Hyderabad, 16th August 2025: This Independence Day, Sravani Hospitals has launched ‘My Health Challenge‘ — a unique health awareness campaign aimed at inspiring individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle. The challenge combines physical activity, essential health checks, and AI-assisted medical analysis to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Under the campaign Sravani Hospitals is also offering free health checkups for CBP, BP, RBS and ECG from Aug 15th to Aug 25th at their centres.

The campaign was officially launched today by Shri Chettupalli Mallikarjuna, retired Police Officer, mentor, and pillar of the Sravani Hospitals family at Madhapur and by Sri T. Jayapal, a respected businessman at Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB).

My Health Challenge, is about a participant who has to walk 7,000 steps and visit Sravani Hospitals for a BP check, Check Blood Sugar Level (RBS), undergo ECG screening. The participants can collect their Healthy Warrior Certificate if their results are approved by AI Dr. Tara (under expert supervision). Free First Aid Kits are also awarded to lucky draw winners.

Sravani Chettupalli, CEO, Sravani Hospitals, Dr. Naveen Chettupalli, Dr. Prasad Neelam, Dr. J Ravi Kiran, Dr. G. Deepthi, Dr. Rahul Reddy, Dr. Hareesh .T, Dr. Nallapati Sowjanya, Dr. Sudheer Kumar Pothu, Dr. P. Srinivasulu, Dr. Vishvajith from Madhapur and KPHB centres participated in the event.

Speaking about the launch, Mr Chettupalli Mallikarjuna has emphasized that My Health Challenge is not just about checking numbers, but about empowering people to make health a priority and take preventive measures before problems arise.

Sharing her joy about the innovative campaign, Sravani Chettupalli, CEO, Sravani Hospitals said, ” This Independence Day we at Sravani Hospitals are advocating that India will be healthy if we as individuals are healthy and fit. Under our My Health Challenge campaign everyone can avail free tests we are offering at both our centres. We welcome all health warriors to celebrate Independence Day with a healthy life”

By – Dr Alok Modi, Medical Oncologist at HCG Cancer Centre, Indore

Pain is often our body’s first alarm—an instinctive signal that something needs attention. Yet not all pain is loud or immediate. Some discomfort builds slowly, quietly embedding itself into our daily lives. It’s easy to dismiss a dull ache as a result of overexertion, or write off persistent stiffness as part of aging or stress. But occasionally, these seemingly minor issues may point to something more serious.

One such condition is bone cancer—a rare but aggressive disease that often begins with subtle, easily overlooked symptoms. A persistent limp, unexplained fatigue, or a lingering ache that doesn’t respond to rest could be the earliest clues. These quiet hints, though easy to ignore, deserve closer attention—especially when they refuse to fade.

Why Some People Face a Higher Risk

Bone cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase vulnerability. In children and young adults, rare genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, hereditary retinoblastoma, or Rothmund-Thomson syndrome can silently elevate the risk. These disorders are uncommon but require consistent medical oversight to catch potential issues early.

Previous exposure to radiation, especially during childhood, can also heighten the risk of bone cancer years later. The bones may carry the memory of this exposure long after it seems forgotten. In older adults, benign conditions like Paget’s disease or multiple enchondromas can, in rare cases, become cancerous, necessitating regular monitoring to detect changes before they progress.

Benign vs. Malignant: Knowing the Difference

Understanding bone cancer requires distinguishing it from benign growths. For example, fibroids—non-cancerous tumors—typically form in soft tissues like the uterus and pose little threat. In contrast, malignant bone tumors, such as osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma, are far more serious and require immediate attention. This distinction is critical, as persistent bone-related symptoms, unlike benign conditions, may signal a need for urgent medical evaluation to rule out cancer.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

In its early stages, bone cancer often feels like a minor inconvenience. A deep, persistent ache that doesn’t ease with rest or pain relievers is a frequent starting point. This discomfort may flare up at night or seem unusually intense for a recent activity. As the condition advances, the pain can grow, limiting mobility or disrupting daily routines.

Other signs include swelling near a joint, difficulty walking or lifting, or a limp that persists without explanation. In some cases, bones may fracture with minimal impact—a red flag, particularly in younger individuals. Subtle systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, mild fever, or unintended weight loss, may also creep in, often so gradually they’re easy to overlook.

Persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt swift action. These are not normal aches and deserve medical scrutiny.

The Power of Early Detection

Catching bone cancer early, when it’s still confined to the bone, opens up more treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy, or limb-sparing techniques can target the disease while preserving function. If the cancer spreads, treatment becomes more complex, often requiring aggressive interventions that may affect mobility or quality of life.

Diagnosis typically involves imaging tools like X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans, followed by a biopsy to confirm the condition. But the process starts with recognizing something isn’t right and seeking answers promptly.

Clues Beyond the Doctor’s Office

Bone cancer often first appears in everyday settings—a child who limps longer than expected, a young athlete struggling through practice, or an older adult finding routine tasks painful. These signs may emerge at home, on the playground, or during a workout. Awareness in these spaces, from parents, teachers, or peers, can spark the early action needed to investigate further.

Early Awareness, Lifesaving Impact

Though rare, bone cancer can have profound effects if ignored. Its early signs are often subtle, blending into the background of minor injuries or fatigue. Unlike benign tumors, which may need only routine care, malignant bone tumors require urgent intervention. Knowing the difference and acting quickly can change the course of the disease.

By tuning into the body’s quiet signals—lingering pain, swelling, or restricted movement—and seeking medical advice early, we can catch bone cancer before it gains ground. Acting on these unseen clues can lead to timely treatment and, in many cases, save lives.

Mumbai, India, 25 July 2025: In a move that introduces a new way that fertility care may be accessed in India, Indira IVF Hospital Limited has introduced the ‘IVF Success Calculator’ — a digital tool that offers personalised estimates of IVF success rates and the number of cycles potentially required, based on an individual’s medical data. Launched on the occasion of World IVF Day, the calculator is designed to empower aspiring parents with clarity even before their first consultation. This innovation is another step towards achieving optimal patient outcomes by offering guidance at the earliest stage of the journey. The calculator is free to use, fully confidential, and available online, making it accessible to individuals across geographies and backgrounds.

This calculator analyses key medical inputs and, within a few minutes, generates a downloadable report that outlines success probabilities while also highlighting potential fertility concerns such as PCOS or abnormal sperm morphology. It offers early treatment considerations along with general lifestyle recommendations. The IVF Success Calculator allows users to manually enter key medical details, including AMH values, sperm count and motility or upload existing reports to receive a personalised success estimate, delivered securely in a few minutes.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Indira IVF, said “The IVF Success Calculator offers individuals a way to understand their likelihood of success based on their key medical details, and allows them to begin the process with a sense of direction rather than uncertainty. As part of our continued focus on innovation, we see this technology as a way to bridge the information gap that often exists at the start of the journey”

The calculator’s predictions present projected success rates across one, two, and three IVF cycles. This may help individuals make informed decisions with greater clarity and confidence at every stage of their journey.

Mr. Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director, Indira IVF, added, “Many individuals approach IVF with a limited understanding of what their treatment path might involve, often relying on generalised information that does not reflect their specific medical circumstances. The IVF Success Calculator offers a personalised view, helping couples see what is medically realistic for them before they begin. It encourages timely decision-making, reduces hesitation, and supports a more informed approach to treatment. This initiative is part of our broader vision to ensure awareness, accessibility and reliability for the patients.”

With over 165 clinics across the country and more than 1.75 lakh IVF pregnancies, Indira IVF continues to expand its efforts to make fertility care more reliable and accessible to patients across geographies. The IVF Success Calculator is now live on the Indira IVF website and is can serve as an important first step for individuals as they begin their journey toward parenthood.

Pune, 25th July 2025: A 13-year-old child who fell from the fifth floor of a residential building and was taken to the hospital with severed injury and unconscious state was successfully saved by doctors at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi. The child had sustained severe injury to the entire left side of his body, including fractures in the Femur (Thigh bone), hand, foot, pelvis, internal bleeding and spinal injury. His blood pressure on arrival was 50mmhg and his hemoglobin level was critically low at 5g/dL.

Due to Internal bleeding and a low platelet count led to the kid’s condition significantly deteriorate. Between 12:00 am and 3:00 am, a Three-hour emergency surgery was conducted to fix the hand and Femur (Thigh) fracture.

While speaking about the case, Dr. Vinay Kumar Gautam, Consultant – Orthopedic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi said, “Blood transfusions and close observation were carried out after the resuscitation. To check for any interior damage, imaging took place. Because the child was moving his limbs, unsafe blood pressure seemed to indicate a spinal injury, but head damage did not seem severe enough to necessitate brain surgery. The boy experienced a series of surgical treatments over the span of the next three days, including separate procedures for the pelvis and the feet, then separate spine surgery, separate long bone fixation for the femur, Humerus fracture, Elbow fracture and wound debridement as the final major procedure. To reduce the risk of bleeding and infection, drainage treatments were also carried out.

The patient was under treatment of pediatric intensive care unit under Dr. Rohan Chougule, Consultant – Pediatrics. Spine stabilization was led by Dr. Mohit Mutha, Consultant – Spine Surgery, while Dr. Manoj Pawar, Consultant – Pulmonology, assisted in managing respiratory stability in the ICU.

Mr. Parmeswar Das, Director, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune said, “This is a case example of the preparation and excellence of our trauma and emergency team. The severely injured child’s successful recovery from his tragic fall is evidence of our hospital’s dedication to providing excellent multidisciplinary treatment and quick emergency response.”

The surgery was successfully completed by Dr Vinay Kumar Gautam, Consultant – Orthopedic, and patient was under the supervision of paediatric consultant Dr. Rohan Chougule, the patient was kept under observation in the paediatric intensive care unit. Dr. Mohit Mutha, Consultant in Spine Surgery, oversaw the stabilization of the spine, while Dr. Manoj Pawar, Consultant in Pulmonology, helped to oversee respiratory stability in the intensive care unit.

Wellness is No Longer a Cost, Its Capital: CII–MediBuddy Report Maps Corporate India’s Digital Health Readiness

25 July 2025 – MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, in collaboration with CII, today unveiled the second edition of its corporate wellness report, marking a continued effort to decode the evolving landscape of employee well-being in India Inc. The latest edition, titled Workplace Health Reimagined: Corporate India’s Readiness for Digital Health Leadership, highlights how employee wellness is evolving from a peripheral initiative to a strategic lever for workforce productivity, talent retention, and business continuity.

India’s healthcare and workplace wellness landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with wellness emerging as a national priority in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. This is being shaped by rising medical inflation (14%), increased chronic disease risk, a digitally empowered workforce, and growing demand for inclusive and preventive care models. In a post-pandemic world, where hybrid work models have become the norm, organisations are rethinking wellness, placing equal weight on physical and mental health, and moving from episodic to always-on care models. Technology is at the heart of this transformation; AI-driven insights, data-enabled personalisation, and mobile-first platforms are enabling more impactful care delivery. The nation’s digital health infrastructure demonstrates remarkable scale. Public health initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and the IRDAI’s push for 100% cashless insurance claims are further accelerating the shift toward digitally integrated, OPD-first healthcare systems. Together, digital infrastructure and insurance are proving to be critical enablers of equitable, future-ready wellness delivery across India.

The report reveals a stark reality of over 70% of employees carrying at least one lifestyle-related health risk, yet only 20% of employers providing routine health screenings. This alarming scenario calls for a shift from episodic, event-based health programs to always-on, digital-first ecosystems that drive workforce productivity, talent retention, and business continuity, all fostering business growth in today’s evolving times of shifting workforce priorities.

Key findings/highlights from the report:

Macro View: The National Wellness Landscape

• Rising Burden of NCDs: Non-communicable diseases now account for 63% of all deaths in India, with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke impacting the workforce at median ages of 32, 34, and 36, respectively.
• Healthcare Infrastructure Crisis: The doctor-to-population ratio remains below WHO guidelines, with 70% of Indians in rural/semi-urban areas facing significant access barriers to diagnostics and routine care
• Healthcare Coverage Crisis: Only 41% of Indian households have any form of health insurance, leaving over 50 crore people, belonging largely from India’s 40-crore “missing middle” population, particularly comprising gig, daily wage, and informal workers, vulnerable to catastrophic health expenses
• Low OPD Insurance Penetration: OPD insurance penetration in India remains below 0.1%, a significant gap compared to over 85% in the US and 95% in Singapore, leaving most outpatient expenses uncovered, despite OPD accounting for nearly 70% of out-of-pocket healthcare spending
• High Out-of-Pocket Spending: OOPE accounts for 63% of India’s total health spend
• Within Workplaces: The Corporate Lens
• Productivity Loss: Presenteeism and chronic illnesses cost Indian companies up to ₹1.12 lakh per employee annually, while structured wellness programs deliver a 3–4x return on investment
• Limited Access to Diagnostics: Less than 20% of corporate health programs cover essential diagnostics, despite their role in 60–70% of clinical decisions
• Low Preventive Screening for Women: Only 1.9% of eligible Indian women undergo cervical cancer screening, and just 36% of corporates provide targeted wellness benefits for women
• Gaps in Women-Centric Benefits: Just 36% of corporates offer targeted wellness benefits for women, with even fewer extending support for eldercare and mental health
• Lifestyle Risks and Screening Gaps: Over 70% of employees have at least one lifestyle-related risk factor, yet only 20% of employers provide routine health screenings
• SMEs Lag in Wellness Coverage: Although SMEs employ over 111 million people, only 9% offer structured wellness programs
• Corporate Wellness Readiness: India’s average Corporate Wellness Quotient (CWQ) score stands at 55/100, with fewer than 15% of companies achieving a ‘Mature’ wellness readiness level

Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO, MediBuddy, said, “India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 cannot rest on economic metrics alone; it must be built on the health, productivity, and well-being of its people. As we stand at this inflection point, employee wellness can no longer be treated as an optional benefit but must be considered a strategic imperative. With rising health risks and evolving workforce expectations, this report in collaboration with CII offers actionable insights and data-driven frameworks to help organisations transition from annual health camps to always-on, digital-first ecosystems. At MediBuddy, we are happy to support this transformation by delivering care that is proactive, personalised, and powered by technology.”

Insights from the report: Trends reshaping care culture

The report highlights how employee wellness in India is moving beyond one-size-fits-all health programs to more integrated, inclusive, personalised, and digitally powered wellness solutions. Employees now expect benefits that reflect their life, role, and risk profile across domains such as mental health, chronic care, eldercare, and preventive screenings. At the same time, employee engagement is being increasingly driven by features such as gamified health journeys and wellness wallets. Additionally, mobile-first platforms and OPD access for dependents are now becoming differentiators in how employees engage with corporate wellness programs, with inclusion-focused benefits becoming key in addressing diverse workforce needs.

To direct this shift, the report introduces the Corporate Wellness Quotient (CWQ), an original and comprehensive benchmarking tool measuring digital wellness maturity and readiness across four pillars: access & affordability, policy integration, digital enablement, and employee engagement; and the ten-step wellness blueprint, which offers companies a strategic roadmap to build resilient and inclusive care ecosystems.

Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder & Director of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, Honored as ‘Healthcare Leader of the Year’ at India Health Next Awards 2025

New Delhi, July 24, 2025: Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services proudly announces that its Founder and Director Dr. Shuchin Bajaj has been honoured with the ‘Healthcare Leader of the Year’ award at the India Health Next Awards 2025. The award ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi recognized Dr. Bajaj’s exceptional leadership, visionary contribution, and impactful initiatives in advancing equitable and accessible healthcare across underserved regions in India.

The India Health Next Awards actively recognize transformative efforts in India’s healthcare sector and are regarded as one of the most respected platforms in the field. Dr. Bajaj was chosen for his consistent work in narrowing the healthcare gap between rural and urban India through scalable, ethical, and quality-driven healthcare delivery. Under his leadership, Ujala Cygnus has grown from an initial network of just 9 hospitals to 28 NABH-accredited multi-specialty facilities across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. Today, the network provides more than 2,800 hospital beds and is supported by over 500 experienced clinicians.

Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Bajaj remarked, “I am truly honored to receive the ‘Healthcare Leader of the Year’ award. Receiving this prestigious award is extremely humbling yet very motivating, and confirms that we are on the right track towards bringing quality, ethical, and accessible healthcare to those who need it the most. I would like to share this award with every member of the Ujala Cygnus family – our doctors, nurses, frontline teams, and partners – who empower us to live this vision through their dedication and hard work.”

Dr. Bajaj has pioneered regionally responsive health systems that serve marginalized and resource-constrained regions effectively. A Harvard alumnus and respected voice in public health policy, he has driven innovation in public-private partnerships, preventive care, and socially inclusive health care models. He is also an entrepreneur, and his focus has been on building sustainable, scalable solutions for healthcare across India.

This recognition not only celebrates Dr. Bajaj’s individual achievements but also underscores the urgent need for scalable healthcare models in India’s tier 2 and tier 3 regions. As Ujala Cygnus continues to expand its footprint, the award serves as a timely reminder of how compassionate leadership, backed by innovation and community-driven goals, can meaningfully bridge healthcare inequalities and transform millions of lives.

Save the Young Heart Conference – SMSIMSR’s Awareness Endeavour for Early Detection and Prevention of Heart Attacks in Young Adults

Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli , 21 July 2025 – The devastating crisis unfolding in Karnataka where youth in their 20s – 40s are succumbing to sudden episodes of cardiac attacks reinstates that “preventive and curative healthcare is the way to go”.

Healthcare and Cardiac care veterans cite awareness about such occurrences, watching out for the tell-tale signs of impending cardiac attacks and taking preventive and precautionary measures are key to containing this crisis.

As a strategic endeavour to foster awareness on early detection and prevention of heart attacks in young adults, Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR) organised the Save the Young Heart Conference on 18 – 19 July 2025 that brought together Cardiac care veterans, young healthcare professionals, wellness coaches, educators, tech giants, innovators and corporates and HR heads promoting workplace health.

The key themes of the conference are prevention of heart attack in young adults, role of diet and lifestyle in cardiac health, and practical tools for managing stress and emotions. The conference also emphasised on emergency CPR training, the significance of heart health screenings and insights into free cardiac care initiatives.

The inaugural session was presided by Dr Balakrishnan, eminent cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon; Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Chief Mentor at the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam Group of Institutions; Dr Annarao Kulkarni, President of the IAPSM Karnataka State Chapter; Dr Raghupathi A R, Director – Liaison & Strategic Growth SMSIMSR; and Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder CEO, SMSIMSR.

Dr Anand Agarwal, Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at SMSIMSR, and the Founder of the Save the Young Heart Foundation, shared his deep concern about the alarming rise in heart conditions among youth. Elaborating on the journey of the Save the Young Heart initiative, Dr Agarwal emphasised the role of emotional stress in causing vascular inflammation, leading to blockages. He added: Lack of sleep, irregular eating habits, and inadequate sunlight exposure are silent enemies of young hearts. In a proactive move, Dr Agarwal announced the launch of a Heart Risk Assessment Tool based on the Interheart Risk Score, which will help users categorise their heart risk as low, moderate, or high.

Dr Annarao Kulkarni, President of IAPSM Karnataka, called the conference “not just relevant but absolutely essential” amid rising heart disease among youth. Quoting Dr Robert Lustig, he warned, “Processed foods are slow poison,” and urged moderation, yoga, and spiritual detachment as key to prevention.

Dr Balakrishnan presented a data-driven and compelling case for early intervention. Stating that fatal heart attacks often stem from non-obstructive plaques that go undetected. He acknowledged systemic challenges: “We all talk about exercise, but the reality is, If you’re working 16 hours, 12 hours a day in the middle of a city, there’s very little space to walk,” highlighting the need for holistic public health policies.

Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder and CEO of SMSIMSR, opened his address with a prayer: “May all be happy, may all be healthy, may no one have any sorrow, may all see good and auspicious things everywhere,” emphasising that achieving this vision requires a collective and disciplined effort. Referring to the Save the Young Heart campaign as “an idea whose time has come,” he called for moderation in lifestyle, consistent self-discipline, and greater awareness. Highlighting the economic burden of heart disease, he pointed to the urgent need for affordable and scalable preventive healthcare solutions, including wearable tech and community-based clinics offering diagnostics and medications free of charge.

He stressed that “health is wealth” and said India’s future growth depends on a healthy population. Drawing on traditional wisdom, Sri Madhusudan emphasised avoiding the “Six S’s” – salt, sugar, spirit, smoking, stress, and sedentary lifestyle – while promoting yoga, spirituality, and mental well-being.

The conference concluded with a shared commitment to drive awareness, prevention, and early intervention for heart health in youth. With collective action, disciplined living, and scalable solutions, a healthier future for India’s young hearts is within reach.

Mumbai, 21st July 2025: Scientists have mapped the complete molecular network that controls human hair growth, offering what may be the clearest path yet to restoring hair without surgery, drugs, or transplantation. Published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, the review reframes androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most common form of hair loss—not as an irreversible condition, but as a breakdown in regenerative signalling that can potentially be reversed. This study is among the first to integrate stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular signalling into a unified strategy for treating AGA.

Developed by a multidisciplinary team from India and the United States with lead contributions from Indian researchers at The Esthetic Clinics® (TEC®) and the QR678® Research teams in Mumbai, the paper synthesises decades of hair biology into one unified model of how follicular cycles function, and where regenerative treatment may begin.

The paper centres on five key molecular pathways—Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK—that collectively manage the hair follicle lifecycle. In AGA, the communication between these pathways breaks down, particularly with Wnt suppression and BMP overactivation, causing follicles to fall into dormancy.

The research outlines multiple therapeutic strategies to biologically “reset” the follicle: Wnt activators to reignite growth, BMP inhibitors to lift molecular suppression, gene-editing tools like CRISPR to correct misfiring signals, and stem cell therapies to rebuild a supportive microenvironment. Some of these treatments have already shown success in lab-grown tissue and animal models, and early clinical trials are expected to begin within the next two years.

The implications are significant. The $4 billion global hair loss treatment market is largely dominated by maintenance-based solutions like minoxidil, finasteride, and transplants—none of which address the root biological cause. This research offers a scientific roadmap that, if brought into clinical practice, could shift treatment from external symptom management to internal cellular regeneration.

“For decades, we’ve treated hair loss as a cosmetic issue. This paper consolidates what we now understand about the biological breakdown behind it—and reframes baldness as a malfunction of the body’s regenerative system,” said Dr. Debraj Shome, senior author and Director at TEC®. “Hair follicles don’t disappear; they go dormant due to disrupted cellular signals. By identifying how these signals fail—and how they can be restored—we move closer to resetting the system at a molecular level. It’s a fundamental shift in how hair loss can be understood, and ultimately, reversed.

“What makes this study so significant is that it shifts the global hair loss conversation from superficial treatment to scientific restoration,” said Dr. Michael Gold, renowned dermatologist and founder of Gold Skin Care Center, USA. “By mapping out the molecular misfires behind hair follicle dormancy, we now have a clearer pathway to develop therapies that don’t just slow hair loss—but potentially reverse it by reawakening the body’s own regenerative systems.”

“For years, we’ve been treating hair loss as a cosmetic inconvenience but science tells a different story,” said Dr. Depti Bellani, lead author of the study and Medical Affairs and Research, QR678®. “This research reframes baldness as a regenerative failure and not a lost cause. By mapping the molecular ‘conversation’ between dormant follicles and the body’s repair systems, we’ve uncovered the signals that need to be reawakened. It’s not just about stopping hair loss anymore, it’s about switching the growth engine back on.”

While safety, clinical validation, and personalisation remain the next steps, the study lays the foundation for a regenerative approach that may one day eliminate the need for cosmetic intervention altogether. It also reflects a growing trend in global science, where Indian researchers are helping lead the charge in molecular and regenerative innovation.

Lucknow, 17 July 2025 — A pilot study being conducted by DEVI Sansthan in collaboration with the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, explores whether basic literacy significantly improves mental well-being, emotional resilience, and self-worth among women in low-income urban communities. DEVI Sansthan identified and enrolled women from low-income groups in several slums of central Lucknow, such as Nai Basti, Janta Nagri, Daliganj bridge and others.

The literacy intervention, which is spanning over 15-weeks, consists of 70 women aged 18–50, many of whom had never been to school. These women are now being taught reading, writing, and basic maths through DEVI’s ALfA (Accelerating Learning for All) pedagogy. Unlike traditional education models, ALfA promotes foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) through peer learning and critical thinking. These informal classes are conducted in local courtyards and shared spaces, allowing women to fit learning into their daily routines.

The study is based in Lucknow, a city of 4.2 million people and the capital of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on women from low-income households and residing in informal urban communities in the old city. These localities are home to migrants from various North Indian states, with high representation of Scheduled Caste and Muslims, among others. A recent survey in Nai Basti, one of Lucknow’s largest slums, found that 60% of households were OBC and 87% were Muslim.

Women acquiring basic literacy skills are reporting noticeable improvements in mood, self-confidence, and their role within family decision-making, as well as reduced feelings of isolation. “This study confirms that literacy is more than an academic outcome—it is a form of healing and empowerment,” said Dr. Sunita Gandhi, Founder of DEVI Sansthan and co-investigator of the study. “Every woman who learns to read begins to stand taller, think clearer, and hope harder. She becomes a Malala in her own right—fearless and vocal.”

The study employs psychological assessment tools, including Self – reported questionnaire, Warwick Edinberg test and the Participation Scale, to track shifts in participants’ mental well-being. Many of the women describe the learning sessions as the only ‘me- time’ they have in their daily lives, creating emotional relief, friendship with co-learners, and shared strength.

Heena, a young high-schooler who leads literacy classes in her slum. “Women juggle housework, stitching, and toddlers,” she says. “We adapt class timings to their lives. Learning should liberate, not burden.”

Gulnaaz, a 22 year old learner from Nai Basti, who wrote her name for the first time, said, “Ab mai apne naam se jaani jaungi” (Now, I’ll be known by my own name). Shamima, a mother of a six-month-old, added, “I will teach my daughter Mannat to read and write. No more labels of being ‘Nirakshar’ (illiterate).”

“This research makes a powerful case for integrating literacy into public mental health strategies,” noted Dr Prajakta Shukla, research coordinator and study co-author. “In low-resource settings, even simple learning circles like these can offer protective benefits against depression, anxiety, and social exclusion.”

Guwahati; 16 July, 2025: Peerless Hospital, one of Eastern India’s leading multi-specialty tertiary care hospitals, successfully saved the life of a 25-year-old woman suffering from a life-threatening ruptured ectopic pregnancy, with haemoglobin plummeting to a dangerously low 2.5 gm%. The patient was brought to Peerless Hospital Kolkata in a critical state after being referred from another hospital when her condition became unmanageable. Under the expert care of Dr. Soumitra Kumar, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peerless Hospital, and a highly skilled emergency and critical care team, a life-saving intervention was executed with speed and precision.

The young woman arrived at Peerless Hospital Emergency Department with severe respiratory distress and signs of hypovolemic shock — a condition caused by extreme blood loss. Her vital signs were alarming — a pulse rate exceeding 150 beats per minute, a respiratory rate above 35 per minute, and a blood pressure of 100/60 maintained only through intravenous fluids. She was pale, restless, and suffering from anasarca (generalized swelling), with signs of metabolic acidosis, an indicator of severe physiological stress.

The clinical team immediately stabilized her with moist oxygen inhalation and began resuscitation protocols. A detailed history revealed that she had self-administered over-the-counter abortifacient medication following a positive home pregnancy test. Three days of vaginal bleeding had ceased, but her weakness progressed significantly, prompting hospitalization.

An emergency ultrasonography at Peerless Hospital confirmed the presence of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy with hemoperitoneum — internal bleeding within the peritoneal cavity. The patient was rushed to the operating theatre for immediate surgery.

Dr. Soumitra Kumar led the complex procedure under general anaesthesia. A Pfannenstiel incision was made to access the abdomen, and approximately one litre of blood was suctioned. A ruptured right cornual ectopic pregnancy was identified and treated with a right salpingectomy (removal of the right fallopian tube), excision of a haemorrhagic corpus luteal cyst, and meticulous peritoneal toileting to stop further bleeding. The surgery was successful with no post-operative bleeding observed.

Given her critical haemoglobin levels, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), where she received five units of Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC), four units of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), and four units of platelets (RDP). She was extubated the following day and steadily recovered in the ward. On discharge, her haemoglobin had risen to 10.4 gm/dl, and she was stable and alert.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Kumar stated, “This was one of the most critical cases we have handled in recent times. The prompt diagnosis, the readiness of our surgical and ICU teams, and the patient’s resilience helped us save a young life that was moments away from collapse.”

The case serves as a strong reminder against the unsupervised use of over-the-counter medication. Dr. Kumar added, “Self-medication, especially with abortifacient drugs, can be fatal. Medication must only be taken under the supervision of a qualified specialist who is aware of the patient’s full medical history and condition. What seems like a shortcut can result in irreversible consequences.”

Peerless Hospital continues to uphold its commitment to clinical excellence, cutting-edge diagnostics, and compassionate care. This successful intervention reiterates its position as a trusted healthcare leader in Eastern India.