Mahindra University, Apollo Healthcare Academy Join Hands to Launch UG Programs in Allied Health Sciences

India,29th september 2025:Mahindra University, Hyderabad, and Apollo Healthcare Academy today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively offer Bachelor’s programs in Allied Health Sciences. This strategic partnership aims to address the growing shortage of allied health professionals in India and worldwide, equipping students with both academic excellence and immersive clinical training.

The programs will focus on high-demand specializations such as Anesthesia & Operation Theatre Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, among others. By combining Mahindra University’s modern academic infrastructure with Apollo Healthcare Academy’s clinical expertise, the collaboration will produce practice-ready graduates aligned with healthcare industry needs.

The curriculum will follow the guidelines set by the National Commission for Allied & Healthcare Professionals (NCAHP), ensuring national regulatory compliance and global recognition. Students will also benefit from clinical rotations at Apollo Hospitals and affiliated healthcare facilities, including a final-year internship.

Addressing a Global Need

The World Health Organization (WHO) and global healthcare systems continue to highlight the acute shortage of allied health professionals, a gap expected to widen as populations age and healthcare demand rises. This initiative directly addresses this challenge by preparing graduates who are skilled, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

Voices from the Partnership

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said: “This collaboration reflects our shared vision of producing highly skilled healthcare professionals. By integrating Mahindra University’s interdisciplinary academic strengths with Apollo’s proven expertise in healthcare, we aim to nurture graduates who will make an immediate and lasting impact on society.”

Dr. Rajinder Singh Chauhan, Professor & Dean, Centre for Life Sciences, Mahindra University, added: “These programs combine academic rigour with practical immersion. Our students will not only learn but also practice in real healthcare settings, making them job-ready and future-ready.”

Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran, CEO, Apollo Knowledge, said: “Apollo Healthcare Academy is committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and hospital practice. This partnership will empower students with the confidence, exposure, and skillset required to thrive not only in India but also in global opportunities. This is part of our global workforce development initiatives to build and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals equipped to contribute meaningfully to health systems worldwide.”

Dr. Jagadeswaran, Dean & Head – Allied & Healthcare Professions, Apollo Institute of Hospital Management & Allied Sciences, commented: “We are proud to bring Apollo’s immersive training model into Mahindra University. Together, we will prepare allied health graduates who are globally relevant and locally impactful.”

What Students Can Expect

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum co-developed by academic experts and hospital clinicians in alignment with NCAHP.
• Expert Faculty from Mahindra University and Apollo Healthcare Academy
• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure including labs, classrooms, and digital learning systems
• Structured Clinical Training with hospital rotations and a final-year internship
• Global Readiness Modules include bridge programs, language training, and licensing support
• Placement Assistance through Apollo Hospitals and partner networks
• Research Opportunities with faculty from both institutions

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

With this MoU, Mahindra University and Apollo Healthcare Academy reaffirm their commitment to advancing allied health education and tackling the global healthcare workforce shortage. Together, they aim to develop a robust pipeline of skilled allied health professionals ready to shape the future of healthcare in India and beyond.

MGM Healthcare Screens 1,000+ Greater Chennai Police for Heart Health on World Heart Day

Chennai, September 29th, 2025: MGM Healthcare conducted a free heart health screening and counselling programme for over 1,000 police personnel from Chennai and neighbouring districts, with a strong focus on prevention and timely intervention to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks. As part of the initiative, senior cardiologists from the hospital also delivered talks on heart health, early detection, and preventive measures.

The programme, organised in association with the Greater Chennai Police to mark World Heart Day (observed annually on September 29), was held across three sessions on September 20, 23, and 27.

The hospital also provided Basic Life Support (BLS) training for the police to impart skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), paediatric life support, and other critical first-responder life-saving procedures. 

In his comments, Dr. Jyotirmaya Dash, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, MGM Healthcare, said, “Cardiovascular disease has become one of India’s biggest health challenges, accounting for nearly 27% of all non-communicable disease deaths. Today, one in four deaths in the country is linked to heart-related conditions, and worryingly, heart attacks are striking Indians almost a decade earlier than the global average. This makes it absolutely vital to focus on early detection, preventive screening, and awareness. Through this initiative, we are not only training police personnel in life-saving Basic Life Support (BLS) skills but also empowering them to take charge of their own heart health.” 

Dr. Babu Ezhumalai, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, MGM Healthcare, said, “In India, we are witnessing a worrying trend: young people are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease. Studies show that 50% of heart attack deaths in Indian men occur before age 50, and about 25% of heart attacks now happen in people under 40. Factors like stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and rising obesity are driving this early surge. However, with proper lifestyle modifications—such as healthier food choices, regular physical activity, good sleep, and stress management—along with routine screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose, and timely medical support, these risks can be significantly reduced, enabling young people to lead longer, heart-healthy lives.” 

Aster Prime Hospital marks World Heart Day with Bikeathon

Hyderabad, 29th September 2025 :On the occasion of World Heart Day, Aster Prime Hospital, in collaboration with Sultan Ul Uloom Pharmacy College and the Punjagutta Traffic Police Station, organized a public awareness rally under the theme “Know Your Heart Health.” The initiative aimed to educate and engage the community on the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among the younger population.

The rally drew attention to the growing prevalence of heart-related ailments in the post-COVID-19 era, attributing it to lifestyle shifts such as increased stress, sedentary work environments, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity. The event served as a vital call to action, urging the public to embrace preventive healthcare through awareness, early intervention, and regular health screenings.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hari Kumar Reddy, CEO of Aster Prime Hospital, emphasized: “Prevention is the most powerful tool in the fight against heart disease. It is important that individuals prioritize heart health by maintaining a balanced lifestyle, engaging in daily physical activity, and managing stress effectively.”

The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from prominent doctors including Dr. Anupama, Dr. Sai Ravi Shankar, Dr. Lanka Krishna, Dr. Sushma Rani Sangam, and Dr. MVN Suresh, along with the dedicated staff of Aster Prime Hospital. Students from Sultan Ul Uloom Pharmacy College, led by Principal Dr. Anupama, played an active role in spreading the message of heart health through educational placards and slogans.

The management teams of Aster Prime Hospital and Sultan Ul Uloom College extended heartfelt thanks to the Punjagutta Traffic Police for their seamless support and presence during the rally. They highlighted how such collaborations reinforce the vital need for community-wide efforts in promoting preventive healthcare.

With this initiative, Aster Prime Hospital reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to empowering the public with knowledge and encouraging them to take proactive steps toward healthier hearts and healthier lives.

Zydus and Pinkathon join hands to drive awareness on breast cancer across India

Mumbai, 26 September 2025: Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., a global innovation-led healthcare company, and Pinkathon, India’s biggest women’s run, today announced the 10th edition of the Mumbai Pinkathon scheduled for 21st December 2025 at MMRDA Grounds, BKC. As a part of its nation-wide awareness campaign on breast cancer Zydus has collaborated with Pinkathon. The run, Zydus Pinkathon will be spread across 6 cities spanning over 2025-26. Zydus Pinkathon will be led by women to raise awareness on breast cancer and women’s health.

The official event was unveiled by Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., Meha Patel, Vice-Chairperson, Zydus Foundation, actor and renowned fitness icon Milind Soman, Founder of Pinkathon and Ankita Konwar, Founder of Invincible Women. They expressed their enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its mission to encourage women to prioritize their health. They particularly highlighted the importance of regular self-breast exam and Zydus Pinkathon’s vital role in raising awareness about early detection in breast cancer.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said, “With the Easiest Exam campaign, we seek to empower women with the knowledge that a simple 3-minute self-examination each month can make a life-saving difference. Joining hands with Pinkathon, we aim to reach many more women, raise awareness, and inspire collective action in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that raising awareness on women’s health and Breast cancer remains equally vital, as early detection has the power to save countless lives.”

Milind Soman, founder and the driving force behind Pinkathon, said, “At Pinkathon, our mission has always been to encourage every woman to take charge of her health and fitness, while building a community that celebrates strength and inclusivity. With Zydus coming on board as the Title Partner for Pinkathon we are taking this mission on a larger scale and urging women from all walks of life to participate and make health their priority. Together with Zydus, we are creating a powerful platform that will not only raise awareness but also drive meaningful action for women’s health across India.”

Ms Meha Patel, Vice Chairperson, Zydus Foundation said, “A woman is at the very core of the entire family’s happiness and wellbeing. Therefore, It is very important to spread the message that women need to prioritise their health. As it is rightly emphasised today, ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivaar’. The awareness on self-breast exam to help detect breast cancer early can be a life-saving step for millions of women as we need to arrest the alarming rise of breast cancer cases in India.”

The Mumbai edition of Zydus Pinkathon will feature categories across all fitness levels: 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and the ultra-distances of 50 km, 75 km, 100 km, and the 100 km relay under the Invincible Women initiative. Registrations are now open for all categories.

While the association between Zydus and Pinkathon spans six cities across India in the 2025–26 season, the journey begins with Mumbai’s landmark 10th edition. Over the next nine months, Zydus Pinkathon will travel to Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, engaging more than 30,000 women nationwide.

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women worldwide, and the rising cases in India is deeply concerning. In India, over 2 lakh women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Unfortunately, of these, every 8 minutes a woman dies because of last stage diagnosis. If detected early, it is treatable. Zydus’ campaign, The Easiest Exam, urges women to take a simple yet powerful step towards their health – a simple 3-minute self-breast exam that should be performed regularly.

The second edition of the Easiest Exam campaign is scheduled to launch in October, a month globally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The second edition of the Easiest Exam emphasises on how ‘Do haath, teen minute aur ek easy exam’ can change a women’s life. The initiative will encompass awareness campaigns, podcasts, engagement with breast cancer warriors and on-ground events. Through thoughtful dialogues with some of India’s foremost oncologists the series will dispel prevailing myths and misconceptions associated with breast cancer. The objective is to address the stigma around breast cancer and dispel myths. The campaign will further highlight the journeys of breast cancer warriors—stories of strength, resilience, and hope.

AbbVie Highlights Diabetic Macular Edema at World Retina Day Conclave

AbbVie Hosts National Conclave on World Retina Day to Spotlight Rising Burden of Diabetic Macular Edema

Delhi, 24 September 2025: AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical leader committed to developing innovative medicines and solutions, hosted the National Conclave on World Retina Day at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, to spotlight Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), one of the leading causes of vision loss among people living with diabetes. According to 2025 report by the Cleveland Clinic, about 1 in every 14 people with diabetes develops DME. The event brought together renowned experts to foster greater awareness about vision loss due to diabetes, which is called diabetes macular edema (DME) and explore collaborative approaches to address the growing retinal disease burden in India.

The conclave reinforced that while evidence-based treatments have significantly improved patient outcomes, critical challenges persist. Limited awareness, high treatment costs, the burden of frequent injections, and unequal access to retinal care continue to hinder timely diagnosis and effective management. The discussions centred on driving policy-level interventions such as integrating mandatory retinal screening into national diabetes programs, strengthening public and private partnerships to expand specialized retinal care services, and ensuring the availability of trained specialists across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager, AbbVie India, commented, “At AbbVie, we are proud to leverage over 75 years of global eyecare expertise to make a meaningful difference for the 3 million people living with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) in India. The National Conclave on World Retina Day serves to spotlight the impact of diabetes on vision loss. India’s diabetic burden is forecasted to reach 134.2 crore by 2045, and this underscores the urgent race between sugar & sight. By emphasizing the importance of early detection, expanding access to breakthrough therapies, and embracing innovative solutions, we aim to safeguard vision, enhance patient outcomes, and pave the way toward a future where preventable blindness is a challenge of the past.”

The conclave featured a distinguished panel of healthcare professionals from across India, including Dr. Lalit Verma, Dr. Mahipal Sachdev, Dr. R. Kim, Dr. M.R. Dogra, Dr. Chaitra Jayadev, and Dr. Shashank Joshi. Representing leading voices in retinal care, endocrinology, and healthcare policy, the panel deliberated on the rising burden of DME and the need for a comprehensive eye check-up and, patient-centric approach. Early detection through public awareness as most diabetics do not even know about DME, accessible & affordable treatment

The discussions highlighted different therapies available like anti-VEGF short-acting, corticosteroid long-acting implants, laser therapies.

The experts underscored the urgent need for coordinated action to combat DME and its far-reaching consequences.  Dr. Lalit Verma stated, “DME is emerging as one of the foremost causes of preventable blindness among working-age Indians. Prioritizing early detection is critical to preserving sight and improving quality of life.” Dr. Mahipal Sachdev added, “Integrating routine retinal screening into diabetes care pathways is essential if we are to detect DME before it causes irreversible damage.” 

Dr. M.R. Dogra called for systemic reform: “We must ensure that quality eye care therapy is made affordable and accessible beyond major metropolitan centres, as bridging this gap in underserved regions is key to protecting vision across the country.”

Representing southern India, Dr. R. Kim emphasized the transformative role of technology: “Raising awareness about diabetes-related eye complications and promoting regular eye check-ups at the community level can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.” Dr. Chaitra Jayadev stressed the importance of awareness: “Public understanding of diabetic eye complications is alarmingly low. We must educate people living with diabetes that eye health is as vital as heart or kidney health.” Bringing in the endocrinology perspective, Dr. Shashank Joshi concluded, “Managing diabetes effectively is the first and most critical step in preventing complications like DME. Ophthalmologists and endocrinologists must work hand in hand to safeguard patient health.”

Diabetic Macular Edema is a leading cause of vision loss among people with diabetes, often progressing silently until it reaches advanced stages. This disease affects the macula, which is the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. It develops when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage retinal blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the macula and leading to swelling, distortion, and eventual vision loss. Often progressing silently, DME is one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age adults. With India crossing 100 million people living with diabetes, the number of individuals at risk will continue to rise. Yet, awareness about DME remains low compared to other diabetes-related complications, making education, early screening, and timely treatment critical to preventing irreversible blindness and reducing the social and economic burden.

Dabur Organizes 153 Free Health Camps across India to Celebrate National Ayurveda Day

Kolkata 24 September 2025: In a remarkable display of its commitment to holistic wellness, Dabur India Ltd., a leader in science-based Ayurveda, successfully organized 153 free health camps across India to celebrate National Ayurveda Day. This nationwide initiative was a part of Dabur’s ongoing efforts to promote the benefits of Ayurveda and align with the Ministry of AYUSH’s celebration of the fixed date for Ayurveda Day, as recently notified by the Government of India.

The initiative, held in collaboration with local Ayurvedic doctors and institutions, provided free consultations and health check-ups to thousands of people. The camps aimed to raise public awareness about the benefits of integrating Ayurvedic principles into their daily routines for the management of lifestyle diseases and the achievement of overall wellness.

Mr. Ajay Singh Parihar, VP-Marketing, Healthcare OTC & Ayurveda, Dabur India Ltd., stated, “Ayurveda is not merely a healthcare system; it is a way of life that emphasizes harmony between the mind, body, and nature. We are proud to have joined the nationwide celebration of National Ayurveda Day. Through these 153 free health camps, we were able to make the goodness of Ayurveda accessible to people from all walks of life, encouraging them to adopt this ancient science for a healthier and more balanced life.”

Qualified Ayurvedic physicians at the camps offered personalized advice on diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. In addition, participants received free samples of select Dabur products.

Dabur has a long history of promoting Ayurveda through various initiatives, including health camps, educational programs, and research. The company remains dedicated to leveraging the power of Ayurveda to contribute significantly to a healthier India.

Dr Santosh G. Honavar Tops the Stanford List of Researchers in Ophthalmology for Career-long Impact

The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Sept 23, 2025:.Dr. Santosh G. Honavar, Honorary Secretary of the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology at Centre for Sight Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, former Associate Director of LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and the past Editor of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, has yet again emerged as the top-ranked Ophthalmology researcher from India.

For the fifth consecutive year, Dr Honavar has secured the number one position in the annual impact ranking and, for the first time, has also topped the career-long impact ranking in Ophthalmology from India. A panel of experts from Stanford University and Elsevier announced the prestigious lifetime and annual global rankings for 2025. The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide, based on the influence and impact of their work, both career-long and during the year 2024.

Dr Santosh G. Honavar is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist with expertise in eye cancers, and his illustrious career has earned him accolades such as the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award from the Government of India and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is the sole ophthalmologist from the Indian subcontinent to receive the Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the UK. Dr Santosh G. Honavar also holds the second position in the Stanford List based on his lifelong contributions to the field. He has over 17000 citations and a high H-index of 69.

Dr. Partha Biswas, the President of AIOS, extended his congratulations to the Indian researchers featured in the Stanford list. He highlighted AIOS’s commitment to promoting Indian research through its Journals (Indian Journal of Ophthalmology and IJO Case Reports), scientific activities, and research as part of the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to support and nurture the research potential of Indian ophthalmologists. He expressed optimism about witnessing more young Indian ophthalmologists making their mark on the Stanford list soon. The consistent rise in representation of Indian Ophthalmology in such prestigious global lists reflects the growing trajectory of high-quality research across the country and it underlines the strength of our institutions, the dedication of our researchers, and India’s emergence as a global leader in ophthalmology and vision sciences, Dr Biswas emphasised.

There are 27 Indian Ophthalmologists who are part of the list of the top 2% of researchers in the world in terms of career-long impact. Sixty-one Indian Ophthalmologists figure in the list of the top 2% of world researchers, considering the impact of their work in 2024. This year’s list includes eminent Ophthalmology researchers from across India, representing leading institutions such as LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad (17 researchers); Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi (12); Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai (5); Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai (4); Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru (4); Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai (3); Centre for Sight, Hyderabad (2); and PGIMER, Chandigarh (2), among others.

The Top 10 in the Stanford 2025 list for career-long impact are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Gullapalli N. Rao, 3. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 4. Virender S. Sangwan, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Muthiah K. Srinivasan, 7. D. Balasubramanian, 8. Amod Gupta, 9. GVS Murthy, and 10. Mohd Javed Ali

The top 10 Indian researchers in ophthalmology included in the 2025 Stanford list are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Mohammad Javed Ali, 3. Swathi Kaliki, 4. GVS Murthy, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Namrata Sharma, 7. Vinod Kumar, 8. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 9. Virender S. Sangwan, and 10. Dr. Prashant Garg

All India Ophthalmological Society is the world’s second-largest professional organisation of Ophthalmologists, with over 26000 members.

Dr Santosh G. Honavar Tops the Stanford List of Researchers in Ophthalmology for Career-long Impact

The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Sept 23, 2025:.Dr. Santosh G. Honavar, Honorary Secretary of the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology at Centre for Sight Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, former Associate Director of LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and the past Editor of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, has yet again emerged as the top-ranked Ophthalmology researcher from India.

For the fifth consecutive year, Dr Honavar has secured the number one position in the annual impact ranking and, for the first time, has also topped the career-long impact ranking in Ophthalmology from India. A panel of experts from Stanford University and Elsevier announced the prestigious lifetime and annual global rankings for 2025. The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide, based on the influence and impact of their work, both career-long and during the year 2024.

Dr Santosh G. Honavar is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist with expertise in eye cancers, and his illustrious career has earned him accolades such as the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award from the Government of India and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is the sole ophthalmologist from the Indian subcontinent to receive the Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the UK. Dr Santosh G. Honavar also holds the second position in the Stanford List based on his lifelong contributions to the field. He has over 17000 citations and a high H-index of 69.

Dr. Partha Biswas, the President of AIOS, extended his congratulations to the Indian researchers featured in the Stanford list. He highlighted AIOS’s commitment to promoting Indian research through its Journals (Indian Journal of Ophthalmology and IJO Case Reports), scientific activities, and research as part of the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to support and nurture the research potential of Indian ophthalmologists. He expressed optimism about witnessing more young Indian ophthalmologists making their mark on the Stanford list soon. The consistent rise in representation of Indian Ophthalmology in such prestigious global lists reflects the growing trajectory of high-quality research across the country and it underlines the strength of our institutions, the dedication of our researchers, and India’s emergence as a global leader in ophthalmology and vision sciences, Dr Biswas emphasised.

There are 27 Indian Ophthalmologists who are part of the list of the top 2% of researchers in the world in terms of career-long impact. Sixty-one Indian Ophthalmologists figure in the list of the top 2% of world researchers, considering the impact of their work in 2024. This year’s list includes eminent Ophthalmology researchers from across India, representing leading institutions such as LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad (17 researchers); Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi (12); Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai (5); Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai (4); Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru (4); Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai (3); Centre for Sight, Hyderabad (2); and PGIMER, Chandigarh (2), among others.

The Top 10 in the Stanford 2025 list for career-long impact are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Gullapalli N. Rao, 3. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 4. Virender S. Sangwan, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Muthiah K. Srinivasan, 7. D. Balasubramanian, 8. Amod Gupta, 9. GVS Murthy, and 10. Mohd Javed Ali

The top 10 Indian researchers in ophthalmology included in the 2025 Stanford list are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Mohammad Javed Ali, 3. Swathi Kaliki, 4. GVS Murthy, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Namrata Sharma, 7. Vinod Kumar, 8. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 9. Virender S. Sangwan, and 10. Dr. Prashant Garg

All India Ophthalmological Society is the world’s second-largest professional organisation of Ophthalmologists, with over 26000 members.

White Lotus Hospital Leads Fight Against Diabetes & Obesity with Navi Mumbai’s Largest Free Camp

India, 23rd september 2025: White Lotus International Hospital & Research Center, a state-of-the-art multi-specialty facility, took a lead to fight against the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India especially Diabetes and Obesity. The hospital today hosted the Diabetes and Obesity Check (DOC) camp, drawing over 250 residents from across the Navi Mumbai and neighbouring areas. Senior consultants from the hospital provided consultancy to them post screening. 

Alarming increase of NCDs like Diabetes and Obesity had even made the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to urge families to pay serious attention on this. Speaking to millions of citizens on Independence Day 2025 from Red Fort, he raised concern on obesity and referred it as silent epidemic gripping urban India. The Prime Minister has warned that in the coming years obesity can become a major challenge for the country.  

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Vijay D’Silva, Medical Director, White Lotus International Hospital & Research Center, Navi Mumbai said “Diabetes and obesity are no longer just lifestyle conditions, but they can also act as the precursors to multiple organ complications if left unchecked or ignored. Our main mission is not just to cure but to prevent by making advanced and modern healthcare technology accessible and creating awareness regarding the same at the grassroot level.”

With India described as the diabetes capital of the world, the continuous rise of obesity as the driver of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications has highlighted the need for the awareness, early detection and lifestyle modification. Taking a major step in this direction White Lotus Internal Hospital and Research Centre offered free medical investigations worth INR5,000 which also included Fibro Scan, Lipid Profile, HbA1c, Creatinine, and Eye Check-up.

The event also featured consultations from renowned superspecialists in Critical Care, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Ophthalmology. The distinguished panel include Dr. Prashant Gaikwad (Endocrinology), Dr. Ravi Patil (Internal Medicine), Dr. Aditya Nayak (Nephrology), Dr. Sachin Naik (Nephrology), Dr. Suhas Deshpande (Ophthalmology) among others. 

The presence of over 250 residents reflected the enthusiasm among the community to embrace the preventive health measures. Senior citizens, working professionals, young health-conscious residents across Navi Mumbai, Kalamboli, Panvel, Kharghar, CBD Belapur, Vashi, and Airoli became the part of this remarkable initiative. Apart from the medical test, they also get benefitted from practical advice on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and lifestyle changes.

More than just a free camp DOC acted as the platform for dialogue on lifestyle related health issues with doctors emphasizing that small, consistent changes can significantly reduce the medical complication like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

With over 250 participants benefitted directly, DOC camp has also set a new benchmark as Navi Mumbai biggest free health drive completely focussed on lifestyle diseases. At the same time the hospital has also announced its commitment to conduct the similar initiatives in the future while empowering communities to take proactive and necessary steps against the diabetes and obesity.

Aster DM Healthcare joins the United Nations’ Race to Zero’ Campaign, Commits to Net Zero status by 2050

Kochi, September 23, 2025: Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in India, is proud to announce its official membership in the United Nations’ ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, a global alliance committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

As part of its Race to Zero campaign, Aster has successfully commissioned an 8.5 MW solar park in Kasargod, Kerala committing to sustainability and promotion of renewable energy usage.

As part of the Race to Zero commitment, Aster DM Healthcare has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions across all its operations by 2050, aligning with the 1.5°C global warming target. To achieve this goal, Aster will reduce energy consumption, shift to renewable energy sources, and upgrade its infrastructure to meet high sustainability standards. The company will enhance waste management through strong reduction and recycling practices, improve water conservation via rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, and prioritize green procurement by sourcing eco-friendly products and materials. Aster will also invest in carbon accounting and energy monitoring technologies to track and accelerate its decarbonization efforts. Internal sustainability workshops, employee initiatives, and community awareness campaigns will also be rolled out as part of its broader climate action program.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “At Aster, our mission to ‘care for all’ naturally extends to the planet as climate change directly impacts health. Our decision to join the Race to Zero campaign is driven by our core belief that healthcare must include nurturing the environment that sustains us all. By joining the campaign, we are taking a significant step towards embedding sustainability into our operations and setting a benchmark for responsible healthcare”.

The Race to Zero campaign, backed by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, brings together over 16,000 non-state actors across sectors worldwide, all committed to halving emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050.