Latest news with #PGIMERChandigarh
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGIMER doctors perform India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy
Doctors at PGIMER Chandigarh have achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully performing India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy. The urology team, led by Dr. Aditya Prakash Sharma, used the da Vinci Surgical System for enhanced precision in the male infertility surgery. This innovative approach offers new hope for couples seeking natural conception after vasectomy, marking a significant advancement in andrology and microsurgery. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research ( PGIMER ) here on Thursday said that a team of its doctors from the urology department have successfully performed India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy "In a significant milestone for Indian urology, Dr Aditya Prakash Sharma, Additional Professor, Dr Girdhar Bora, Additional Professor and Prof Ravi Mohan from the Department of Urology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, have successfully performed India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy on July 9," said a statement by the institute."This pioneering procedure offers a modern alternative to the conventional microscope-based technique used in male infertility surgery," the statement patient, a 43-year-old man presented with secondary infertility due to vasectomy, was discharged the next day following surgery."Traditionally performed using an operating microscope, this case marked a paradigm shift as the surgery was conducted using the da Vinci Surgical System, providing enhanced precision, stability, and three-dimensional magnified visualization," the statement said."This innovation reflects the PGIMER's commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology into clinical practice. Robot-assisted vasovasostomy allows for meticulous suturing using extremely thin sutures (thinner than the diameter of human hair), while reducing surgeon fatigue and tremor," said Dr Sharma, the lead surgeon."Robot-assisted vasovasostomy not only expands the scope of robotic surgery in andrology but also opens new hope for couples seeking natural conception after vasectomy," he to the PGIMER statement, Prof Mohan said, "This successful case demonstrates the versatility of robotic systems beyond cancer surgeries and reconstructive procedures. It sets the stage for broader applications in andrology and microsurgery."With this achievement, the PGIMER joins a small group of global centres that have performed robot-assisted vasovasostomy, placing India on the map in this advanced surgical team plans to publish their experience in peer-reviewed literature, paving the way for larger clinical applications, the statement said. Vasectomy reversal or vasovasostomy is a procedure in which, after a vasectomy, the blocked tubes are reconnected to restore fertility in it is done using magnification under an operating vasovasostomy is a modern technique in which, instead of using a microscope, the surgeon uses a robot to join the tiny sperm-carrying tubes with great technique improves accuracy and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: ICMR chief lauds institute's innovation, 31 workers honoured
With over 27 lakh patients treated last year, 74 research grants secured in two years, and innovations gaining global recognition, PGIMER Chandigarh celebrated 62 years of advancing healthcare and medical research on Monday. Recognised as one of India's premier medical institutions, the institute has played a pivotal role in transforming clinical care and translational research. Dr Rajiv Bahl, director general of ICMR. (Keshav Singh/HT) Dr Rajiv Bahl, secretary to the government of India in the department of health research and the director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research, was the chief guest at the 62nd Foundation Day event. A total of 31 PGIMER employees were felicitated for their outstanding service to the institution. Applauding PGIMER's achievements, Dr Bahl said, 'PGI's leadership in clinical trials and research is crucial for India's future in global healthcare innovation.' Founded in 1962 and inaugurated on July 7, 1963, PGIMER was declared an Institute of National Importance in 1967. Spread across 277 acres, the institute today has over 11,800 staff, including 728 faculty members and 1,300 resident doctors. It has a capacity of 2,233 beds, with 207 ICU beds and 73 operation theatres, catering to nearly 10,000 outpatients daily. 'Devices like the infrared hematoma detector and Mobi-lab, developed with ICMR support, have attracted international attention—even from Bill Gates,' said Dr Bahl. Dr D Behera, PGIMER's professor emeritus and president, National Academy of Medical Sciences, attended the event as guest of honour.
India.com
22-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Studied MBBS and MD, topped Haryana Civil Services, got married, cracked UPSC twice while raising a kid, her AIR was..., she is...
The UPSC exam is often touted as the most difficult competitive exam in India. The Union Public Service Commission holds the exam once a year, and lakhs of candidates from various academic and professional backgrounds enroll each year in pursuit of IAS, IPS, IFS, and other prestigious services. Despite the great competition and unfathomable effort that candidates exert towards UPSC preparation, many candidates take a leap of faith and chase this dream while juggling a job, family, and other commitments. Dr. Pragati Verma, who obtained AIR 355 for UPSC 2023, is one of these impressive individuals, with a great story to tell, demonstrating if you are sufficiently dedicated and have the right mindset, you can achieve even the biggest goals, regardless of circumstances. What makes her accomplishment even more outstanding is that she did this while working at a hospital and preparing for her exams, demonstrating her ability to handle both work responsibilities and intense preparation efforts. Dr. Pragati Verma, who achieved All India Rank(AIR) 355 in the UPSC 2023 examination, is from Meham sub-division in the Rohtak district of Haryana. Speaking about her educational qualification, Pragati finished her schooling from Meham, did MBBS from PGIMS Rohtak, and pursued MD in Radiodiagnosis at PGIMER Chandigarh. After her postgraduation, she worked as a Senior Resident at AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh for one year. After one year, she married Dr. Atul Verma. The couple is blessed with a son, named Rajvardhan Verma. After marriage, she worked in private and corporate hospitals in Kurukshetra as a Radiology Consultant while simultaneously preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. As per a report of News18 Hindi, Dr. Pragati Verma started her UPSC preparation in May 2021 and subsequently appeared for the 2021 Preliminary exam a few months later. However, she narrowly missed qualifying by approximately 10 marks. She did not let it stop her from repeatedly strategizing her preparation and in her second attempt, passed Prelims, Mains, Interview, and got an All India Rank of 740. She belonged to the OBC category. She obtained 756 marks in the written examination and 171 marks in the personality test. Overall, she secured 927 marks in the UPSC Civil Services(Main) Examination, 2022. Her All India Rank(AIR) was 740. With an aim to be in the IAS, she sat for the UPSC 2023 exam and got AIR 355. She obtained 787 marks in the written examination and 175 marks in the personality test. Overall, she secured 962 marks in the UPSC Civil Services(Main) Examination, 2023. Her All India Rank(AIR) was 355. In 2023, Dr Pragati Verma obtained 2nd rank in the Haryana Civil Services (HCS), also securing All India Rank 740 in UPSC 2022-23. After her success in HCS, she joined the service and worked in the Ambala Division as an Officer on Special Duty to the Commissioner. According to OdishaTV, at the age of 31 and as a mother to a three-year-old son, Rani secured 355th rank in the UPSC exam, improving her performance from her previous attempt. With this achievement, she is now set to become an IAS officer. Dr Pragati Verma comes from a family with a strong tradition of public service. Her father is a primary teacher, while her mother works in the health department. For added context, her father-in-law, R.C. Verma, is a retired IAS officer and served as Deputy Commissioner in four districts of Haryana, including Bhiwani, Palwal, Nuh, and Rewari.
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
PGIMER Chandigarh aims to break its own record on International Yoga Day
The PGIMER Chandigarh is aiming to break its own record this International Yoga Day on June 21. Last year, the institute entered the Asia Book of Records after 1,924 healthcare workers participated in a yoga session organised on campus. This time, the PGIMER plans to include up to 3,000 participants. According to professor Akshay Anand from the Department of Neurology and in charge of the Collaborative Centre for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), efforts are underway to include healthcare workers from across the Tricity. A special committee has been formed, and both government and private medical institutions, as well as the Indian Medical Association (IMA), are being involved in the coordination process. The interest in yoga at the PGIMER goes beyond symbolic celebrations. The institute has been conducting scientific research into the effects and benefits of yoga for years. The Collaborative Centre for Mind-Body Interventions, run jointly by CCRYN, New Delhi, and PGIMER, focuses on studying how yoga impacts the human body and mind. Similar work is also being done at AIIMS Delhi, and several studies have shown that yoga can help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and lower back pain. Researchers believe that yoga, when practiced consistently, can bring measurable improvements in overall health. The PGIMER has also extended yoga facilities to attendants of patients. 'Most people who come to the hospital are already under stress. Many have to stay for days, go through long queues, and face constant anxiety. This takes a mental toll, and yoga helps the stress and anxiety levels,' a specialised yoga trainer said. To address this issue, the institute has started weekly yoga sessions, held twice a week on its campus. These sessions aim to offer emotional relief to attendants and help them cope better with the hospital environment.
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
From 110 kg to 78 kg: Retired Himachal agri officer credits millets for health revival
From battling obesity and chronic health complications to becoming a passionate advocate for millet-based diets, Dr Rakesh Prabhakar's journey is one of a remarkable transformation. At 71, the retired joint director of the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department has not only shed over 30 kilograms — from 110 kg to 78 kg — but has also reversed a range of troubling health conditions. His secret? A complete dietary shift to millets. 'I was taken aback when I found myself struggling with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a fatty liver,' Dr Rakesh Prabhakar told The Indian Express during a two-day workshop on 'Enhancing Resilience in Rainfed Agriculture Systems in Himachal', which concluded on Friday. 'Over the months that followed, I drastically reduced my grain intake and switched entirely to millet-based foods. The results have been life-changing', he said. Prabhkar was invited to participate as a panelist in the chapter 'Reviving Millets Through Community Centric Approach in Himachal Pradesh' during the workshop. A resident of Solan, Prabhakar retired from government service in 2013. He recalls suffering from recurring health issues for nearly a decade, including painful nodules across his body. 'I was on medication for years. I was battling with high blood pressure (BP), sugar and other ailments. It took me around 14 to 15 months to reform myself. I cut out wheat completely and replaced it with millets. Initially, I tried boiled vegetables, but they didn't help much. It was only after switching to millets that I started to see real change,' the doctor said. Prabhakar said he never took recommendations of millet champion and Padma Shri awardee Nek Ram who was in his contact for a long time — 'seriously'. However, in 2023, he thought to himself that he should test this theory. 'Indeed, it was not easy to shift from wheat to completely on the millets. Over the decades, our digesting system has become habitual for the wheat products. For the initial weeks, I faced difficulty in using millets also known as Motta Anaz but as I started feeling transformation in my body, I followed millets' diet strictly. I gave up wheat, sugar, bread, refined flour (maida), and both soft and hard drinks.' 'I only take lemon with black salt. Initially, my body struggled to digest millets — they are heavy — but over time I adjusted. We have become entirely independent of wheat now,' he said. Prabhakar also recounted multiple hospital visits, including consultations at the PGIMER Chandigarh's gastroenterology and oncology departments. 'Those were difficult years,' he said. 'But now, I even recommend this millet diet to my wife Garima, who is eight years younger to me.' Padma Shri awardee Nek Ram also spoke at the workshop, highlighting the benefits of traditional millets such as ragi, kodo, kangni, and jowar. 'They are light on the digestive system and help reduce dietary overload,' Nek Ram said. Prabhakar emphasised that while people are increasingly aware of millets, many still lack knowledge on how to prepare them. 'We need more awareness about millet recipes and cooking methods,' he said. The workshop brought together agricultural scientists, policy makers, and grassroots-level farmers to deliberate on strategies for improving crop resilience and promoting sustainable farming practices in rainfed regions. Millets — known for their hardiness, nutritional value, and low water requirements — emerged as a central theme.
