Category: Health

  • A rare congenital heart defect meets a modern surgical solution at BM Birla Heart Hospital

    Dr Amanul Haque explains how Cone Repair helped restore normal heart function for a young woman with Ebstein anomaly

    Kolkata, January 2026: A rare congenital heart condition affecting fewer than one per cent of patients worldwide was successfully treated through advanced cardiac surgery at BM Birla Heart Hospital, offering a renewed quality of life to a young woman who had struggled with persistent symptoms for years.
    The 32 year old patient, a resident of Kolkata, had been experiencing worsening breathlessness and frequent palpitations for nearly two years. Despite undergoing a hole in the heart closure procedure in 2022, her symptoms did not resolve, prompting further evaluation. Detailed cardiac investigations later confirmed Ebstein anomaly, a complex congenital defect marked by abnormal positioning of the tricuspid valve, severe valve leakage, and enlargement of the right side of the heart.

    Given the patient’s age and progressive symptoms, surgical intervention became essential. The cardiac surgery team, led by Amanul Haque, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at BM Birla Heart Hospital, opted for the Cone Repair procedure, an advanced technique designed to reconstruct the patient’s own tricuspid valve rather than replacing it with an artificial implant.
    During the surgery, the malformed valve leaflets were carefully mobilised, reshaped into a cone like structure, and reattached to the true valve annulus. This approach restored near normal valve anatomy and function while correcting the severe leakage. By preserving the patient’s native valve tissue, the procedure significantly reduced the likelihood of future reoperations and avoided long term complications commonly associated with artificial valves.

    Explaining the rationale behind the approach, Dr Amanul Haque said the Cone Repair allows surgeons to restore the valve almost anatomically while maintaining durability over time. He noted that for younger patients, preserving the natural valve tissue plays a critical role in achieving better long term outcomes and sustaining normal cardiac function.
    Following the surgery, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in heart performance. Her breathlessness reduced significantly, exercise tolerance improved, and recovery progressed without complications. She is now preparing to return to an active and unrestricted lifestyle.

    The case highlights how specialised surgical expertise, combined with patient centred decision making, can deliver meaningful outcomes even in rare and complex congenital heart conditions. It also reflects BM Birla Heart Hospital’s continued focus on advanced cardiac care supported by precision surgery and compassionate clinical practice.
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  • ₹200 crore expansion signals push into mobility aids as Tiger Shroff joins Leeford Healthcare

    Director Neha Gupta details the company’s investment plans and explains how Tiger Shroff’s association supports wider adoption of orthopedic and mobility aids

    Leeford Healthcare Limited has announced a planned investment of ₹200 crore over the next three years to expand its Orthopedic and Mobility Aids division, marking a focused push into India’s growing preventive healthcare and rehabilitation segment. As part of this expansion, the company has appointed actor and fitness icon Tiger Shroff as brand ambassador for the category.
    The investment will be directed toward upgrading manufacturing capabilities, expanding product development, strengthening clinical engagement, and increasing retail and digital reach across urban and rural markets. India’s orthopedic supports and mobility aids segment is currently valued at around ₹2,500 crore annually and is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, driven by lifestyle-related conditions, sports injuries, and an ageing population.

    According to Neha Gupta, Director at Leeford Healthcare Limited, a significant portion of the investment will be used to modernise manufacturing facilities and strengthen domestic production under the Make in India framework. Additional funds will be allocated to marketing, distribution expansion, and deeper penetration into smaller towns and emerging markets.
    The company’s orthopedic and mobility aids portfolio currently includes 32 products such as posture correctors, lumbar belts, knee caps, cervical collars, and sports recovery supports. Leeford plans to expand this range to 50 products by the end of FY 2026–27, with new launches focused on prevention, rehabilitation, and sports wellness.

    The appointment of Tiger Shroff coincides with the launch of the nationwide ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ campaign, which positions orthopedic and mobility aids as part of everyday movement and long-term physical care rather than only post-injury solutions. The campaign aims to encourage wider acceptance of preventive supports among younger consumers as well as older populations managing mobility concerns.
    Leeford Healthcare Limited manufactures its orthopedic and mobility products at its WHO-GMP and ISO-certified facility in Ludhiana and currently distributes them across more than one lakh retail outlets. The company plans to double this footprint over the next two years, supported by expansion across e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

    By combining increased investment, wider distribution, and a high-visibility brand association, the company is seeking to reposition orthopedic and mobility aids as accessible, mass-market products aligned with everyday health and movement needs across India.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Early detection remains a challenge as thyroid disorders continue to go undiagnosed in India

    The School of Medicine at St. George’s University highlights the scale of thyroid conditions in India and the importance of routine screening during Thyroid Awareness Month

    Thyroid disorders continue to remain widely undiagnosed in India, despite affecting a significant portion of the population. During Thyroid Awareness Month, the St. George’s University School of Medicine has drawn attention to the scale of the issue and the need for routine screening to enable earlier diagnosis and timely care.
    Medical estimates suggest that more than 42 million Indians live with some form of thyroid disorder, placing India among the highest burden countries globally. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the most common conditions, yet many individuals remain unaware of their status due to symptoms that are often subtle, gradual, or mistaken for everyday health concerns. Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair thinning, menstrual irregularities, and mood fluctuations frequently go unlinked to thyroid dysfunction, resulting in delayed diagnosis.

    Healthcare experts note that the absence of early detection can lead to long term complications. Untreated thyroid disorders are associated with increased risks of infertility, cardiovascular disease, metabolic imbalance, and reduced quality of life. Early identification through simple blood tests allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the likelihood of secondary complications.
    Routine thyroid function tests are commonly recommended for adults over the age of 35, individuals with a family history of thyroid disease, and those experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms. These tests measure hormone levels and can identify dysfunction before more serious effects develop. Preventive health practices such as maintaining balanced iodine intake, managing stress, following a stable diet, and avoiding unregulated supplements are also considered supportive measures.

    The School of Medicine at St. George’s University emphasises that awareness and education play a central role in improving detection rates. Through its medical training programmes, the institution focuses on helping future doctors recognise early and less obvious indicators of endocrine disorders, including thyroid related conditions. Clinical exposure and structured learning are designed to prepare graduates to approach diagnosis with greater attentiveness to symptom patterns that might otherwise be overlooked.

    By highlighting thyroid health during January, the university aims to encourage individuals to seek screening when symptoms persist and to include thyroid testing as part of routine health checks. Medical educators stress that greater public understanding, combined with preventive care and early medical consultation, can help reduce the long standing gap between the prevalence of thyroid disorders and their diagnosis in India.
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  • A complex tongue cancer case deemed inoperable elsewhere is treated successfully at MGM Cancer Institute

    Dr. M. A. Raja and Dr. Sivaram Ganesamoni explain how chemotherapy, extensive surgery, and reconstruction enabled disease control in a 41 year old patient

    A 41 year old man with advanced tongue cancer, previously assessed as inoperable at multiple centres, has been treated successfully following a multi stage clinical approach at MGM Cancer Institute in Chennai. The case involved an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma with extensive spread across the anterior tongue, floor of the mouth, and extension up to the hyoid bone.
    The patient, a known smoker, presented with a persistent ulcer and abnormal growth on the tongue. Clinical examination and biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, a common but potentially aggressive form of oral cancer. Further assessment using whole body PET imaging revealed deep vertical tumour extension, measuring approximately 5 × 3 centimetres, involving critical anatomical structures, leading to earlier assessments of inoperability.

    Given the advanced stage of the disease and the patient’s relatively young age, the multidisciplinary tumour board at MGM Cancer Institute recommended neoadjuvant chemotherapy as the first step. According to Dr. M. A. Raja, Director and Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology, the aim of administering chemotherapy before surgery was to reduce tumour volume and improve the feasibility of definitive surgical management. After two cycles of chemotherapy, follow up PET scans demonstrated a good partial response, allowing the team to reconsider surgical intervention.
    The patient subsequently underwent a complex composite resection procedure. This included complete removal of the anterior portion of the tongue, resection of the entire floor of the mouth, removal of the affected segment of the mandible, and excision of the hyoid bone. The objective was to achieve complete removal of all cancer involved tissue in a single, comprehensive operation.

    Following tumour removal, reconstructive surgery was performed to restore structure and function. Using a free anterolateral thigh flap, healthy tissue was harvested from the patient’s left thigh and transplanted to reconstruct the tongue and oral cavity. This technique enabled restoration of form while supporting swallowing and speech functions post recovery.
    According to Dr. Sivaram Ganesamoni, Head of Department and Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology, the case demonstrated the importance of coordinated, multimodality care. He noted that close collaboration between medical oncology, surgical oncology, and reconstructive surgery was essential in managing a case of this complexity.

    Postoperatively, the patient underwent radiation therapy to address any residual microscopic disease and reduce the risk of recurrence. At follow up, the patient was reported to be disease free and has returned to routine daily activities.
    The case underscores how advances in chemotherapy, surgical techniques, and reconstruction, when combined through a multidisciplinary approach, can expand treatment options even in advanced oral cancer cases previously considered beyond surgical management.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • Healthcare moves closer to anticipation than diagnosis with the launch of Sovaaka

    Sovaaka, introduced by Dr. Lal PathLabs in Gurugram, brings diagnostics, imaging, and personalised programmes together under a preventive care model

    Healthcare in India is steadily shifting from reactive treatment toward early insight and prevention, and the launch of Sovaaka reflects this transition in approach. Introduced in Gurugram by Dr. Lal PathLabs, the new Diagnostic Experience Centre is designed to place anticipation and long term wellness at the centre of personal healthcare decisions.
    Built around the philosophy of Science Behind Wellness, Sovaaka brings together precision diagnostics, advanced imaging, and clinical expertise to support preventive and lifestyle focused care. The centre moves beyond routine health checks by offering structured, diagnostics led programmes that help individuals understand health risks early and respond with informed, timely action.

    The launch event was attended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, underscoring the growing importance of preventive healthcare within India’s evolving health ecosystem. The centre positions itself as a destination for individuals seeking a deeper, more comprehensive view of their health rather than episodic testing.
    Sovaaka’s personalised programmes are designed around age, gender, and lifestyle factors. Its doctor curated offerings include dedicated wellness pathways for women and men, supported by high sensitivity blood panels, genetic testing, AI assisted imaging, and digitally integrated health records. These elements are brought together through clinical evaluation and tailored nutrition guidance, allowing individuals to track and understand their health trajectory over time.

    Speaking on the shift in healthcare thinking, Arvind Lal, Executive Chairman of Dr. Lal PathLabs, said that diagnostics is now moving beyond disease detection toward disease prediction. He highlighted the role of early screening and science led wellness in addressing the silent rise of lifestyle related and non communicable diseases across the population.
    The centre is equipped with low dose CT, 1.5T MRI, DEXA scanning, genetic analysis facilities, and an extensive range of routine and advanced blood tests. This integrated infrastructure is aimed at delivering faster turnaround times while enabling a more personalised and holistic evaluation of health.

    From an operational perspective, Shankha Banerjee, CEO of Dr. Lal PathLabs, said the intent behind Sovaaka was to reimagine how preventive healthcare is delivered. By bringing diagnostics, advanced imaging, and lifestyle based programmes under one roof, the centre is positioned as a long term wellness partner rather than a single visit facility.
    The launch of Sovaaka comes at a time when India’s preventive health and wellness segment is witnessing strong momentum, driven by rising awareness, changing lifestyles, and an increased emphasis on early detection. With this initiative, Dr. Lal PathLabs strengthens its role in expanding access to evidence backed preventive care, offering individuals the tools to understand their health better and take action before illness takes hold.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Chennai’ Hospital Begins Clinical Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation 

    VS Hospitals has introduced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive therapy used internationally for neurological and psychiatric care.

    A hospital in Chennai has begun the clinical use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the treatment of selected neurological and psychiatric conditions. VS Hospitals has added the non-invasive brain stimulation therapy to its neurology and pain management services, expanding treatment options for patients with conditions that have shown limited response to conventional care.
    Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, commonly referred to as TMS, is a technique that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain. The therapy does not involve surgery, injections, anaesthesia, or radiation. Instead, a magnetic coil is positioned over the scalp to deliver controlled pulses at an intensity calibrated individually for each patient. The procedure is conducted on an outpatient basis.

    According to clinicians at VS Hospitals, the therapy is being applied in cases of post-stroke motor weakness and speech impairment, chronic neuropathic pain, migraine and headache disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and certain forms of dementia. It is also being used in psychiatric care for conditions such as major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety, where standard medication-based treatment has produced limited results.
    The TMS facility was inaugurated in the presence of senior leadership and clinicians from the hospital, including Muthu Subramanian, Executive Director, Prassanna, Group Chief Operating Officer, L Sindhuja, Senior Consultant Neurologist, and S Sundar, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director.

    Dr. Sindhuja said that TMS is particularly relevant for patients whose recovery from neurological conditions has been slow or incomplete despite medication and rehabilitation. She explained that the therapy works by stimulating neural pathways that have remained inactive or under-responsive following injury or disease. Each session typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, during which patients remain seated or lying comfortably. After the session, patients are able to resume normal daily activities without observation or recovery time.
    During treatment, patients may experience a mild tapping sensation on the scalp or brief muscle movement, which clinicians describe as expected and temporary. Hospital officials noted that the therapy has a strong safety record internationally and is widely used in neurological and psychiatric practice across multiple countries.

    In addition to TMS, VS Hospitals has also introduced magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation as part of its non-invasive pain management offerings. This technique uses a handheld magnetic coil placed externally over affected areas to stimulate peripheral nerves and muscles. It is being used for conditions such as sciatica, nerve injury related muscle weakness, chronic musculoskeletal pain, foot drop, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
    Hospital representatives said the addition of brain and peripheral nerve stimulation therapies reflects a broader shift toward non-invasive, targeted interventions in neurological care. These treatments are intended to complement, rather than replace, existing medical and rehabilitative approaches.

    With the introduction of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, VS Hospitals joins a growing number of medical centres globally that are incorporating brain stimulation techniques into routine clinical practice. For patients in Chennai, the therapy adds another option within the city for managing complex neurological and psychiatric conditions that require long-term care.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Anytime Fitness expands its Maharashtra footprint with new Palm Beach club in Mumbai 

    Led by franchise partner Bhavya Singh Chaturvedi, the new club highlights the brand’s FOFO growth model and expanding urban wellness demand

    Anytime Fitness expanded its presence in Maharashtra with the launch of a new club at Palm Beach in Mumbai, marking another step in the brand’s steady growth across the West region. With this opening, Anytime Fitness India now operates seven clubs across the state, reflecting a rising preference among urban communities for accessible and flexible fitness environments.
    The Palm Beach club is led by franchise partner Bhavya Singh Chaturvedi, who marked a personal milestone with the launch of his second Anytime Fitness centre. His earlier club in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, laid the foundation for this expansion, underscoring confidence in the brand’s Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated model and its scalability across diverse urban markets.

    The new facility has been designed to support a wide range of fitness needs, offering round the clock access along with modern training infrastructure. Members have access to advanced gym equipment, personal training led by certified professionals, group fitness sessions, and dedicated functional training zones. The club also integrates digital tools such as body composition analysis and the Anytime Fitness app, enabling members to track progress and access training support beyond the gym floor.
    Speaking on the expansion, Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness India, said the West region continues to play a significant role in the brand’s growth journey. He noted that Maharashtra has shown a consistent and mature appetite for structured fitness solutions that balance convenience with a holistic approach to wellness. According to him, reaching seven clubs in the state reflects the trust placed in the brand by both members and franchise partners.

    He also highlighted that the opening of Bhavya Singh Chaturvedi’s second club reinforces the strength of the FOFO model, where long term partnerships and operational consistency remain central to expansion. The focus, he said, remains on creating welcoming fitness spaces that are accessible at all hours and support the development of sustainable health routines.
    Since entering India in 2013, Anytime Fitness has grown to more than 175 clubs nationwide, establishing itself as a prominent player in the organised fitness segment. Beyond physical infrastructure, the brand has also built community driven initiatives such as FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, aimed at encouraging active lifestyles and deeper member engagement.

    The launch of the Palm Beach club aligns with Anytime Fitness India’s broader expansion roadmap, which includes plans to reach 500 clubs across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities over the next five years. As urban demand for flexible and inclusive fitness options continues to grow, the brand’s 24 by 7 model and community focused approach remain central to its long term strategy.
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  • According to Dr Anil Kumar, Eureka Forbes, India’s Air Pollution Problem Does Not Stop at the Door 

    The Eureka Forbes scientist explains how winter smog seeps into homes and why indoor air protection has become unavoidable for families.

    According to Dr Anil Kumar, India’s air pollution crisis does not end when people step indoors. During the winter months, air quality across major Indian cities deteriorates sharply, with Air Quality Index readings frequently moving into poor and hazardous ranges. While the health risks of outdoor pollution are widely discussed, the condition of indoor air remains poorly understood, despite the fact that most individuals spend the majority of their time inside homes, offices, schools, and hospitals.
    High AQI levels are associated with a range of immediate and long term health effects. Exposure to polluted air can cause irritation of the eyes and throat, persistent coughing, breathlessness, and fatigue. For individuals with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or heart disease, these effects can intensify rapidly. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable, as their respiratory systems are either still developing or already compromised. What often goes unnoticed is that indoor spaces offer limited protection during severe pollution episodes.

    Dr Anil Kumar explains that polluted outdoor air routinely enters indoor environments through open windows, doors, ventilation systems, and even structural gaps. Once inside, these pollutants combine with indoor contaminants such as dust, pet dander, cooking fumes, incense smoke, and chemical residues from cleaning products. Unlike outdoor air, which is dispersed by wind and atmospheric movement, indoor air tends to remain trapped, allowing harmful particles to accumulate over time.
    This accumulation is especially concerning in urban households during winter, when windows are kept closed for longer periods and air circulation is reduced. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, poses the greatest risk. These microscopic particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, contributing to respiratory distress, inflammation, and cardiovascular strain. Dr Anil Kumar notes that indoor PM2.5 levels can, in some cases, rival or exceed outdoor concentrations during peak pollution periods.

    In this context, the focus on clean indoor air has shifted from being a lifestyle choice to a public health requirement. Dr Anil Kumar points out that air purifiers equipped with high efficiency particulate air filtration are capable of removing a substantial portion of fine particulate matter from enclosed spaces. When used correctly, such devices can bring measurable improvements in indoor air quality within a short period, easing breathing discomfort and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
    He emphasises that the benefits of cleaner indoor air extend beyond immediate respiratory relief. Improved air quality has been linked to better sleep, fewer allergy related symptoms, and improved overall wellbeing. For households with children, elderly family members, or individuals with respiratory sensitivities, maintaining clean indoor air can significantly reduce health risks during prolonged pollution episodes.

    Dr Anil Kumar also stresses that the effectiveness of air purification depends on informed usage. Selecting a purifier appropriate for the size of the room, operating it consistently during high pollution days, and maintaining filters as recommended are essential for achieving meaningful results. Sporadic or incorrect use limits the potential health benefits and creates a false sense of protection.
    While indoor air protection offers immediate relief, Dr Anil Kumar is clear that it cannot replace the need for broader environmental action. Long term improvement in air quality requires coordinated efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, regulate industrial pollution, manage construction dust, expand urban green cover, and enforce environmental standards consistently. Until such measures yield tangible results, households remain exposed to daily air quality risks.

    He underscores that clean air should be viewed with the same seriousness as access to safe drinking water and proper nutrition. As awareness of indoor pollution grows, more families are beginning to recognise the importance of addressing the air they breathe within their own living spaces. Education, informed decision making, and reliance on scientifically validated technologies are central to this shift.
    According to Dr Anil Kumar, protecting indoor air is not about alarmism, but about responding responsibly to present conditions. With air pollution likely to remain a persistent challenge in the near future, taking steps to safeguard indoor environments is one of the most practical ways families can reduce health risks today.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
  • International Spine and Pain Cadaver Workshop Completes 20th Edition in Noida at NIIMS Medical College 

    Mentored by Dr Neeraj Jain, the programme at NIIMS Medical College and Yashoda Medicity brought together pain physicians for structured cadaver based learning.

    The International Spine and Pain Cadaver Workshop completed its 20th edition in Noida at NIIMS Medical College, marking a significant academic milestone in the field of pain medicine. Organised in association with Yashoda Medicity, the eight day programme brought together pain physicians from across India and overseas for intensive academic engagement and hands on clinical training.
    The workshop was conducted under the mentorship of Dr Neeraj Jain, an internationally recognised pain specialist, who has now completed twenty consecutive editions of this training initiative. Designed as a live cum cadaver based learning programme, the workshop focused on strengthening anatomical understanding and procedural accuracy in spine and pain interventions, with the larger aim of reducing avoidable surgical treatments in chronic pain care.

    Delegates from multiple countries participated in the programme, reinforcing its standing as an international academic platform for pain medicine. The structure of the workshop combined classroom discussions, live demonstrations, and cadaver based practice sessions, allowing participants to observe, understand, and perform advanced pain intervention techniques under expert supervision.
    A key component of the programme was the cadaveric training conducted at the facilities of Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences. These sessions offered participants direct exposure to complex spinal anatomy and interventional procedures, enabling a clearer understanding of nerve pathways, injection precision, and risk minimisation. Such training is considered essential in pain medicine, where anatomical accuracy directly influences patient outcomes.

    Speaking during the workshop, Dr Neeraj Jain described the completion of the twentieth edition as a meaningful professional milestone. He stated that the central purpose of the programme has always been to equip pain physicians with detailed anatomical knowledge, evidence based techniques, and practical confidence so that chronic pain conditions can be managed effectively without unnecessary surgical intervention. He emphasised that continuous skill upgradation through structured training is critical to building a responsible and patient focused pain care ecosystem.
    The academic sessions also benefited from the involvement of Dr Shantanu Mallik, who played an active role in training faculty members and delegates throughout the programme. His contribution added depth to discussions on procedural approaches, case selection, and clinical decision making in pain management practice.

    Faculty members from Yashoda Medicity contributed extensively to the workshop’s academic content. Dr Sunil Sharma, Dr Rajshree, and Dr Rakhi Goyal shared clinical insights drawn from their institutional experience, addressing real world challenges faced by pain physicians in outpatient and hospital settings. Their sessions focused on practical applications, complication management, and patient safety.
    Addressing the institutional support behind the programme, Dr Ranjit Ghuliani, MS, NIIMS, expressed gratitude to the leadership of Noida International University for enabling the successful conduct of the workshop. He acknowledged Dr Devesh Kumar Singh, Chairman of the university, and Dr Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor, for fostering an academic environment that supports international level medical training initiatives.

    Dr Ghuliani also recognised the administrative role played by Raj Vardhan Dixit, noting that his guidance and operational support were instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of the eight day programme. He stated that such initiatives reinforce the institution’s long term commitment to advanced medical education and hands on clinical training.
    The workshop addressed the growing relevance of pain medicine as a dedicated clinical specialty. Medical experts at the programme noted that chronic pain conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, knee pain, and degenerative joint disorders are increasingly reported across age groups. With non surgical pain management gaining wider acceptance, pain physicians are becoming central to multidisciplinary care pathways.

    By focusing on non surgical interventions and precise anatomical techniques, the International Spine and Pain Cadaver Workshop reinforced the importance of specialised training in improving patient outcomes. Participants noted that cadaver based learning provides a level of clarity and confidence that cannot be achieved through theory alone.
    Workshops conducted regularly by Dr Neeraj Jain have contributed steadily to the professional development of pain specialists while also promoting greater awareness of modern pain management options within the medical community. The completion of the twentieth edition in Noida adds to this continuing academic effort, positioning structured training as a cornerstone of responsible pain care.

    The programme concluded with a shared emphasis on continued learning, ethical practice, and collaboration across institutions to address the rising burden of chronic pain through clinically sound and patient focused approaches.
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  • As Burnout Rises Across India, AiR Calls for a Return to Stillness Through Pause for Happpiness 

    Backed by national stress and anxiety data, the initiative runs through January 2026 and promotes short, intentional pauses as a response to India’s widening mental health gap.

    India enters the new year carrying a growing burden of stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue that cuts across age groups and professions. Against this backdrop, AiR, also known as Atman in Ravi, has introduced “Pause for Happpiness”, a nationwide initiative that asks a simple but increasingly rare question: what happens when people intentionally stop, even for a few seconds, in the middle of their day.
    The campaign emerges at a time when multiple indicators point to a widening mental health gap in the country. India’s ranking in the World Happiness Report remains low, while surveys continue to highlight high levels of chronic stress, workplace burnout, and anxiety among students and urban professionals. Despite this, access to care remains uneven, and conversations around everyday emotional well-being are often overshadowed by productivity-driven narratives.

    Rather than positioning happiness as an end goal tied to success or external achievement, “Pause for Happpiness” reframes it as a behavioural practice rooted in daily awareness. Central to the initiative is AiR’s concept of happpiness, intentionally spelled with three Ps to reflect pleasure, peace, and purpose. In this framing, pleasure relates to achievement, peace to fulfilment, and purpose to inner clarity, with balance across all three seen as essential to sustained well-being.
    The initiative draws on research suggesting that short mindful pauses, including conscious breathing and moments of stillness, can reduce stress responses and improve emotional regulation. By focusing on brief, repeatable actions rather than extended retreats or specialised practices, the campaign positions mental calm as something accessible within ordinary routines, whether in traffic, at work, or between daily responsibilities.

    At the heart of the movement is the idea of what AiR describes as creating an inner atmosphere. This involves stepping out of habitual reactivity and tuning into internal cues that often go unnoticed. The approach does not advocate withdrawal from daily life but encourages individuals to engage with it more deliberately, allowing decisions and responses to emerge from steadiness rather than pressure.
    “Pause for Happpiness” will run through January 2026 and is designed to reach people through digital platforms, educational institutions, podcasts, and community networks. A central launch film narrated by AiR illustrates everyday scenarios where a moment of pause alters the emotional tone of an experience. These moments, portrayed not as dramatic transformations but as subtle shifts, underline the campaign’s emphasis on realism over idealism.

    Speaking about the philosophy behind the initiative, AiR has emphasised that happiness is not something to be chased but experienced when the mind and heart are aligned. According to him, even a brief pause can disrupt cycles of stress, creating space for gratitude, clarity, and emotional resilience. The campaign’s messaging consistently returns to this idea, positioning stillness as a skill rather than an escape.
    The urgency of such interventions is underscored by data showing rising anxiety levels among urban youth and professionals, alongside persistent stigma surrounding mental health support. By encouraging self-regulation through simple practices, the initiative seeks to complement, rather than replace, clinical approaches, offering a starting point for individuals who may otherwise remain disengaged from conversations around mental health.
    Over the coming weeks, AiR plans to expand the initiative through workshops, digital challenges, and collaborations with wellness advocates. The broader aim is to normalise the act of pausing as part of daily life, shifting the perception of well-being from an occasional pursuit to a continuous practice.
    As India grapples with the social and emotional consequences of constant acceleration, “Pause for Happpiness” introduces a counter-narrative. It suggests that amidst noise, pressure, and expectation, the most meaningful change may begin not with doing more, but with learning when and how to stop.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedInInstagram, and YouTub