Apollo Gleneagles Specialty Eye Centre, the specialized Ophthalmology unit of the hospital, and a part of its Apollo Gleneagles Heart Centre Unit, has recently achieved a new landmark. The Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the latest in ophthalmologic services and staffed by a well-trained clinical excellence team, has successfully carried out over 1000 eye surgeries within the first year of its inception. The proud moment, which comes close on the heels of the World Glaucoma Week (6-12th March), serves to reaffirm, Apollo Gleneagles Specialty Eye Centre’s promise of world-class, quality healthcare within the reach of every individual. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rupali Basu, President and CEO, Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, India, observed, “The menace of glaucoma can be understood from the fact about one in every five glaucoma patients, across the globe, is an Indian. Against the backdrop of this ever present menace, we are happy and pleased at this recent achievement. The team at our Specialty Eye Centre has done us proud by the successful completion of more than 1000 eye surgeries within a year of its formation, addressing the myriad challenges of glaucoma, cataracts and other complications. We also plan to acquire a cornea transplant license, which will further enhance and expand our existing capabilities in the service of humanity.”    

Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, is known for its commitment towards ensuring cutting-edge technology for its legions of satisfied patients. Continuing with its tradition of delivering only the very latest in modern medical solutions, the hospital has acquired the SpyGlassTM DS Direct Visualization System at its state-of-the-art Institutes of Gastroenterology. Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is the first in Eastern India to adopt this technology. SpyGlassTM is a breakthrough innovation in Cholangioscopy, which overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional cholangioscopes. It ensures an unmatched, direct visualization of all bile-duct quadrants, enabling lifesaving treatment of patients afflicted by hepatobiliary disorders. The system comes equipped with enhanced features which improve visualization and simplifies procedures. It includes a fully integrated SpyScope™ DS Access and Delivery Catheter, and a single-use scope that eliminates probe reprocessing and image degradation over multiple uses. Dr Mahesh Kumar Goenka, Gastroenterologist and Director of the Institute of Gastrosciences, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, said, “The SpyGlassTM DS’s integrated digital sensor offers a 60% enhancement in the field of view and far greater resolution, delivering superior imaging. The wider field of vision allows us to pinpoint the site of the complaint with increased accuracy, and leads to faster recovery and cure. It has added to our already advanced capabilities, enabling us to provide curative solutions that are well ahead of all other alternates currently available. We can now ensure a completely transformed care regimen which guarantees the best outcomes.”    

A team of specialists at Apollo Hospitals led by Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale, Senior Heart & Lung Transplant Surgeon, performed a Heart Transplantation successfully on a 36-year-old man suffering from terminal heart disease. This surgery was done on 26th of February, 2016 and the patient has since recovered and is getting discharged. The recipient, a software engineer by profession and resident of Hyderabad had to quit his job at Accenture a year back due to heart problem. He was diagnosed to be suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy for last four years, it worsened further for the past eight months and he was virtually confined to home. Vinay was treated by cardiologists for breathing difficulty and hospitalized three times in the last six months for control of heart failure. He was referred to Dr. Gokhale for the possibility of heart transplantation. When patient came to Apollo Hospitals on 18th January, 2016, he was very critical and needed admission in ICCU under the care of cardiologist Dr. Manoj Agarwal and Dr. Gokhale. He was stabilized and discharged after 10 days to let him join in the birthday celebrations of his one year old child. In the meantime, his name was registered with Jeevandan. His condition remained precarious and had to undergo regular follow ups, while waiting for a heart from a cadaver. On 25th of February, relations of a young brain dead patient agreed to donate organs at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. However, donor blood pressure was low and was put on large doses of medicines to maintain blood pressure and a heart like that is not conducive for transplant. However, intensivists at Apollo Hospitals worked extremely hard overnight to stabilize the heart condition and facilitate usage of the same to save the life of this heart failure patient. Vinay recovered well after transplant and was mobile within 48 hours. Heart transplantation is a rare operation done for end-stage heart failure. So far in India, only a little over 250 heart transplants are done. Unlike kidney and liver transplantations, awareness about heart transplantation is dismal and many a times donated hearts are going waste. After heart transplantation, most of these patients can lead normal life and carry on with their jobs.

  Building on the strength of its Chinta Shutro Discussions Series, 2015, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, organized the first Chinta Shutro of 2016. Commemorating International Women’s Day, the 8th March, 2016 program saw prominent female leaders deliberate on the current position and the growing importance of women in different areas of life. The discussion was attended by: 1. Dr Rupali Basu, President  & CEO, Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, India. 2. Ms Bratati Bandyopadhyay, the noted Bengali elocutionist, 3. Ms Nandita Roy, the reputed film maker and screenwriter, 4. Ms Poulomi Ghatak, the famous table tennis player, 5. Ms Jaya Ahsan, the popular actress and model from Bangladesh, and 6. Ms Eleena Banik, the eminent painter. The insightful session also saw Ms Banik paint a picture on the theme of International Women’s Day, which was signed by the other dignitaries as their Pledge for Parity.  

A one-year-old child from Kenya underwent an unusual liver transplant at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi. A segment of the liver was donated by the child’s father. Paul was suffering from biliary atresia since birth, a condition in which the bile ducts (required to drain the bile from the liver to the intestine) were not developed. This is among the most common reasons for liver failure in infants. The condition can be treated if detected within two months of birth. However, in Paul’s case, the condition went undetected. The only option for him was a liver transplant. The procedure was conducted at the Centre for Liver and Biliary Surgery. Professor Anupam Sibal, Group medical director, said: “Paul’s case was high-risk because he was severely malnourished, was born with a complex anatomy and his liver failure was rapidly worsening. He needed an urgent transplant. We took on the challenge with such a small baby weighing only six kilograms and with several risk factors as that was his only hope. ”Professor Sibal added that the child had made a remarkable recovery and was discharged two weeks after the surgery. The operation took 12 hours and involved a medical team of 50 people. Dr. Subash Gupta, chief transplant surgeon at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, conducted the operation.      

Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, continuing with its tradition of supporting major sports events, has decided to associate with the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon. One of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited events in the city’s sporting calendar, it is the largest marathon in Eastern India. Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, will be providing medical support infrastructure for this mega event. The setup would consist of well-equipped medical booths at strategic points of the entire length of the route, with ambulances posted at key locations for immediate support in case of emergencies. This was announced today at an event attended by Ms June Maliah, the popular actress, philanthropist and member of the West Bengal Women’s Commission, Mr Jamshed Nassiri, the noted footballer and coach, Mr Saurav Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer and Director, High Life Management and Dr Rupali Basu, President and CEO, Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, India. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Basu observed, “At Apollo Gleneagles, we are at the forefront of promoting sporting events. This association with the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon builds up on our firm belief in the importance of sports in shaping a better and healthier future. Our experienced sports medicine team will be available at all key points of the race to provide adequate support and ensure a smooth event. We are confident that events like these will go a long way in promoting a culture of fitness and wellness among the masses.” Recognized by the Athletics Federation of India, the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon is the only marathon in Kolkata, which, with its 42.195 km course, tests the mettle of athletes from across the country and abroad. Over 15,000 citizens took to the streets of Kolkata during the last edition of the event. This number is set to be surpassed when this years’ edition is flagged off at the Red Road (Indira Gandhi Sarani) on 6th March, 2016.  

A symposium on women’s Oncology at Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Chennai, had experts from the hospital, the National Cancer Institute, the U.S., and the Cancer Institute, Adyar, sharing their experiences. The symposium, aimed at educating people on newer treatments, vaccinations and screening processes, deliberated on prevention and management of cancers. Apollo Hospitals’ Executive Vice-Chairperson Dr. Preetha Reddy said, “Over six lakh people die of cancer every year in India and more than half of them are in the 30-70 age group. This symposium will provide opportunities for oncologists to interact with one another and exchange latest updates on cancer prevention and treatment.” Dr. Prathap C Reddy said the need of the hour was a collective movement from public and private organisations to increase awareness of proactive screening for NCDs. Adyar Cancer Institute chairperson V. Shanta said the lifetime cumulative risk of women aged below 75 years acquiring cancer in urban areas in India is one in seven to 10 whereas in developed countries it was one in three or four. She said nearly 60 per cent of patients seek treatment in advanced stages leading to increased mortality and poor survival. Dr. Shanta said a thrust on preventive measures with early detection, education and increasing awareness will reduce the number of cancer incidences.    

  The implementation of the rechargeable brain pacemaker device, the first of its kind in Eastern India, therefore, offers a new ray of hope for patients suffering from intractable Parkinson’s disease. Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, is at the forefront of delivering the latest in medical care. True to its tradition of ensuring the best in curative solutions, on 14th January this year, a team at AGH’s Advanced Movement Disorder Clinic, under the able leadership of Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Anirban Deep Banerjee, carried out a successful rechargeable bilateral sub-thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (brain pacemaker) surgery on a 55 year old single mother of three. The patient, was suffering from intractable Parkinson’s disease for many years. She was afflicted by severe rigidity (whole-body stiffness) and bradykinesia (slowness of movements), and, as a result of escalating medication, had started showing symptoms of Dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements). Advanced Parkinson’s had severely restricted her mobility, leaving her disabled and mostly bed-bound. The eight-hour long awake neurosurgery, implanting the constant-current based rechargeable brain pacemaker system, led to an almost overnight improvement in her symptoms. Her implant was then programmed and checked for best parameters, leading to a significant reduction in her medications and its side-effects. She has regained significant mobility, and is carrying out daily activities on her own. Her quality of life has improved significantly and her family is happy. Dr Banerjee, an alumnus of Cleveland Clinic, USA and eastern India’s first fellowship-trained Functional Neurosurgeon, who has conducted several successful brain pacemaker and ITB (Intrathecal Baclofen) system implantation surgeries at AGH, observed, “With the facility of recharging the device just like our cell-phones, this unique, rechargeable brain pacemaker system has the longest lifespan, and the smallest and lightest profile among its counterparts. The model significantly reduces the need for frequent and costly replacements, inherent to non-rechargeable models. Following its FDA approval in June 2015, this is Eastern India’s first such implant.” Dr Rupali Basu, President and CEO, Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, India, summed up the success story, “The implementation of the rechargeable brain pacemaker device, the first of its kind in the eastern India, therefore, offers a new ray of hope for patients suffering from intractable Parkinson’s. The implant not only helps in controlling the level of medications required by such patients, but, more importantly, improves their overall quality of life. We would continue delivering such cutting edge innovations in our efforts to touch, and transform lives.”

ApoKos Rehabilitation Hospital is India’s first rehabilitation hospital, providing comprehensive rehabilitation for a range of medical conditions. ApoKos brings together the best of Indian and European healthcare. Our parent organizations have over 50 years of experience in the fields of healthcare and rehabilitation. Our goal is to assist patients become as independent as possible and help them go back to normal daily routines and even to work. People suffering from the after effects of strokes, spinal cord injuries, trauma and other neurological and orthopaedic conditions can benefit from our rehabilitation programs and improve their physical, mental and sensory functions. Our focus on intensive and early rehabilitation helps patients recover function faster. Long term care plans and continued availability of therapy help patients learn how to cope with their disabilities and prevent or minimize future complications. The ApoKos Rehabilitation Hospital is situated centrally at Hyderabad in Jubilee Hills. Large gyms provide ample space for physiotherapy and separate, well equipped rooms are available for specialized therapies. Special therapy rooms are also available for pediatric physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Our inpatient facility provides comfortable rooms with lots of natural light. We offer twin-sharing, single and deluxe rooms to cater to each patient’s requirements. All our bathrooms provide facilities like shower seats and sturdy grab bars for patients with disabilities. All rooms also provide comfortable space for a family member to stay with the patient. The ApoKos Rehabilitation Hospital provides all the equipment required for physiotherapy and occupational therapy. In addition we also have the latest in robotic rehabilitation equipment. Robotic rehabilitation allows for intensive training and, thus, faster recovery. We provide robotic rehabilitation for both upper and lower limbs. Rehabilitation usually involves a team of highly trained professionals, called your “multidisciplinary team.” Members of the multidisciplinary team include: Physician Rehabilitation Nurseerapy Psychologist/Neuropsychologist Physiotherapistt Room Speech Therapist Erigo   IP Room   Occupational Therapy   Pediatric Physiotherapy  

Heart diseases and Diabetes is on a rise among the journalists due to their busy, stressful lifestyle and eating habits. Mr. Bharatesh Reddy, Senior General Manager, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru said “There problems are mostly seen in scribes in the age group of 30 – 35 years and out of 100 journalists, 20 of them suffer from heart related problems”. Mr. Reddy also advised Journalists to spend at least 6 hours in a year to check their health. Mr. K Deepak, President of Mysore District Journalists Association (MDJA) said that health check for Journalists would be conducted at Apollo Hospital would be held in future too. Thirteen Journalists were diagnosed with diabetes during the screening that was conducted. Dr. Smitha N Kotian and Dr. Uma Shankar Raju of Apollo Hospitals, Mysuru, MDJA General Secretary K.J Lokesh Babu, City Secretary B. Srikantaswamy were also present during the event amongst others.

Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals (AGHL), Kolkata, the leader in modern healthcare management in Eastern India, is at the forefront of the battle against cancer. On the occasion of World Cancer Day, an initiative that unites people across the globe in a combined fight against the disease, AGHL organized a discussion session on the theme, “We Can I Can.” Attended by a panel of eminent doctors, the chess wizard, Mr. Dibyendu Barua, and the popular actor, singer and composer, Mr. Kharaj Mukherjee, the session discussed the various advances that have strengthened our hands in the war against cancer. The speakers highlighted that early detection improves the chances of effectively combating the disease, and raises survival rates. They also discussed the importance of the latest advances in diagnosis, like Liquid Biopsies and 3D Imaging Tests, besides the use of such innovations like the Novalis TX, IMRT and IGRT, Immunotherapy and Targeted drugs in the overall treatment process. Dr Rupali Basu, President and CEO (Eastern Region), Apollo Hospitals Group, India, said on the occasion, “We need to realize the importance of awareness in combating the menace of cancer. When detected early, the wealth of expertise and the newest technologies and medications at our disposal allow us to ensure a complete recovery and cure. The notion that all cancer is incurable, therefore, does not hold true anymore.”    

  Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata launched 36 specialty clinics in the hospital to provide integrated care programs to the patients. Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, aims to establish a new paradigm in patient experience through a strong technology backbone that will allow patients to take informed decisions in a collaborative environment. Departments like Cardiac Sciences, Pulmonology, Neurosciences, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, ENT / Head & Neck, Pediatrics and ObGyn, Metabolic Diseases, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Skin & Dermatology and Urology will offer specialized services like registration and appointment, OPD timing and consultation availability, assessment protocols, investigations, treatment guidelines, patient education booklets, follow up care and total treatment cycle package and tariff. Speaking on the occasion Dr Rupali Basu, President & CEO, Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, India said, “Our vision is to create an organized technology-led health system that offers the best of patient-centric care and addresses their long term care needs. We follow a holistic care approach, which means our doctors do not just cure your current ailment, but also ensure your continuing wellness.”