Latest news with #KEM
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
With 7k women, Mumbai's KEM Hospital starts BMC's largest and most expensive clinical trial for breast cancer diagnosis
Mumbai: KEM Hospital has started its largest and most expensive BMC-funded trials with 7,000 women aimed as participants, which will potentially change how breast cancer is diagnosed at the hospital. The trial, which will last for 12 to 28 months, involves a small, portable device with a high-resolution thermal sensor powered by artificial intelligence. The hospital has also started a dedicated 15-bed ward for all breast-related ailments, 14 years after starting the city's first breast clinic at a civic hospital. Unlike traditional mammography, the machine in trial involves no physical contact or breast compression, eliminating the discomfort associated with X-ray-based screening. During the procedure, the patient is alone in a private room, seated at a fixed distance from the thermal imaging device with curtains for privacy. The exact costs were unavailable until press time, but hospital officials said this is the largest BMC-funded trial. The machine, developed by Bangalore-based NIRAMAI Health Analytix, costs Rs 50 lakh and has taken up residence free of cost at KEM Hospital as part of a clinical validation under BMC's startup incubation programme. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Florencio Varela (ver precio) Verisure Más información "We are moving forward with it only on the condition that the machine will remain at KEM Hospital if trials show favourable results," said Dr Shilpa Rao, associate professor at KEM's general surgery department, who is also the principal investigator for the trial. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai She added that thermal imaging has been around since the 2000s, but it detects any source of heat, including infections and inflammation, which can lead to false positives. "This can result in unnecessary psychological distress and economic burden for patients," said Dr Rao. In this case, the machine uses AI to scan heat patterns on the chest, looking over 400,000 tiny temperature points to detect any unusual changes. The report comes back in 24 hours, and the algorithm produces a breast health score that tells doctors if it is malignant, benign, or requires further evaluation. Everyone taking part in the trial will get all three tests: a mammogram, an ultrasound, and the AI-powered scan. Doctors will then compare the results to see how well the new technology works. Dr Rao was also struggling to have a dedicated ward for breast treatment since 2010. "Perhaps having a woman as a dean made the difference now," she said. KEM Dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat said, "The issue is very close to my heart, and breast cancer patients need a special ward as they are already immunocompromised. There were some problems; it couldn't happen before, but now they have been resolved," she said. Dr Varsha Kulkarni, Department Head of General Surgery, who was instrumental in having the ward up and running, said, "Women's health needs priority."
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
After months of delay, Maharashtra approves ₹45 crore for haemophilia drugs
Mumbai: After months of disruption caused by the Centre halting the supply of life-saving anti-haemophilic factors (AHFs), the Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹45 crore for the urgent procurement of clotting factor injections used in the treatment of haemophilia. This includes Factor VII and Factor VIII (both plasma-derived and recombinant forms), Factor IX, and FEIBA (Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex). These essential drugs are critical for preventing fatal bleeds in patients with haemophilia, a rare genetic blood-clotting disorder. An AHF is a protein naturally produced in the human body that plays a crucial role in blood clotting. The state's approval, formalised in a government resolution dated June 18, covers the purchase of over 100,000 vials of AHFs. This includes 25,147 vials of Factor VIII, 21,835 vials of Recombinant Factor VIII, 18,520 vials of Factor IX, and 4,605 vials of FEIBA. These medications fall under the government's essential drug list and will be distributed across Maharashtra through designated day-care haemophilia centres. The intervention comes in response to a policy shift by the Union health ministry, which earlier redirected funding from tertiary medical colleges to district hospitals. Previously, centrally allocated funds were used by institutions like Mumbai's KEM Hospital to procure AHFs. However, under the revised guidelines, civic-run institutions such as KEM no longer qualify for central support. This has crippled services at KEM, despite the hospital treating over 950 haemophilia patients from across Maharashtra. In one instance, a 29-year-old IT professional from Mira Road, suffering from severe joint and muscle bleeding, was turned away by the Thane Civil Hospital and referred to KEM. Due to critical shortages, he received only two units of Factor VIII—far below the therapeutic dose based on body weight—sharply increasing the risk of long-term disability. In cases of internal or brain bleeding, such delays could be fatal. Crucial policy shift Dr Mahendra Kendre, assistant director (blood cell) at the Directorate of Health Services, said the state's decision marks a crucial policy shift to safeguard haemophilia care. 'The withdrawal of central funding from medical colleges like KEM disrupted access to life-saving treatment,' he said. 'With this dedicated state budget and procurement policy, we are ensuring patients are no longer left vulnerable and that treatment continuity is maintained across Maharashtra.' As per the new directive, AHFs must now be stocked at all haemophilia daycare centres across the state. These drugs are significantly more expensive than standard medicines—some costing up to ₹40,000 per vial—and are essential to prevent life-threatening bleeds and irreversible joint damage. While the state's intervention brings relief, systemic flaws still threaten treatment continuity. 'Companies bid without maintaining stock, and the system allows it. Patients are paying the price,' said Jigar Kotecha, secretary of the Mumbai chapter of the Haemophilia Society, an NGO. Frequent tender failures and delivery delays have left patients vulnerable. The new budget and streamlined procurement policy aim to fix these gaps, ensuring steady access to life-saving drugs and preventing further avoidable harm. The Haemophilia Society is demanding a more robust procurement framework, timely stock replenishment, and the inclusion of advanced therapies such as extended half-life factors and non-factor treatments for patients who develop inhibitors. In a letter to the health ministry, the NGO also urged the government not to deny AHF supplies to hospitals like KEM until a capable alternative is formally designated. 'We are not asking for luxuries; we are asking for survival,' Kotecha wrote. With no dedicated civil hospital in Mumbai and tertiary centres excluded from federal schemes, advocacy groups have urged Maharashtra to adopt successful models from states like Gujarat and Telangana. Until then, patients remain reliant on emergency fixes and fragile supply chains.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Surge in viral, respiratory infections after pre-monsoon showers
MUMBAI: The city is witnessing a marked rise in seasonal infections—ranging from high-grade fever and dry cough to throat irritation, fatigue and respiratory distress—following a sudden spell of pre-monsoon rainfall over the past five days. Health experts and clinicians across the city have flagged this uptick as a direct consequence of erratic weather, increased humidity and stagnant water accumulation, all of which create a fertile environment for viral and bacterial growth, particularly affecting the respiratory tract. Mumbai witnessed an intense spell of unseasonal rainfall this week, marking the city's wettest May since 2021. Between Tuesday and Thursday morning, the Santacruz observatory recorded 34 mm of rainfall, nearly four times the city's average for the entire month of May. 'This shift from dry heat to high humidity within days disrupts the body's ability to regulate temperature and fight infections,' said Dr B A Chaurasia, consultant in internal medicine at Kokilaben Hospital. 'We are now seeing a consistent increase in respiratory infections—particularly upper respiratory tract issues like viral pharyngitis, bronchitis and flu.' Public hospitals such as KEM, Nair and Sion have reported a 30–40% increase in outpatient consultations in the past week. Many patients complain of lingering fatigue and a persistent cough that lasts beyond the usual viral cycle. 'At Sion Hospital alone, we've seen a significant jump in OPD cases, especially those involving fever, throat pain and severe fatigue,' said Dr Mohan Joshi, dean of the BMC-run Sion Hospital. 'While most cases are viral and self-limiting, a few patients—particularly senior citizens and those with diabetes or asthma—have developed complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, requiring hospitalisation.' Dr Raj Kishore Agarwal, senior consultant in general medicine at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said, 'In just five days, we've seen a noticeable shift in patient profiles. What started as isolated flu cases is now a wave—especially in the elderly and those with diabetes and asthma. Fluctuating weather stresses the immune system and enables rapid viral spread.' Clinically, such transitional weather patterns weaken mucosal barriers in the respiratory tract, making it easier for airborne pathogens to invade. The combination of moisture-laden air, cooler evenings and damp clothing after exposure to rain further aggravates the condition. 'Respiratory viruses thrive in humid environments,' said Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician at Bombay Hospital. 'The pre-monsoon rain has created ideal conditions for rhinoviruses and influenza strains to circulate widely. These pathogens survive longer in moist air and spread faster in crowded urban settings like Mumbai.' From an epidemiological standpoint, pre-monsoon periods have increasingly become fertile ground for infections that previously peaked only in winter or during the monsoon. Experts suggest that this change may be a direct outcome of climate variability, which is expanding and shifting traditional disease windows. The BMC has urged residents to remain cautious and follow preventive protocols such as hand hygiene, mask usage and timely vaccination—especially for those at higher risk. 'People must understand that even short-term rains can create long-term health impacts,' said a senior BMC health officer. 'We are reinforcing community-level alerts and ramping up our fever surveillance network.' Doctors are also advising residents to avoid self-medication and seek professional help if symptoms persist beyond three to five days. They warn that ignoring flu-like symptoms could lead to complications, particularly in those with chronic respiratory or metabolic conditions. With IMD forecasting more unseasonal showers in the coming week and an early monsoon onset expected by May 27, healthcare providers are bracing for continued spikes in seasonal infections. As the city adjusts to this sudden shift in weather, clinicians emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, rest, hydration and cautious exposure to rain and damp environments.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
KEM's free rehab centre emerges as lifeline amid rising substance addiction
MUMBAI: At 24, a young auto driver from Dharavi found himself struggling with alcoholism. Over time, his dependence on booze took a toll on his family—his wife had to pawn her jewellery, their five-year-old son dropped out of school, and the burden of daily expenses pushed the household into financial hardship. After a serious accident and a long recovery, he turned to the de-addiction centre at KEM Hospital for help. Sitting by his bedside, his wife recalled, 'Alcohol changed him. He wasn't the same person anymore.' The auto driver's story echoes the experiences of many others who visit KEM's psychiatry department in search of support and healing. Families from modest backgrounds regularly walk into the hospital's de-addiction OPD, each carrying their own version of this quiet crisis. Established over 30 years ago, KEM's de-addiction centre remains the only civic-run facility in Mumbai offering free and sustained treatment for substance dependence. Unlike private rehabilitation centres that charge substantial fees, KEM provides both in-patient and outpatient care at no cost. The hospital expanded its in-patient bed capacity to 45 last year to meet the growing demand. The centre witnessed a significant increase in patient load in 2024. There were 1,229 new OPD registrations that year—double the 609 recorded in 2023. Follow-up visits also rose from 8,788 in 2023 to 11,175 in 2024, reflecting greater continuity in care and an increase in returning patients. Interestingly, while OPD cases saw a sharp rise, indoor admissions remained fairly consistent, with 199 patients admitted in 2023 and 191 in 2024. The hospital's drug de-addiction laboratory also saw a sharp jump in testing activity. In 2024, the lab handled 15,100 samples—up from the previous year's total, which primarily consisted of urine tests for alcohol, morphine and cannabis. Of the 2024 tests, 9,100 samples tested positive for alcohol, 265 for nicotine and 5,735 for other substances, including marijuana and opioids. Doctors at the centre have observed a shift in the age profile of those seeking treatment. Between January and April 2025 alone, nearly 200 patients in the 18–30 age group registered—more than any other demographic. There were 47 patients aged from 31 to 45 while smaller numbers were recorded among teenagers and older adults. 'Substance use among teenagers and young adults has been on the rise,' said Dr Shilpa Adarkar, additional professor of psychiatry at KEM. 'Earlier, we mostly saw alcohol or tobacco-related issues. Now, we are seeing increased cases of marijuana and MDMA use, sometimes even in children as young as 14.' Dr Sangeeta Ravat, dean of KEM Hospital, attributes the growing footfall to better outreach and awareness. 'Our teams regularly visit schools and conduct community counselling sessions,' she said. 'This helps families identify early signs and encourages them to seek help.' Doctors emphasise that addiction affects both mental and physical health. Over time, it can lead to depression, anxiety, cognitive issues and social withdrawal. 'It disrupts a person's ability to live fully—academically, socially and emotionally,' said psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, who regularly counsels students in Mumbai schools. Confidentiality remains a cornerstone of the centre's approach. Doctors do not report illegal drug use to law-enforcement agencies. 'Patients won't return if they fear legal consequences. Our job is to treat; the police can track peddlers separately,' a senior doctor explained. Family counselling is a key component of recovery support. 'We advise families on how to create a stable environment—reducing triggers, handling money carefully and encouraging routine. Recovery needs structure,' said Dr Ajita Nayak, head of psychiatry. Dr Nayak also stressed the importance of parental involvement in prevention. 'Peer pressure, academic stress and media glamorisation of substance use are all powerful triggers,' she said. 'Parents must stay engaged—ask questions, listen, and spend time with their children.' As the number of new cases at the de-addiction centre continues to rise—showing nearly a 100% increase in OPD registrations from 2023 to 2024—KEM Hospital remains a vital public institution offering accessible addiction care to some of Mumbai's most vulnerable communities.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Borivali to get clinic, diagnostic and dialysis centre under BMC's PPP model
MUMBAI: The BMC is set to operationalise a new clinic and a diagnostic and dialysis centre in Borivali West under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The facility, housed in a two-storey building located in Punjabi Galli, was originally constructed for this before the COVID-19 pandemic but was repurposed as a quarantine centre for asymptomatic patients during the outbreak. A senior BMC official, requesting anonymity, said, 'Patients often have to travel long distances and wait in long queues at tertiary hospitals for specialty services. This centre will help reduce that burden by providing consultations and diagnostics locally at affordable rates, saving both time and transport costs for residents.' According to BMC health department sources, a tender has already been floated for the project, which will run on a 30-year PPP basis. The centre will offer a wide range of services, from general outpatient consultations to advanced radiological and pathological diagnostics, under one roof. General OPD consultations will be priced at ₹10, while specialty and super-specialty consultations will cost ₹293 and ₹345 respectively. The facility will be equipped with a diagnostic unit offering X-ray, ECG, sonography, CT scan, MRI, mammography, and pulmonary function tests, all at rates approved by the BMC. Apart from this, the clinic will provide medical consultations across disciplines such as gynaecology, cardiology, internal medicine and urology. Testing costs for hundreds of procedures have been fixed in advance, with services to be delivered at par with civic rates. As per the proposed plan, the ground floor will include registration counters, general and specialty OPDs, and a radiology unit along with a generic pharmacy. The first floor will accommodate superspecialty OPDs, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and laboratories for advanced pathology, microbiology and endocrinology. The second floor will be designated for dialysis services and dental care. The rollout of services is time-bound. The private operator selected through the tender process will be required to launch OPD services within four months, followed by basic pathology and radiology within six months, and CT and MRI services within nine months. The facility is intended to reduce the patient load at tertiary public hospitals such as KEM, Nair and Sion by offering advanced diagnostics and consultations at a local level. To ensure fair access, a Special Duty Officer will be appointed. Concessional rates will be extended to Mumbai-based ration-card holders and BMC employees.
