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Time of India
18-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
15 hurt, 3 critical as 2-storey structure collapses in Bandra
Mumbai: An explosion caused by a gas cylinder leak resulted in the collapse of a ground-plus-two structure at around 5:35am in Bandra East on Friday, injuring 15 people; three are critical. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident occurred among several cheek-by-jowl structures in a chawl located at Bharat Nagar, BKC. The injured include an eight-year-old boy and three senior citizens. Most residents were fast asleep. Some were on their way for Friday's first prayers at the adjoining mosque, while others were preparing their children for school when the explosion took place in the home of 65-year-old Rehana Ansari and her husband, 68-year-old Mehmood Ansari, on the first floor. Both sustained 50% burns and were in critical condition at KEM Hospital. The fire brigade managed to rescue six residents of the building after extricating them from the debris. They faced a tough time carrying out the rescue operation, as they had to enter the area where the structure collapsed from a neighbouring masjid. Subsequently, the fire brigade also managed to remove as many as six intact LPG gas cylinders from the debris. "We could get the six persons out consciously and safely, as they were trapped under the debris due to the cavities created by the iron angles used in the structure when it collapsed. Of the six, four were residing on the ground floor and two on the first floor. Some of those on the ground floor got out on their own," said a fire brigade official. "The masjid, whose window was damaged in the explosion, was vacated, and the fire brigade was given space in the masjid to carry out rescue work," said Iftekar Ibrahim Shaikh, who resides in the neighbourhood. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Eighty-five-year-old Jaffar Khan had arrived for his morning prayers at the mosque adjacent to the ill-fated structure. "I was just about to start the ritual when parts of the wall fell on me," he said. Khan escaped with a minor injury on his forehead. While many said they were fortunate enough to be taken out of the rubble early, Haseena Sheikh (50) remained trapped for five hours. Sheikh and her 25-year-old son, Asif, who were on the first floor of the structure, had woken up early for prayers as well. They remained trapped under the debris, screaming until the rescue team found them. Sadiq, another son of Haseena, and his wife, Sharmin, were on the second floor and were rescued earlier. Mustafa and Shabana Sayyed, parents of two teenage girls, had just woken their 16-year-old daughter, Alfiya, for school. "Her mother was helping her comb her hair, and in an instant, we heard a loud noise and the roof collapsed." Their 18-year-old daughter was still asleep at the time. The entire family is now admitted to Bhabha Hospital, along with 13 others, with Shabana suffering injuries from metal objects that fell on her as she shielded Alfiya. Mustafa received a few stitches, and both daughters escaped with minor injuries. The youngest victim of the tragedy, eight-year-old Mohammed Irfan Khan, is the only other patient in ICU. He is conscious and is being treated for severe head injuries.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cardiac medication sales shoot up 50% in five years
Mumbai: India's heart disease burden is evident not only from the spate of heart attacks among young celebrities in the past five years, but also in the over-50% rise in cardiac medication sale in the same period. Be they lipid-lowering drugs, heart-failure medications or anti-anginal treatments, cardiac medications sell more than drugs meant for any complications, including the gastro-intestinal tract, infections or diabetes. According to June report of Pharmarack, which analyses sales figures from 17 prominent Indian pharmaceutical companies representing more than half of the sector, sales of cardiac medicines rose from Rs 1,761 crore in June 2021 to Rs 2,645 crore by June 2025. There has been a consistent yearly growth rate of 10.7% in this sector, showed the report. Experts offer a slew of reasons for this rise, ranging from better awareness of heart diseases, new parameters for measuring hypertension as well as the increasing population of senior citizens. "There is no doubt that cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, but at the same time, access to care and diagnostic tools has improved," said Dr Ajay Mahajan, head of the cardiology department at KEM Hospital. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nvidia's AI Strategy Is Clear - But Is Wall Street Paying Attention? Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Centre's data suggests that 63% of total deaths in the country were due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounting for 27%. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Dr Suraj Nagre, associate professor at JJ Hospital's cardiovascular and thoracic surgery department, offers another reason: "A few years ago, the threshold for hypertension was a reading of 130-140. Medical guidelines have since changed and even readings above 120 are considered hypertensive." While heart care until a few years back mainly meant lipid-lowering medications, the prescriptions for other drugs meant to control unstable heart rhythm or heart failure have also increased. "Cardiovascular medications are interrelated because they target different but connected pathways of disease," said senior cardiac surgeon Dr Ramakanta Panda. "For example, anti-hypertensives lower blood pressure to reduce the strain on arteries and the heart. Lipid-lowering drugs like statins reduce cholesterol helping prevent arterial blockages. Anti-anginals improve blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving chest pain caused by narrowed arteries. These medications are often prescribed together," said Dr Panda. Referring to the frequent reports of cardiac arrest deaths among common people as well as celebrities and fitness enthusiasts, KEM cardiologist Dr Charan Lanjewar said underlying factors are almost always involved. "There's a lack of data to identify a single cause in many cardiac arrest cases. The reasons are multifactorial, but lifestyle, stress, and consumption habits play a vital role," he said. The aging population is more prone to heart conditions. Senior cardiologist Dr Akshay Mehta said, "The lifespan of the Indian population has increased and with a growing aging population, we are seeing a higher incidence of heart disease. Along with rising incidence, we also have better diagnostic tools now."
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."
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
KEM Hospital launches Comprehensive Neurosciences Department in Pune; one-stop hub for neurological, psychiatric, stroke and rehabilitation care
KEM Hospital, Pune has launched a Comprehensive Department of Neurosciences, integrating neurological, neurosurgical, and mental health care for adults and children. PUNE: In an effort to combine all major neuroscience specialties in one centralized unit, KEM Hospital, Pune has launched its newly Comprehensive Department of Neurosciences, a one-stop unit for neurological, neurosurgical, and mental health care for both adults and children. This modern, patient-centric unit brings together decades of clinical expertise in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Interventional Neurology, Psychiatry, Neuropsychology, and Rehabilitation—now seamlessly integrated under one roof to ensure streamlined diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Dr. Pradeep Divate, HoD and Senior Neurologist, KEM Hospital, Pune informed that the newly launched Neurosciences Unit represents a significant leap forward, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and consolidated services in a single, accessible location. The Department stands out for its integrated and holistic approach, combining all major neuroscience specialties in one centralized unit Dr. Anand Alurkar, Senior Consultant Interventional Neurologist at KEM Hospital, Pune said that the department offers round-the-clock acute stroke care services, including clot-dissolving therapy (thrombolysis) and advanced bi-plane Cath Lab interventions such as thrombectomy and aneurysm coiling. Patients with epilepsy benefit from comprehensive care that spans diagnosis to long-term management using the latest technologies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Those with balance disorders can access a dedicated Vertigo and Balance Clinic, which includes vestibular rehabilitation and Videonystagmography (VNG) testing. Dr. Nitinkumar Londhe, HoD and Consultant Neurosurgeon at KEM Hospital, Pune said that neurosurgical services cover a wide range of conditions, including trauma, brain and spinal tumors, pediatric neurosurgical issues, and degenerative spinal disorders. The department is also equipped with advanced neurodiagnostic capabilities such as EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies, and visual and auditory evoked potentials Dr. Vasudeo Paralikar, HOD & Consultant - Psychiatry Department said that Mental health services are another cornerstone of the department, offering emergency psychiatric care, adolescent-focused programs, and neuropsychological support. Rehabilitation is integral to patient recovery, with access to specialized speech therapy, neuro physiotherapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. Paediatric Care has been one of the cornerstones of services at KEM Hospital, Pune. Dr. Nandan Yardi said that the wide ranging childhood neurological disorders ranging from infections to conditions like epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorders, require specialized care and has a significant impact on the quality of life of the child in future. This one stop unit will further enhance the paediatric neurology services . Dr. Rakesh Shah, COO, KEM Hospital, Pune said that KEM Hospital has long been a trusted referral center for neurological conditions across Maharashtra. Building on the legacy that dates back to the 1970s, the newly opened neurosciences department is a part of our efforts to provide world class medical care for common people. The neurosciences department includes A strong team of experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists who collaborate to provide comprehensive care for neurological disorders. The team of specialists include Neurologists Dr. Dhairashil Saste, Dr. Pradeep Diwte, and Dr. Vishal Deshpande, Epileptologist Dr. Mudassar Kharadi, Paediatric Neurologists Dr. Nandan Yardi and Dr. Abhijit Botre, Neurosurgeons Dr. Sarang Rote, Londhe and Dr. Pravin Jain Harawat, Psychiatrists Dr. Suchita Agarwal, Jadhavar, Dr. Amit Nulkar, Dr. Vasudev Paralikar , Dr. Niket Kasar and Dr. Hrishikesh Behere and Interventional Neurologist Dr. Anand Alurkar.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Evening fever OPDs to tackle surge in monsoon illnesses
MUMBAI: With the onset of monsoon showers, Mumbai's civic-run hospitals are witnessing a sharp spike in cases of viral fever, influenza and other seasonal infections. To manage the growing patient load and offer timely care, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched evening Fever Outpatient Departments (Fever OPDs) at its major hospitals. The initiative aims to provide quick screening, reduce crowding in general OPDs, and improve access to healthcare for the city's working population. The evening Fever OPD at Nair Hospital is already operational, while Sion Hospital will begin services from June 7. KEM Hospital is expected to follow shortly, and Cooper Hospital will start its Fever OPD within a week. These clinics will function daily from 4pm to 8pm, a decision aimed at benefiting office-goers and workers who are unable to visit hospitals during regular working hours. 'Evening OPDs allow patients to seek timely care without compromising their work or income. They also help ease the daytime crowd in our hospitals,' a senior BMC health official said. The initiative comes amid an unusually early surge in seasonal illnesses. The sudden onset of the monsoon, coupled with fluctuating temperatures and high humidity, has led to a rise in both respiratory and vector-borne infections across the city. HT had reported that major hospitals have reported a 20–30% increase in such cases, well ahead of the usual June-July peak. Dr Kirti Sabnis, infectious disease specialist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, confirmed the trend. 'Nearly 20–25% of our OPD patients are currently presenting with cough, cold or flu-like symptoms,' she said. 'These are classic monsoon-related respiratory infections, including mild Covid-19 cases, and they're appearing earlier than expected due to premature rains.' Dr Mohan Joshi, dean of Sion Hospital, said the evening OPDs are essential to contain the spread of these illnesses. 'Every monsoon, we face a sharp rise in cases presenting with fever—ranging from viral infections to serious conditions such as dengue or leptospirosis. Evening OPDs allow us to reach a wider section of society and provide early diagnosis and treatment before symptoms worsen,' he said. Dr Shailesh Mohite, dean of Nair Hospital, added that dedicated fever clinics help streamline patient flow and minimise risk. 'Segregating fever patients from general OPDs prevents overcrowding and limits cross-infection within hospital premises,' he said. Doctors at the fever OPDs will screen patients showing symptoms such as fever, body ache, sore throat or rashes. Suspected cases of dengue, malaria and leptospirosis will be referred for further testing and treatment. The BMC has also intensified its anti-dengue drive. Between January and May 2025, civic workers identified 25,169 mosquito breeding sites across the city. So far, 2,292 buildings and 2.72 million slum units been fumigated. In comparison, the entire year of 2024 saw 590,000 buildings and 790,000 slum units being fumigated—signalling an aggressive early intervention this year. Doctors are urging citizens not to ignore persistent fever or flu-like symptoms and avoid self-medication. High-risk groups, such as children, senior citizens and those with comorbidities, are advised to seek prompt medical consultation. With heavy rains expected in the coming weeks, BMC officials say the launch of evening Fever OPDs will be a critical tool in Mumbai's fight against monsoon-related health risks.
