Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, has been awarded the prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification by the American Heart Association (AHA). This recognition signifies that the hospital meets the highest global standards in stroke care, including rapid emergency response, dedicated stroke teams, advanced diagnostics, and critical care.

The CSC certification from AHA is considered the gold standard in stroke management, requiring hospitals to adhere to rigorous criteria. By achieving this milestone, Apollo Hospitals reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class healthcare, ensuring patients receive prompt and effective stroke treatment.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized that the certification guarantees the fastest and most accurate care protocols, significantly improving patient recovery outcomes. Dr. Imron Subhan, Head of Emergency Medicine, and V. Tejesvi Rao, CEO of Apollo Hospitals – Telangana Region, commended the hospital’s caregivers for their dedication in securing this certification.

This achievement further strengthens Apollo Hospitals’ position as a leader in emergency and stroke care in India. The hospital remains focused on advancing medical excellence, providing cutting-edge treatment, and enhancing patient survival and recovery rates through its specialized stroke management program.

The Rotary Club of Lake District, in collaboration with Premier Energies, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Paediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at NIMS Millennium Block, Punjagutta. Funded under Premier Energies’ CSR Programme, this initiative marks a significant step in improving paediatric epilepsy care in Telangana. The facility, built at a cost exceeding Rs 2.5 crore, is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies to provide world-class care for children with epilepsy and neurological disorders.

The inauguration event was attended by distinguished guests, including Daniel Himelspach, Rotary International President’s Representative from the USA, Sharath Choudary, District Governor 3150 Telangana, Surender Pal Singh, Chairman of Premier Energies, and Dr. Bheerappa Nagari, Director of NIMS.

Speaking at the event, Rotary District Governor Sharath Choudary emphasized the importance of ensuring that no child is deprived of quality medical care due to financial constraints. Daniel Himelspach highlighted that such initiatives reflect the Rotary Club’s dedication to sustainable healthcare and social welfare. Rotary Governor Nominee AKS Uday Pilani added that Rotary serves as a bridge between the government and public services, addressing last-mile healthcare challenges.

Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai, has introduced the MISSO robotic system for knee and hip replacement surgeries, enhancing precision, minimizing pain, and accelerating recovery for patients with joint conditions.

The hospital recently performed its first robotic total knee replacement on a 76-year-old woman with severe arthritis. Remarkably, she was able to walk within two hours of surgery, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in improving recovery outcomes.

Dr. Deepak Gautam, Director of Orthopedics at Medicover Hospital, highlighted the growing prevalence of knee and hip issues due to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, arthritis, and injuries. He emphasized that robotic-assisted surgery ensures greater accuracy, reduced complications, and faster rehabilitation compared to traditional methods. According to him, 10%-20% of patients with severe pain require joint replacements, while 2%-3% may need revision surgeries.

Dr. Nikhil, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, stated that this technology will benefit Navi Mumbai residents by enabling quicker recovery, reduced pain, and improved mobility.

Explaining the advanced features of the system, Dr. Mataprasad Gupta, Centre Head, noted that the MISSO Ortho Surgical Robot utilizes 3D imaging to enhance precision, preserve soft tissues, and optimize implant positioning. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce complications and improve post-surgical outcomes for patients.

Bionano Genomics, and Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) have announced a groundbreaking study published in Genome Research that utilizes optical genome mapping (OGM) to explore the genetic landscape of neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs, among the most common and severe congenital conditions affecting the central nervous system, have an estimated genetic component in 60-70% of cases. However, current diagnostic methods such as karyotyping (KT), chromosomal microarray (CMA), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) detect pathogenic variants in only 8% of cases, highlighting the need for improved genetic analysis techniques.

In this study, OGM was used to analyze structural variants (SVs) in a cohort of 104 NTD cases. Key findings include:

• Pathogenic SVs were detected in 8% (8/104) of cases, aligning with previous findings from KT, CMA, and NGS.

• Likely pathogenic SVs affecting known NTD-related genes were found in 13% (14/104) of cases.

• SVs affecting genes associated with NTDs in mouse models were identified in 9% (9/104) of cases, presenting new candidates for further research.

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• Novel NTD candidate genes were identified, including RMND5A, HNRNPC, FOXD4, and RBBP4, while AMER1 and TGIF1 were linked to NTD risk for the first time.

With approximately 300,000 births affected by NTDs globally each year, this study highlights the potential of OGM in uncovering genetic drivers previously undetectable through conventional methods.

Dr. Steve Skinner, CEO of GGC, emphasized the study’s significance in offering hope to families seeking answers beyond environmental factors like folic acid deficiency. Erik Holmlin, CEO of Bionano, noted that OGM’s ability to detect rare structural variants could improve patient management and guide future therapies, marking a major advancement in understanding NTD genetics.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals, a leader in healthcare innovation, has introduced Cadilose, an advanced Lactulose formulation for managing constipation and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This addition to its gastrointestinal portfolio underscores Cadila’s dedication to improving patient care through pharmaceutical advancements.

Cadilose is a disaccharide-based osmotic laxative derived from galactose and fructose. It retains water in the intestines, facilitating smooth bowel movements while also functioning as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Approved by the US FDA, Lactulose has long been a trusted treatment for chronic constipation and HE, a severe liver disease complication. By lowering colonic pH and reducing ammonia absorption, Cadilose helps prevent cognitive impairment associated with HE while supporting overall gastrointestinal health.

Designed for patient comfort, Cadilose offers several compliance-enhancing benefits, including a pleasant lemon flavor, strain-free evacuation, a non-habit-forming formula, and a sugar-free composition, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions. This makes it an ideal option for long-term digestive health management.

Once in the large intestine, Cadilose remains unchanged until colonic bacteria break it down into short-chain fatty acids, lowering colonic pH and reducing ammonia absorption. This increases osmotic pressure, stimulates peristalsis, and enhances stool clearance. In HE management, it converts NH3 (ammonia) into NH4+ (ammonium), which is safely excreted, significantly reducing blood ammonia levels and preventing neurological complications.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals is actively raising awareness about Cadilose through doctor engagement programs, scientific symposiums, and patient education campaigns emphasizing gut health and liver detoxification. With Cadilose, Cadila strengthens its position as a global leader in gastrointestinal and hepatology care, reaffirming its commitment to affordable and effective healthcare solutions for patients worldwide.

Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre, a 47-year-old multi-specialty trust hospital in Masab Tank, Hyderabad, inaugurated its upgraded Cardiology Department on Sunday. The modernization, costing ₹5 crore, was made possible through donor contributions and was developed in collaboration with KIMS Hospital.

The new facility was formally inaugurated by Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, CMD of KIMS Group of Hospitals, and Patil Kantilal Subhas, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South East Zone, Hyderabad. Several trustees, committee members, and hospital staff attended the event.

Dr. Bhaskar Rao emphasized the importance of continuity in trust hospital leadership for effective planning and execution. He highlighted KIMS Hospital’s contribution, including equipment for the cath lab and other critical support. As a trust-run institution, Mahavir Hospital offers cardiology services at half the cost of corporate hospitals. Dr. Rao also proposed creating a ₹1 crore corpus fund, pledging ₹1 crore from KIMS, which encouraged further donor contributions. He advised adopting the Kaizen model for continuous hospital improvement.

Mahendra Ranka, Chairman of the hospital, stated that Mahavir Hospital continuously modernizes its facilities, with cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology now equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The upgraded Cardiology Department features advanced diagnostic tools, including 2D echocardiography, ECG, and treadmill testing, along with consultation rooms, patient wards, and a pharmacy. Plans are also in place to develop a corporate hospital on the hospital’s premises to generate revenue and support affordable healthcare for middle-class families.

Trustee Treasurer Sushil Sancheti shared that the Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Trust has grown to 175 trustees. Since January, the hospital has raised over ₹2.5 crore, with additional CSR funds and commitments. Efforts are underway to achieve NABH and NABL accreditation within a year.

Key donors, including Gautamchand Dungerwal, Mahendra Kumar Ranka, and several others, were honored at the event for their contributions.

Merck  known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, and Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (“Hengrui Pharma”) have entered an exclusive license agreement for HRS-5346, an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor targeting Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). HRS-5346 is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial in China.

Lp(a) is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, affecting approximately 20% of adults globally. “HRS-5346 expands our cardio-metabolic pipeline and complements our ongoing efforts in cardiovascular care,” said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories.

Under the agreement, Merck gains worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-5346, excluding Greater China. Hengrui Pharma will receive a $200 million upfront payment and up to $1.77 billion in milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales if approved.

“We are excited to collaborate with Merck to accelerate HRS-5346’s development and provide patients with a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis,” said Dr. Frank Jiang, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer of Hengrui Pharma.

The transaction, expected to close in Q2 2025, is subject to regulatory approvals. Merck anticipates a $200 million pre-tax charge (approximately $0.06 per share) in the quarter of closure.

Clove Dental, India’s largest dental care provider, proudly announces the opening of its 600th clinic in Gurugram, marking its 14th anniversary. Founded in 2011, Clove Dental has expanded across 26 cities, serving over 3 million patients. This milestone reflects the organization’s commitment to making high-quality dental care accessible nationwide.

The new Gurugram clinic, like all Clove Dental centers, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adheres to stringent safety and hygiene protocols. Patients can access a full spectrum of dental services, including routine check-ups, advanced procedures like laser dentistry, root canal treatments, wisdom teeth removal, braces, aligners, dental implants, crowns, dentures, pediatric dentistry, and gum treatments.

Mr. Louis Shakinovsky, Group Chairman of Global Dental Services, expressed his pride in achieving this ambitious expansion, stating, “Credibility is doing what you say. Clove Dental has proven this convincingly.”

Founder & CEO Mr. Amarinder Singh emphasized Clove Dental’s commitment to transparency, world-class quality control, and the integration of AI-driven sterilization protocols. “We ensure patients are fully informed about treatments and pricing while maintaining complete compliance with the Dental Council of India’s guidelines,” he said.

Lt Gen Dr. Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, highlighted the focus on advanced treatments delivered in a safe and aseptic environment by highly experienced specialists. “Continuous skill upgradation and exceptional patient care define our clinical excellence,” he noted.

Having placed over 55,000 dental implants and treated 35,000 orthodontic cases, Clove Dental remains dedicated to transparency, quality, and patient-centric care. With its growing network, the organization is committed to ensuring healthier smiles across India.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized India’s emergence as a global leader in life sciences and biomanufacturing, highlighting groundbreaking advancements in medical research and cost-effective healthcare. Speaking at an event organized by the "Friends of GMC Jammu" Society, he stressed the need for an integrated ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir to contribute to India's growth story.

Dr. Singh called for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and research institutions to strengthen the biotechnology sector. He highlighted India’s achievements in genomic sequencing, indigenous drug development, and biotech innovations, noting that India’s biomanufacturing sector ranks among the top three in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting global partnerships.

Addressing medico MLAs from Jammu & Kashmir, he acknowledged their contributions to healthcare and governance. As a doctor-turned-politician, Dr. Singh emphasized that medical professionals bring ethics, responsibility, and service-mindedness to leadership roles. He urged them to advocate for healthcare reforms, particularly in rural areas, and leverage their expertise to shape policies improving medical infrastructure.

Dr. Singh underscored the importance of reducing dependence on government-driven solutions by encouraging private sector participation in healthcare. Drawing parallels with the success of India’s space privatization, he advocated for medical research startups, public-private partnerships, and private healthcare facilities to enhance service delivery.

He also praised India's recent medical breakthroughs, including the indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin and pioneering gene therapy for hemophilia. Highlighting genomic sequencing as a game-changer in personalized medicine, he expressed confidence in medico MLAs using their expertise to drive impactful healthcare policies.

The event featured addresses from ‘Friends of GMC Jammu’ founder Prof. TR Raina, Principal GMC Jammu Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, and Prof. Pawan Malhotra.

GSK Singapore has announced the local approval of Omjjara (momelotinib) for adult patients with primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis, or post-essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis who have moderate to severe anaemia. This once-daily, oral JAK1/JAK2 and ACVR1 inhibitor is approved for patients who are JAK inhibitor-naïve or previously treated with ruxolitinib.

Myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, is characterized by progressive anaemia, splenomegaly, and constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and bone pain. Approximately 40% of patients have moderate to severe anaemia at diagnosis, with nearly all developing anaemia over time. Many become transfusion-dependent, leading to poor quality of life and reduced survival. Existing treatments, including JAK inhibitors, have shown limited efficacy in addressing anaemia and can sometimes worsen it.

Dr. Stephanie Ambrose, GSK Singapore Medical Director, emphasized the need for effective treatments for myelofibrosis-related anaemia, stating that the company is committed to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Clinical Professor Goh Yeow Tee from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) highlighted the importance of new treatment options, noting that Singapore sees approximately 30 new cases of myelofibrosis annually. Dr. Daryl Tan of the Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma, and Blood Disorder welcomed Omjjara as a major advancement, addressing all key disease manifestations in a single therapy.

Omjjara’s approval is based on data from the MOMENTUM and SIMPLIFY-1 phase III trials, which demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms, spleen size, and transfusion independence. The most common adverse effects include diarrhoea, thrombocytopaenia, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and cough.