Mumbai / Kolkata, April 29, 2025 – At an age when most people are expected to slow down, an 85–year–old man has redefined what it means to fight for life. Frail in appearance but strong in spirit, the long-term dialysis patient arrived at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, unconscious and battling an acute brain haemorrhage—his survival chances slim. Yet today, he is awake, speaking, and standing with support, preparing to return home. His story is a powerful testament to modern medicine, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the unyielding will to live, proving that age, however advanced, is no longer a limit to recovery.

A known hypertensive with prior cardiac stenting and chronic kidney disease (stage 5 dialysis–dependent), and a history of seizure-related hospitalizations, the patient had already weathered numerous health storms. His condition took a sudden and alarming turn when he lost consciousness at home.  On arrival, doctors noted that one of his pupils was dilated — an ominous sign — prompting immediate action.

Upon arrival at the hospital, a CT scan revealed a massive acute subdural haemorrhage—an internal brain bleed that had plunged him into a coma. Given his critical condition, compounded by chronic kidney disease requiring regular dialysis and the use of antiplatelet medication, which is known to significantly heighten bleeding risks, the outlook was bleak. Nevertheless, after extensive discussions with the family, the medical team decided to fight for his life.

Led by Dr. Nirup Datta, Consultant – Neurosurgery, high-risk, two-hour decompressive craniotomy was performed the same day under the observance of Dr. Ritesh Kauntia, Consultant, Nephrology, Transplant Physician, and Dr. Prakhar Gyanesh, Consultant, Anaesthesiology.

“The surgery was a race against time,” said Dr. Nirup Datta, Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, who led the neurosurgical team. “There were so many variables stacked against him. Given his advanced age, chronic kidney disease, dual antiplatelet therapy, and poor neurological status, the surgery carried extreme risks. However, we believed he deserved a fighting chance, so we gave it everything.  Luckily, the patient’s family also supported our decision after we explained the risks to them. We removed a large clot and preserved the bone flap in his abdomen for future replacement.”

The days following surgery were fraught with complications. The patient developed a serious infection and went into septic shock, requiring intensive critical care, close renal monitoring, and advanced antibiotic support. A tracheostomy was considered but ultimately avoided, thanks to his gradual improvement and successful early extubation—a crucial milestone in reducing recovery time and complications.

Dr. Ritesh Kauntia, Consultant – Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria stated, “Managing dialysis in such a critically ill patient was extremely challenging. His kidneys needed ongoing support, even as his body fought the infection and trauma. Close coordination between the neurology, nephrology, and critical care teams ensured continuity of care at every step. Despite the odds, the patient slowly began to show signs of progress—first regaining consciousness, then following simple commands, and later attempting to speak. With sustained physiotherapy and medical support, he regained enough strength to sit up and stand with assistance.”

Dr. Prakhar Gyanesh, Consultant, Anaesthesiology, stated, “Because of his chronic kidney disease and dialysis dependency, we could only administer about a third of the usual medications safely. Managing this delicate balance between treating his brain injury and protecting his kidneys was immensely challenging — but essential. Despite all limitations, his spirit pulled him through.”

Despite his frailty and high risk of re-bleeding (due to antiplatelet medications), the patient recovered enough to stand with support and breathe spontaneously without assistance. He was discharged after 14 days with a structured homecare plan: ongoing dialysis thrice weekly, regular physiotherapy, and scheduled follow-ups. A second surgery to replace the bone flap is planned after two months, once his condition stabilizes further. This extraordinary case stands as a beacon of hope for families of elderly patients, showcasing that even the most fragile lives can bounce back with the right care.

New Delhi, April 29, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Indian healthcare, Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) (AHPI), has been awarded the IMC Juran Medal, one of the most esteemed honours in the field of quality management. With this recognition, Dr Gyani joins an elite circle of Indian visionaries who have previously received the medal, including Mr Mukesh Ambani, Dr Devi Shetty, Mr Anand Mahindra, Mr. Ratan Tata, Mr Narayana Murthy, Mr Azim Premji, Dr Jamshed Irani, Mr K. Sivan, Mr N. Chandrasekaran, and Dr Sudha Murthy. Dr Gyani’s tireless efforts in promoting healthcare quality and patient safety have now been recognized on the global stage, marking a proud milestone not only for him but for the entire Indian healthcare community.

Often referred to as the Pioneer of Healthcare Quality in India, Dr Gyani has dedicated his life to building a healthcare system rooted in trust, transparency, and patient-centric care. He is the architect behind the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)—a landmark initiative under the Quality Council of India that brought international quality standards into Indian healthcare. Recognised globally by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), NABH has empowered healthcare organisations to prioritise clinical excellence and continuous improvement, ultimately raising the bar for patient safety and service delivery.

Today, as Director General of AHPI, Dr Gyani continues to lead with vision and purpose. AHPI represents over 20,000 hospitals across India and is committed to building capacity in national healthcare system that ensures universal access to safe, ethical, and affordable care. The association actively works with policymakers, state governments, and healthcare providers to shape reforms in areas such as infrastructure, insurance, medical regulation, and digital health.

Reflecting on the honour, Dr Girdhar Gyani said, “This recognition is not just a personal milestone—it is a tribute to the idea that quality and safety must be at the heart of healthcare. When we created NABH, the goal was to establish a framework that patients could trust. Through AHPI, that mission has evolved into a broader movement—one that focuses on advocacy, education, and equity in care. We are working to build a healthier India where no one is left behind, and every citizen has access to quality healthcare.”

Under Dr Gyani’s leadership, AHPI has grown into one of the most influential voices in Indian healthcare. It serves as a platform for collaboration, driving meaningful change by uniting providers and guiding them toward ethical, efficient, and patient-focused care.

Adding to the celebration, Mr Neeraj Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto Ltd CMD, Mukund Ltd, remarked, “Dr Gyani’s work is a masterclass in healthcare leadership. From setting national quality standards to empowering thousands of institutions, his vision has consistently emphasised people over process, ethics over expediency. The IMC Juran Medal not only honours his past achievements—it reinforces the critical role he continues to play in shaping the future of healthcare in India.”

This recognition reaffirms that healthcare transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires visionary leadership, system-wide collaboration, and a relentless focus on quality. Dr Gyani’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when those forces come together.