Latest news with #CMCVellore
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Wadia doc helps 40 kids with genetic disease get 1cr/yr US drug free for life
Mumbai: Early Monday morning, 14-year-old Bhavin Khare and his mother, Tanuja, set off from Thane's Murbad for Wadia Hospital, Parel, around 100km away, with a sense of anticipation. They had to collect a US drug—estimated to cost over Rs 1 crore for a year's supply—that would help him control the debilitating symptoms of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease he suffers from. "Bhavin has been struggling all his life. He manages to go to school only 50% of the days due to repeated cough and chest infections," Tanuja said, hoping the new drug would let him lead a "normal life". He is one of five children with cystic fibrosis who received a three-month supply of Trikafta, manufactured by US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals, at the hospital Monday. Thirty-five others are scheduled to get it in the coming days. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "We have signed an MoU with the company which, on compassionate grounds, will provide a lifelong supply of Trikafta to 40 patients," said pulmonology department head Dr Parmarth Chandane, who communicated with the US company for almost a year. Due to patent laws, the drug isn't available in India and can only be imported. Affected children in wealthy nations have had access to the drug for almost eight years, and parents' groups in Karnataka, South Africa and Brazil have moved local courts seeking some mechanism like compulsory licensing to ensure their children get access to the drug, too. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo "The active ingredients for the three-drug combination (Trikafta—elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) that is now being called a miracle, are made in India, but our children don't have access to the finished product," said a doctor who didn't want to be identified. The Wadia Hospital distribution is the beginning of an alternative access for Indian patients. "The drug has shown promise, with certain research reports claiming patients will be able to enjoy a normal lifespan of 80 years as against the 15-20 years one normally associates with the disease," said Dr Chandane, who communicated with the US company for almost a year, seeking access for the 80 patients registered at Wadia Hospital. The company, however, said it would only provide drugs for patients over six years of age, resulting in only 40 qualifying for the free-for-life supply. Each of the affected children has to take three drugs—two in the morning and one in the evening—daily to prevent the buildup of thick, sticky mucus that usually clogs organs such as the lungs, pancreas and intestines, which could further lead to malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, as well as chronic lung disease. It's learnt that Vertex Pharmaceuticals will provide lifelong supply of the drug to patients registered at CMC Vellore in Tamil Nadu, too. "We are also in talks with the company for our patients," said paediatrician Dr Indu Khosla from SRCC Hospital, Haji Ali. "By offering such costly and essential medication free of charge, we're removing financial barriers for families. These children are getting a chance to breathe easier, grow healthy and live longer," said Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CMC Vellore, Federal Bank sign MOUs for new pharmacy college, treatment for cancer patients
The Christian Medical College (CMC) and Federal Bank Steps Forward have signed two MOUs on Tuesday to construct a new pharmacy college in Vellore and financially support cancer patients' care under the Sanjeevani initiative, a CSR initiative of the bank. According to a press release, the agreement was exchanged between K.V.S. Manian, Managing Director and CEO, Federal Bank, and Dr. Vikram Mathews, Director, CMC Vellore. 'With these MOUs, we are looking forward to further expanding our reach in education and holistic care for cancer patients,' Mr. Mathews, CMC director, said. The construction of a new pharmacy college at CMC's Bagayam campus in Vellore is supported by Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation with a grant of ₹13.73 crore. On a 2.5-acre plot, the new college will be a 40,476-square-foot facility. The pharmacy college will be the first of its kind in Vellore district to train a new generation of pharmacists in the highest standards of pharmacy education. The college will be equipped with laboratories, lecture halls and research facilities, ensuring that the students receive world-class education that will prepare them for the complexities of modern-day pharmacy practice. With an expected annual intake of 60 undergraduate students, the college is slated to commence admissions for the academic year 2026–27. 'Cancer continues to be one of the most formidable challenges of our time, impacting families not only medically, but also emotionally and financially. We needed partners we could bank on, and CMC Vellore has stood out as a beacon of trust and excellence,' Mr. Manian, bank's MD, said. Additionally, the partnership for cancer patient support under the Sanjeevani initiative of Federal Bank, which began last year (2024), will continue in 2025 too. A total of 764 cancer patients have received subsidies for cancer treatment at CMC Vellore, for pre-diagnostic tests, treatment like chemotherapy and radiotherapy and for medication under the initiative, the release said.
Economic Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Top doctor suggests 10 changes in lifestyle to heart disease and cancer
Dr Sudhir Kumar suggests some important changes that one should make for long and healthy life. (Pic credits- X: @hyderabaddoctor/ istock) Dr. Sudhir Kumar suggests ten daily lifestyle and diet changes. These changes can reduce chronic illness risk. A healthy diet with exercise is important. Quality sleep and avoiding tobacco are crucial. Manage stress and limit salt and sugar intake. Regular checkups and strong social connections are vital. Sunlight exposure and lifelong learning are beneficial for overall well-being. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1. Healthy diet Healthy diet (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 2. Physical activity Phsyical activity (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 3. Quality sleep Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 4. No tobacco and alcohol 5. Watch your waist, not just your weight 6. Manage stress, protect your health 7. Slash salt and sugar 8. Don't skip screenings 9. Build deep human connections Make connections (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 10. Soak in safe sun & boost Vitamin D Soak sun. (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Bonus: Keep your mind sharp In an age where stress is constant, food is often processed, and screens dominate our lives, many are left wondering: Is a healthy, long life still within reach? According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a renowned Hyderabad-based neurosurgeon and CMC Vellore graduate, the answer is a resounding yes — but only if we rewire our everyday habits. Dr. Kumar recently shared a powerful guide of 10 daily lifestyle and diet choices that can slash your risk of chronic illness and help you live not just longer, but better. Here's a look at what he recommends:Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats. Cut back on red/processed meats, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed snacks. This shift is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some at least 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, like brisk walking or cycling. Add strength training twice a week. This not only improves physical health but also lowers your chances of dementia and for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to serious issues like stroke, hypertension, and obesity. Stick to a routine, and turn off screens before remains the top preventable cause of early death. And alcohol? It's tied to liver damage, nerve issues, brain disorders, and several cancers. Cutting back is one of the most effective health moves you can your BMI between 20–25 and waist circumference below 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women). Abdominal fat is particularly dangerous, increasing the risk of diabetes, strokes, and stress lowers immunity and promotes inflammation. Carve out time for mindfulness, meditation, journaling, yoga, or just a walk in nature. Your brain and heart will thank salt raises blood pressure. Limit it to under 5g a day. As for sugar, aim for it to be less than 10% of your daily calories to lower your risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic checkups can catch silent killers like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer early — when they're still treatable. Monitor your BP, lipids, glucose, and undergo age-appropriate cancer is as dangerous as smoking or obesity. Invest in family, friendships, and your community. Real social ties have real health 10–30 minutes in the sun daily and eat vitamin D-rich foods. It's essential for immunity, bone strength, and possibly reducing cancer in lifelong learning — read books, solve puzzles, learn new skills. These cognitive habits help guard against dementia and support a healthier brain.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Top doctor suggests 10 changes in lifestyle to heart disease and cancer
In an age where stress is constant, food is often processed, and screens dominate our lives, many are left wondering: Is a healthy, long life still within reach? According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a renowned Hyderabad-based neurosurgeon and CMC Vellore graduate, the answer is a resounding yes — but only if we rewire our everyday habits. Dr. Kumar recently shared a powerful guide of 10 daily lifestyle and diet choices that can slash your risk of chronic illness and help you live not just longer, but better. Here's a look at what he recommends: 1. Healthy diet Healthy diet (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats. Cut back on red/processed meats, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed snacks. This shift is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Installing Solar Panels in Bangladesh Might Be Cheaper Then You Think Search | Solar Panels Undo 2. Physical activity Phsyical activity (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Get at least 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, like brisk walking or cycling. Add strength training twice a week. This not only improves physical health but also lowers your chances of dementia and depression. 3. Quality sleep Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to serious issues like stroke, hypertension, and obesity. Stick to a routine, and turn off screens before bed. 4. No tobacco and alcohol Smoking remains the top preventable cause of early death. And alcohol? It's tied to liver damage, nerve issues, brain disorders, and several cancers. Cutting back is one of the most effective health moves you can make. 5. Watch your waist, not just your weight Keep your BMI between 20–25 and waist circumference below 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women). Abdominal fat is particularly dangerous, increasing the risk of diabetes, strokes, and cancer. 6. Manage stress, protect your health Chronic stress lowers immunity and promotes inflammation. Carve out time for mindfulness, meditation, journaling, yoga, or just a walk in nature. Your brain and heart will thank you. 7. Slash salt and sugar Excess salt raises blood pressure. Limit it to under 5g a day. As for sugar, aim for it to be less than 10% of your daily calories to lower your risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. 8. Don't skip screenings Regular checkups can catch silent killers like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer early — when they're still treatable. Monitor your BP, lipids, glucose, and undergo age-appropriate cancer screenings. 9. Build deep human connections Make connections (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Loneliness is as dangerous as smoking or obesity. Invest in family, friendships, and your community. Real social ties have real health benefits. 10. Soak in safe sun & boost Vitamin D Soak sun. (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Spend 10–30 minutes in the sun daily and eat vitamin D-rich foods. It's essential for immunity, bone strength, and possibly reducing cancer risk. Bonus: Keep your mind sharp Engage in lifelong learning — read books, solve puzzles, learn new skills. These cognitive habits help guard against dementia and support a healthier brain.
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Dental clinic's unsterile practices led to death of eight patients due to brain infection in Tamil Nadu's Vaniyambadi: study
Tirupattur Collector K. Sivasoundaravalli on Friday said that a private dental clinic in Vaniyambadi town will be ordered to close down based on a status quo report filed in 2023 by the then Joint Director of Health and Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services (JDSS). The Collector's action comes in the wake of a study done jointly by CMC Vellore, ICMR-NIE and Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health. It shows that unsterile dental practices at the clinic allegedly led to death of eight patients who got treated there in May 2023. The study say that an unsterile surgical instrument was used to open a saline bottle at the clinic. Reuse of the bottle's contents had led to at least 10 people contracting neuro melioidosis — a bacterial infection of the brain — which allegedly led to the death of eight patients, who got treated there, the study said. Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Sivasoundaravalli said that a four-member health team led by V. Gnana Meenakshi, Tirupattur JDSS, inspected the facility to assess the existing condition and medical procedures followed there. Following this, the team has submitted a status quo report to the Collector. The team included C. Illavani, senior dentist, Government Taluk Hospital (Tirupattur) and S. Sivasubramani, medical officer, Government Taluk Hospital (Vaniyambadi). 'During the inspection, they found that the dental clinic was functioning some distance away from its previous location in the town. I have directed Tirupattur SP [Shreya Gupta] to investigate the cases filed against the clinic,' said Ms. Sivasoundaravalli. The team also found that the clinic had slightly changed its nomenclature. 'We are also verifying previous medical records and the report filed by the then JDSS, to initiate further action against the clinic,' said Ms. Gnana Meenakshi, incumbent JDSS. In a press release, CMC Vellore said that during 2022—2023, there were frequent admissions of patients with brainstem syndrome at the hospital. Among 21 cases identified, 10 had undergone dental procedures. The dental clinic was investigated to identify the source of contamination, and the bacteria was isolated from an in-use saline bottle. 'The outbreak was controlled with 10 cases by active intervention of the district government health authorities,' the statement said. Meanwhile, Indian Dental Association (IDA) has denied the claims made by the ICMR-led study on the deaths. 'We completely deny the claim as the private dental clinic had followed all medical norms prescribed under the law,' T. Gokulraj of IDA (Tamil Nadu), told reporters.
