Latest news with #MohanKeshavamurthy
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
First-ever robot enabled transplant programme for kidney patients launched
Bengaluru: In yet another clinical milestone, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru has advanced its robot-aided infrastructure with the launch of the TREAT program (Total Robot Enabled and Assisted Transplant) – a pioneering initiative in robot-assisted kidney transplantation. This state-of-the-art initiative marks a major leap forward in surgical excellence and patient care, especially with its historic milestone: the successful execution of simultaneous robotic surgeries for both donor and recipient — a first-of-its-kind clinical achievement in combines Advanced Robotic Surgical Ecosystem with patient-centric protocols to deliver superior clinical outcomes, particularly in Kidney transplant scenarios which are complex. By using two robot-assisted systems simultaneously, one for the donor and one for the recipient, the program minimizes trauma, reduces recovery time and enhances surgical precision to an unprecedented degree. In India, where most living kidney donors are women who need to manage multiple roles - TREAT is breaking new ground by equally prioritizing donor health by placing equal importance on the wellbeing of donor alongside the recipients. TREAT program is committed to ensuring donor safety and comfort by reducing physical discomfort, shortening hospital stays and enabling a faster return to daily life - all without compromising surgical excellence. TREAT also opens new doors for recipients with co-morbidities those with obesity, prior history of transplants or complex anatomical challenges who previously had limited surgical options. With robotic precision, these patients now have access to life-saving procedures once deemed too risky or unfeasible. The Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, Principal Director – Renal Sciences, Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy added 'With minimal scarring and maximum precision, it restores body image, preserves dignity, and empowers families through a safer, faster, and more compassionate transplant journey.' The Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Dr Ritu Garg said, 'We're not just improving survival rates; we're helping patients reclaim their lives. That's the true impact of TREAT.'
United News of India
26-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Kidney Transplant: Fortis offers hope without high costs
Bengaluru, June 26 (UNI) In a breakthrough for affordable advanced healthcare, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, has emerged as the only hospital in South India offering simultaneous dual robotic kidney transplants without pushing the financial burden onto patients. According to Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director – Renal Sciences, the total cost difference between a conventional transplant and a fully robotic transplant is just Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakh, making the advanced procedure financially accessible. "The idea is to treat the patient, not the pocket. Despite investing Rs 32 to Rs 40 crore in robotic systems, the patient cost is kept within reach—and many are covered by insurance," he told UNI in an interaction. Fortis Bengaluru is the only hospital in Karnataka and Southern India to house two Da Vinci surgical robots side by side, enabling donor and recipient to be operated on simultaneously. Globally, only nine hospitals have used this technique—Fortis being the first in India and second in Asia after Seoul. This approach has transformed outcomes for high-risk patients previously denied surgery due to medical complexity, age, or anatomical challenges. Dr. Keshavamurthy confirmed that robotic transplants are now covered by several private insurers, including Star Health, and are protected by IRDAI guidelines and a Supreme Court ruling that guarantees donor and recipient coverage under valid clinical conditions. "More than 50 percent of our transplants are insurance-backed, and about 30 percent are done for CGHS, ECHS, and institutional beneficiaries. Our focus is inclusion," he added. Currently, Ayushman Bharat covers transplants only in public hospitals. However, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is in development. By November 2025, private hospitals like Fortis may conduct surgeries under government rates and receive reimbursements. Fortis treats patients from across India and abroad, with 17 to 18 percent of transplants for international patients. Surgical costs remain the same, but foreigners bear additional expenses for stay and embassy clearance, typically adding five to six weeks to their recovery period. The Fortis transplant team includes 30 skilled urologists, with a wide generational spread, ensuring continuous availability of top-quality care. The hospital plans to train other centers in the technique to expand access nationwide. "Machines can be bought by others, but what we have is generational talent, developed over decades. That's what makes Bengaluru a transplant destination," Dr. Keshavamurthy said. He emphasized that as volume increases, cost will further reduce, just as it happened with mobile phones and consumer electronics in India. "We expect to recover our investment in 600 to 700 transplants over four to five years, but that is not the priority. Giving patients a future is," he stated. With India seeing rising cases of diabetes and longer lifespans, 70 percent of kidney transplants at Fortis are now performed for diabetes-related kidney failure, a stark shift from the past. "What was once a contraindication is now the main reason for transplant. We're adapting to the needs of modern India," he concluded. In blending technology, affordability, and compassion, Fortis Bengaluru's TREAT program is redefining kidney transplant care in India and setting a global example. UNI BDN ARN
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Hospital plans centre of education for South Asia
Bengaluru: Fortis Hospitals in Bengaluru signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday with Teleflex Incorporated, a global provider of medical technologies, to create UroLift Center of Education for South Asia in India. The UroLift System uses a minimally invasive approach to treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), stated a press release issued by Fortis Hospitals on Monday. Typically, no catheter is required after the treatment, according to Fortis Hospitals. BPH is a common condition marked by urinary symptoms that can cause loss of productivity, depression, interrupted sleep, and decreased quality of life, added the press release. 'Our collaboration with Fortis Hospitals will empower medical professionals with advanced knowledge and hands-on training, ultimately improving patient care,' said Arun Kaushik, Managing Director, South Asia, Teleflex. Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director of Renal Sciences, Fortis Hospitals in Bengaluru, said, 'Through this collaboration, we are committed to helping Urologists acquire requisite skill to optimise individualised treatment solutions for patients requiring Endoscopic surgical solutions for BPH.' These training programs for the UroLift System will be conducted at Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, he added.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
City hospital signs MoU with Teleflex to create a UroLift Center of Education for South Asia
Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a global provider of medical technologies to create UroLift Center of Education for South Asia in India. The UroLiftTM System uses a minimally invasive approach to treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common condition marked by bothersome urinary symptoms that can cause loss of productivity, depression, interrupted sleep, and decreased quality of life. 'The UroLiftTM System is a BPH procedure that does not require heating, cutting, removal, or destruction of prostate tissue. The UroLiftTM System provides rapid symptom relief and preserves sexual function. Typically, no catheter is required after the treatment,' said the press release. 'Our collaboration with Fortis Hospitals will empower medical professionals with advanced knowledge and hands-on training, ultimately improving patient care,' said Arun Kaushik, Managing Director, South Asia, Teleflex. Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director – Renal Sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, 'Through this collaboration, we are committed to helping Urologists acquire requisite skill to optimise individualised treatment solutions such as UROLIFT for patients requiring Endoscopic surgical solutions for BPH and enhancing outcomes thereof. The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive training program to Urologists to ensure careful selection and safe delivery of the UroLift System to patients in their practice.'
