stroke cases. Among them, 120+ patients reached the hospital within 4½ hours of the first symptom, and 82+ experienced complete stroke reversal – meaning blood flow to the brain was restored in time to prevent permanent damage.

“When a stroke happens, every minute counts. Each passing moment can mean the loss of thousands of brain cells,” says Dr. Periakaruppan, Interventional Radiologist, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani. “But when patients reach us quickly, we can not only save their life – we can save their ability to speak, move, and live independently. Seeing someone walk out of the hospital fully recovered after such a major event is what drives us every single day.”

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen. Without immediate treatment, brain cells begin to die and the loss can be permanent.

The first 4½ hours are known as the “golden window” – the period during which doctors can either dissolve or remove the clot that causes the stroke. Acting within this window can make the difference between lifelong disability and full recovery.

“Stroke treatment is about science, precision, and teamwork,” explains Dr G Satheesh, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead, Interventional Radiologist (Neuro), Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road. “The results we see when patients arrive on time are truly remarkable – they regain their speech, strength, and confidence far quicker. It’s one of the few conditions where minutes can decide destiny.

The last decade has seen groundbreaking developments in treatment, including intravenous “clot buster” drugs and mechanical thrombectomy, making it possible to reverse stroke damage if treated early.

Kauvery’s Stroke Reversal Units at Alwarpet, Vadapalani, and Radial Road operate round the clock, equipped with advanced imaging facilities, interventional suites, and multidisciplinary teams trained for acute stroke management.

“We’ve seen people walk again, talk again, and return to their work and families – all because they reached us in time,” shares Dr. Sathya Narayanan. R, Interventional Radiologist, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet.“That moment when a patient smiles and says, ‘I feel normal again,’ is the best outcome any doctor could wish for.”

The hospital also continues to strengthen awareness through community programs and partnerships aimed at improving public understanding of stroke symptoms and response.

“This is our commitment to Chennai – to act fast, treat right, and give life back,” says Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals. “Our goal is not just to treat stroke but to change the city’s response to it. If every citizen can recognize the signs and reach a stroke-ready hospital immediately, we can prevent countless disabilities and save many lives.”

Emergency Stroke Helpline: 📞 044 4000 6000

Transforming Indigenous Surgical Care in Tamil Nadu: Dr. Parimuthukumar Completes 100 Robotic Abdominal Surgeries

deccanwebtv Sep 26, 2025

~ Celebrated for pioneering India’s first inter-hospital robotic telesurgery, bridging urban-rural healthcare gaps. ~

Chennai, September 25, 2025: Prashanth Hospitals proudly announced a groundbreaking healthcare milestone led by Dr. Parimuthukumar, Clinical Lead, Institute of Robotic Surgeries – Prashanth Hospitals. With 100 successful indigenous robotic abdominal surgeries completed, the first surgeon in Chennai to reach this milestone, Dr. Parimuthukumar is setting new standards in surgical precision and patient care across Tamil Nadu. Amongst his achievements, he is also the first doctor to perform the country’s first inter-hospital robotic telesurgery covering a distance of 340 KMs.

The milestone celebration featured a special felicitation by Dr. Vishwa Srivastava, CEO – APAC, SSi Mantra, India’s leading surgical robotics company. Dr. Vishwa honored Dr. Parimuthukumar for his clinical excellence and leadership in achieving the 100 indigenous robotic abdominal surgeries landmark and also acknowledged Dr. Parimuthukumar’s pioneering role in performing India’s first inter-hospital robotic telesurgery.

The 100 successful indigenous robotic abdominal surgeries include Gall bladder removal, Uterus Removal, Simple and complex Hernia surgeries, Colonic Cancer surgery and Spleen removal. By shifting these operations from traditional open methods to robotic-assisted minimally invasive approaches, patients experience smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and superior surgical precision.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Prashanth Krishna, Managing Director, Prashanth Hospitals said, “At Prashanth Hospitals, our unwavering commitment is to bring the most advanced medical technologies, made right here in India, to provide transformative and precision driven care for our patients. Our mission has always been to make healthcare affordable for everyone through advanced technologies combined with the right expertise. Today, I am happy to share two important milestones, not just for us, but for Tamil Nadu’s healthcare ecosystem – one, the successful completion of 100 indigenous robotic surgeries and two, India’s first inter-hospital robotic telesurgery that was performed recently.  I congratulate Dr. Pari and his team for achieving such a  meaningful milestone. We will continue to stay committed to make quality healthcare more and more affordable and accessible to all our patients.”  

Adding to this, Dr. Parimuthukumar, Clinical Lead, Institute of Robotic Surgeries – Prashanth Hospitals added, “This milestone is more than numbers. It is about lives changed through safer, less invasive surgeries. Our aim is to take precision care through advanced indigenous robotic technology to every patient, regardless of where they live.” Further adding to this, Dr. Vishwa Srivastava, Managing Director – APAC, SSi Mantra said, “Prashanth Hospitals and Dr. Parimuthukumar embodies the future of surgery with indigenous robotic technology in the state where meticulous precision meets heartfelt passion. Their pioneering work in robotics and telesurgery is setting new benchmarks, transforming healthcare delivery across the state. As a proud Made in India company, I’m very happy to see how our indigenous robotic technology is transforming and saving lives, thanks to hospitals like Prashanth Hospitals for leading this change.”

In addition to this, Dr. V. Selvaraja, Founder & Managing Director Of Dharan Hospital said “Dr. Parimuthukumar’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a transformative moment for surgical care in Tamil Nadu. Completing 100 robotic abdominal surgeries and pioneering inter-hospital telesurgery highlights the power of technology to bridge healthcare gaps between urban and rural regions. At Dharan Hospital, we are proud to be associated with such path-breaking advancements that redefine precision, safety, and accessibility in patient care.”

India’s First Paediatric Liver Transplant for PFIC 13 Gives Eight-Year-Old New Life at Rainbow Children’s Hospital Chennai

deccanwebtv Sep 25, 2025

• In addition, the hospital successfully carried out two more Paediatric liver transplants on infants under the age of 7 months, both suffering from severe liver disorders

• The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team of Rainbow Paediatric Liver Institute which included liver transplant surgeons, hepatologists, and paediatric intensive care unit physicians

Chennai, 24th September 2025 – Rainbow Children’s Hospital, India’s leading Paediatric multi-specialty and perinatal care hospital chain, has achieved a landmark in the nation’s medical history by performing India’s first live Paediatric liver transplant for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 13 (PFIC 13). The procedure was carried out on an eight-year-old boy from Thoothukkudi at the hospital’s state-of-the-art Center of Excellence for Paediatric Liver Transplant. Alongside this national first, the team successfully completed two additional rare Paediatric liver transplants on infants under one year of age, reinforcing Rainbow’s position as a pioneer in advanced Paediatric liver care in India.

The milestone surgeries were made possible by Rainbow’s experienced team of pediatric liver specialists and its advanced transplant facilities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mettu Srinivas Reddy, Lead Transplant Surgeon, and Dr. Somashekar, Senior Consultant Pediatric Hepatologist, the team included Dr. Prasanna Gopal, Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Karthik Narayanan and Dr. Nataraj Palaniappan, Senior Consultants in Paediatric Intensive Care, and Dr. Keerthivasan, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology. The team was further supported by Dr. Sathish Chander, who led the anaesthesiology department, along with skilled nursing staff and dedicated transplant coordinators. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensured the expertise and meticulous care required for these complex paediatric liver transplants.

Marking a moment that also went down in history as the India’s first pediatric live liver donor transplant for PFIC 13, Eight-year-old from Thoothukudi was battling Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 13 (PFIC 13), an extremely rare inherited liver disorder, with only less than 8 cases reported in the literature making it one of the least common forms of pediatric cholestasis. With the timely and selfless partial organ donation from his mother, he is well and back to school.

Seven-month-old, from Pondicherry who developed severe liver disease in her infancy, was saved after her father lost 9 kilos in just one month to qualify as a living donor, before bravely undergoing an 11-hour transplant surgery. Five-month-old Baby from West Bengal born with Biliary Atresia was given a second chance at life when his mother partially donated her organ as a donor and was saved after a 14-hour transplant surgery. 

Commenting on the success, Dr. Somashekara, Senior Consultant Pediatric Hepatologist, said “Pediatric Liver transplant is one of the most critical yet challenging areas in medicine. With our expertise and advanced infrastructure at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, we have today successfully treated and cured three rare Liver disorders. To see the children have a second chance at life with the support of their parents is truly heartwarming and fulfilling personally. These surgeries reaffirm Rainbow’s commitment to delivering world-class pediatric liver care with compassion, precision, and expertise.”

The Center of Excellence For Pediatric Liver Transplant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital is equipped with dedicated pediatric Liver ICUs, modular operation theatres, advanced imaging and diagnostic systems, infection-controlled transplant wards, and 24/7 multi-specialty support teams. The program integrates global best practices in pediatric liver transplantation with advanced technologies such as high-end anesthesia systems, precision surgical tools, and child-friendly infrastructure, ensuring safety, precision, and compassionate care for young patients.

MGM Healthcare Commends Organ Donors for Their Selfless Contribution to Saving Lives

deccanwebtv Aug 23, 2025

Chennai, August 23rd, 2025: MGM Healthcare honoured several organ donors and their family members at a special felicitation programme, recognising their invaluable contributions to saving and transforming lives. The felicitation ceremony was attended by MLA Mr. M.K. Mohan and Indian Actress Ms. Neelima Rani. The hospital also organized a walkathon themed “Miles for Lives” to raise awareness on organ donation.

Organised by MGM Healthcare’s Institute of Liver Diseases, Transplant & HPB Surgery, these events raised awareness about the importance of organ donation, while encouraging people to register as donors. The walkathon began at MGM Healthcare on Nelson Manickam Road and concluded at Tower Park, Anna Nagar, with hundreds of healthcare professionals, hospital staff, and members of the public participating enthusiastically.

In 2024, India had achieved a notable milestone of performing over 18900 organ transplants – the highest recorded in a single year when compared to 2013 which recorded fewer than 5,000 transplants. After the USA and China, India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants. Despite the numbers, the demand for organs far exceeds availability, making awareness and pledging essential.

In his comments, Dr. Prashanth Rajagopalan, Managing Director, MGM Healthcare, said, “MGM Healthcare is proud to organise the donor felicitation and a walkathon program. While medical science has advanced tremendously, enabling both living and cadaver donations to be safe and effective. Our organ donation rate remains strikingly low at less than one per million population, compared with over 40 per million in countries like the US and Spain. Living donors can donate a kidney or part of their liver, allowing both donor and recipient to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Cadaver donations can save multiple lives through organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and corneas. The main barrier is not medical feasibility, but social hesitation and lack of awareness”.

Dr. Thiagarajan Srinivasan, Senior Consultant and Director, Institute of Liver Diseases, Transplant and HPB Surgery, MGM Healthcare, said, “Organ donation is one of the greatest gifts of modern medicine, and liver transplantation exemplifies how lives can be saved and restored. The liver’s remarkable ability to regenerate makes both living and deceased donor liver transplants highly effective, with most recipients going on to lead full and productive lives. Brain-dead donors remain the cornerstone of organ transplantation, though organs from donors after cardiac death are also being used successfully worldwide. Both pathways must be promoted more widely in India to meet the growing demand. For this, hospitals must come forward to build structured, sustainable transplant programmes with trained teams, advanced infrastructure, and strong ethical practices.”

Namma Heart Walk: Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani brings Cardiac Survivors and their Doctors together for an Independence Day Walk

deccanwebtv Aug 16, 2025

Chennai, August 15, 2025: In a moving celebration of both health and independence, hundreds of cardiac patients who had fully recovered after life-saving interventions at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani walked hand-in-hand with their treating cardiologists at Anna Nagar Tower Park on 15th August, 2025, Independence Day.

The “Namma Heart Walk” was flagged off by Thiru M.K. Mohan, MLA – Anna Nagar Constituency and celebrated Indian Contemporary Artist Trotsky Marudu and joined by senior cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Prof. Dr. P. Manokar, Clinical Lead – Interventional Cardiology and Dr. C. Sundar, Clinical Lead – Structural Cardiology.

As part of the celebrations, the chief guest, Thiru M.K. Mohan, also inaugurated a public Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit at Anna Nagar Tower Park. This life saving device will be accessible to the public during emergencies, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to community safety and preparedness in tackling sudden cardiac arrests.

For the walkers, once battling life-threatening heart conditions, this event was more than symbolic, it was living proof that with timely diagnosis, advanced treatment, and lifestyle changes, life after a major cardiac event can be active, healthy, and fulfilling.

Why this matters – The science in numbers
• 17.9 million people die from heart disease globally every year, yet up to 80% of these deaths are preventable with lifestyle changes.
• In India, 1 in 4 deaths is due to heart disease.
• Golden Hour Saves Lives: Patients receiving primary angioplasty within 90 minutes have up to 95% survival and full recovery rates.
• Minimally invasive procedures like TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) allow patients to walk home in 2 – 3 days and resume normal life within weeks.

“Cardiac surgery is often seen as a last resort, but for many patients, it’s the turning point that gives them a second life. Standing here today with patients who have gone through complex bypasses and valve surgeries – walking, smiling, and living fully is the best outcome we can hope for as surgeons,” said Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery.

“Heart disease is no longer a life sentence of restrictions. With advanced procedures like TAVR and minimally invasive structural heart interventions, patients can resume normal activities within days to weeks. In India, early detection and immediate treatment can reduce heart failure risk by over 60%,” said Dr. C. Sundar, Clinical Lead – Structural Cardiology.

“Every minute counts in heart attacks. Our data shows that patients who undergo primary angioplasty within the golden hour have a 95% survival rate and return to normal life without major limitations. Today’s walk proves that with rapid, expert care, heart health can be restored,” added Prof. Dr. P. Manokar, Clinical Lead – Interventional Cardiology.

“Prevention is the first line of defence against heart disease. Regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco can prevent more than 80% of premature heart attacks. This event inspires the community to value health and take proactive steps to protect the heart,” said Thiru M.K. Mohan, MLA – Anna Nagar Constituency.

Adding his artistic insight at the flag-off, Trotsky Marudu remarked, “Art, like medicine, tells stories of survival and renewal. Seeing these survivors walk again is a living canvas, lines of courage, resilience and life drawn in motion.”

“At Kauvery Hospital, we believe every cardiac emergency deserves immediate, high-quality care. Our 24×7 heart team is equipped for fast-response primary angioplasty, advanced structural heart procedures, and complex cardiac surgeries – all delivered at affordable costs. We are proud to see our patients today not as survivors, but as thriving individuals living life to the fullest,” said Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director – Kauvery Group of Hospitals.

This Independence Day, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani and its cardiac champions delivered a clear message: freedom from heart disease is possible with awareness, timely medical care, and the right lifestyle choices especially walking and diet. The event was not just a walk, but a testament to medical excellence, patient resilience, and the hospital’s commitment to ensuring every heartbeat gets a second chance.