Breast cancer accounts for around 25% to 32% of all cancers in Indian women. The month of October has been chosen as Breast Cancer Month, which is an annual event to raise awareness for this disease. Throughout this month, people, business houses, and communities come together to show solidarity with these thousands of people who are suffering from breast cancer.

During the meet, Dr. Pooja Agarwal, shared, “Treatment for breast cancer requires integrating medical expertise with a commitment to self-care. Therefore, we strive for personalized care and an accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment plan. Every single step, be it surgery or therapy is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team designed to bring out the best results. Equal importance lies in patient participation, self-care, proper nutrition and emotional support to pave the way for a better life. In this journey, the support of family members and friends are also crucial as their support gives the patients the mental strength to fight the disease. It is quite alarming that among the breast cancer patients, 61% presents at advanced stages and only a few come to us with early disease in India.  Various cultural factors and low awareness are some of the leading causes behind this trend. Early diagnosis is the key and we suggest that all women above 40 years should have an annual mammogram, and the young ones should do regular self-breast examinations.”

In her welcome address, Ms. Arunima Datta, expressed, “We have named the event, Bijoya – celebrating the ‘Brave and Beautiful’ to appreciate the strength of women as they play so many roles in their lives and often due to this challenging disease, they need to play the role of a patient. The journey is tough, and their inner strength is crucial but the support of those around them is equally essential as a pillar of encouragement. Society often defines a woman’s beauty by her appearance—her hair, her outward features—but true beauty lies in her mental resilience and the courage with which she faces life’s hardships. The fight against cancer is a difficult one, and it is important for patients to prioritize their mental well-being alongside their physical health. We are glad to see that more patients and their families now recognize the value of counseling and emotional support, and we hope mental health continues to be given the same priority as physical recovery.”

In the meeting, Aruna Basak, an 86-year-old, shared her journey and said, “Early this year, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I thought, that was the end of my life. I came to Medica with a breast lump and after a few tests, received the diagnosis of breast cancer, as my son stays out of India, I was more scared, but the team here and Dr. Pooja Agarwal assured me that I would be fine and I underwent the surgery, by the grace of God, I didn’t need any aggressive treatment after my surgery and keeping quite well. I am currently doing my regular follow-ups with Dr. Agarwal and recently, celebrated the Durga Puja with the family. I just want to say that with the right support system and proper treatment, this journey all though a difficult one, can be overcome.  Post recovery, I realized that it is just a new beginning.”

Gauri Bhattacharya, a 76-year-old, shared, “This year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was mentally strong as I knew that I needed to fight, and my husband was my biggest strength. All though I was scared because of my age but at Medica, my treatment was smooth. I am grateful to the team for giving me the best care. At present, I am on my hormonal therapy, and I am back to my regular life.”

Dr.  Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals East, shared, “Breast cancer happens to be the most common cancer in the world, with 2.3 million new cases every year, while fortunately the survival rate is also very high. To successfully overcome the disease, we need to create awareness among people and emphasize on the importance of early detection. I am glad, that today, so many survivors shared their successful recovery journeys which highlights the dedication of our oncology team, and I wish all of them a healthy life ahead.”

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Dr. Andrew Fleming, during his speech, expressed, “ In sharing my journey through the challenges of neurodiversity and mental health, from my early struggles with undiagnosed dyspraxia and dyslexia to facing marginalization in both educational and professional settings, I emphasize upon the critical need for understanding, support, and inclusivity. These conditions are often misunderstood or overlooked, yet their impact on individuals is profound. We must break down the barriers of stigma and create environments—both in education and the workplace—that not only accommodate but recognize and embrace the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals. True progress lies in fostering equity, offering reasonable adjustments without assumptions, and building robust support systems that ensure every individual can thrive, regardless their disability or mental health challenges. Together, we must move beyond mere awareness and actively work toward creating inclusive spaces that champion diversity in all its forms.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, shared, “We have embarked on a transformative journey in mental health care, recognizing the critical role the mind plays in the healing process. We integrate psychological support at every stage of treatment, starting before surgery and continuing throughout the patient’s recovery. With dedicated team members like Ms.  Arunima Datta, Dr. Ushasi Banerjee Ms. Sohini Saha, and others, the mental health departments across all Manipal Hospitals in the city are providing holistic care for children and adults. Our commitment extends beyond hospital walls as we actively engage with the community to raise awareness about mental health and foster a culture of well-being. Healthcare is a stressful environment, not just for patients but also for the caregivers, and we have implemented programs to ensure our team members are equipped to manage this stress while delivering the highest standard of care.”

Attaching the press release with pictures for your perusal.

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Here, The BLS session aimed to equip individuals with essential life-saving skills, in line with the standards set by the American Heart Association (AHA). Led by Dr. Indranil Das, Head of Emergency at Medica Superspecialty Hospital and an alumnus of the International Visitorship Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the USA.

While talking about the importance of BLS training, Dr. Indranil Das, shared, “Equipping employees with Basic Life Support (BLS) training not only saves lives but also fosters a culture of safety and preparedness within organizations. In the critical moments of a medical emergency, a trained individual can be the difference between life and death. By instilling BLS skills across the workforce, we mitigate workplace accidents while empowering individuals to act swiftly and effectively in any setting, be it the office or their homes. As we navigate through the post-pandemic landscape, prioritizing employee well-being is paramount, and BLS training emerges as a fundamental step towards creating healthier and more cohesive work environments. At Medica Group of Hospitals, we recognize the transformative power of BLS training and are dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to make a difference when it matters most.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, expressed, “Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, expressed, “In India, delayed medical care contributes significantly to adverse health outcomes, with over 50% of cardiac arrest patients reaching hospitals late. Here, timely medical assistance can make all the difference, especially in emergencies like cardiac arrests or accidents. By providing BLS training, we empower individuals to become immediate responders, potentially saving countless lives. Medica is committed to train citizens in our effort to build a force which can effectively mitigate life threatening situations. Medica as a responsible healthcare organization has trained all its employees, both clinical & non clinical with BLS, including front & back office staff as well as contractual staff in Housekeeping, Security & Kitchen. We have also conducted such trainings at corporate, schools, colleges & clubs and this shall be our continuous endeavor.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Timely and accessible medical care can be the difference between life and death, yet it’s not always within reach. Emergencies ranging from cardiac arrest to accidents, fires, smoke inhalation, or drowning demand immediate attention, and waiting. for professional assistance can exacerbate the situation. Therefore, imparting basic life support (BLS) training can serve as a vital tool in addressing medical crises, potentially saving lives.”

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In the realm of cardiac care, the Impella device stands out as a revolutionary solution, particularly in cases where conventional procedures pose heightened risks due to a weakened heart. The Impella device comes into play during critical situations, such as a heart attack, where any immediate intervention might precipitate cardiac shock, risking the heart’s functionality. To mitigate this risk, patients are temporarily placed on implants that handle crucial heart functions, allowing a window of 4 to 6 hours for subsequent interventions. In instances of severe artery blockage, the intervention process may be delayed, necessitating additional support. The Impella device, known as the world’s smallest heart pumping machine, becomes indispensable in such scenarios. Operable solely by cardiologists, this device unburdens the heart, facilitating enhanced recovery. Distinguishing itself from other cardiac surgeries, Impella holds a unique position with no direct alternative. The introduction of Impella has not only expanded treatment options but has significantly extended the lifespan of patients grappling with complex heart diseases. The device can also be strategically deployed when patients are awaiting a heart transplant, bridging the critical time until the transplant becomes feasible. As a device implanted temporarily within the body, Impella allows external control through a console situated around the patient in the ICU. This console facilitates the monitoring of blood pressure fluctuations, blood flow rates, and other vital parameters. The recovery period varies, depending on the nature of the procedure. For angioplasty, patients may experience recovery in as little as 30 minutes, showcasing the efficiency and efficacy of Impella in expedited recuperation.

The other case highlights a 33-year-old woman, pregnant with twins conceived through IVF, faced a critical health challenge at 32 weeks into her pregnancy. She began experiencing breathing difficulties due to a condition called Mitral Valve Stenosis, a narrowing of the valve between the left heart chambers. This condition hindered blood flow into the heart’s main pumping chamber, leading to heart failure and jeopardizing the lives of both the mother and the babies. Initially, attempts at BMV (Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty) at another hospital were unsuccessful in Siliguri, prompting her transfer to Medica Superspecialty Hospital. Recognizing the urgency of the situation—the imminent threat to both the mother’s life and the lives of the unborn children— Dr. Dilip Kumar, opted for the minimally invasive procedure called BMV (Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty). This cardiac intervention involved using a catheter with a balloon on its tip to open the narrowed heart valve. Fortunately, the operation was successful, resulting in the saving of the mother’s and babies’ lives.

While talking about both the cases, Dr. Dilip Kumar shared, “I must highlight that we have previously conducted Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty on pregnant women. However, this particular case stands out as the first of its kind in India, and possibly worldwide. Here, we successfully performed the procedure on a woman expecting twins. Following the operation, she recovered well, and at the 36th week of her pregnancy, she gave birth to two healthy babies in Chhattisgarh. On the other hand, the selection criteria for patients suitable for Impella treatment are rare. It typically caters to a very few cases, constituting perhaps 1-2% of patients who, due to the severity of their condition, fall into the category of unsalvageable without advanced support. The treatment is a beacon of hope for individuals facing dire cardiac circumstances, providing a lifeline when conventional approaches fall short. Beyond the confines of Eastern India, the progress of Impella adoption is evident, with 3-4 cases reported in both South and North India. The age demographic of patients benefiting from Impella tends to hover around 58 to 59 years, underlining its relevance for a middle-aged population grappling with acute cardiac challenges. At Medica, we have the required expertise and have become the first hospital to successfully employ this device to a patient undergoing cardiogenic shock and aid in recuperation. However, it’s noteworthy that deploying Impella is not merely a technical challenge; it necessitates substantial financial investment, approximately 25 lakhs, for a 4–6-hour operation. This financial aspect underscores the commitment required to initiate and sustain such a program.”

About the Impella device, (Prof.) Dr. Rabin Chakraborty, Senior Consultant, lnterventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, Senior Vice Chairman-Head of Cardiology Services, Medica Institute of Cardiac Science (MICS) shared, “The Impella device is a compact ventricular assist device that operates through a catheter, directing blood from the left ventricle (LV) into the ascending aorta, thereby maintaining ventricular hemodynamic support, where the blood pressure can be maintained during the procedure. It serves as a lifesaving device for a failing heart during cardiogenic shock caused by a heart attack. It is also effective for aiding the heart during high-risk angioplasties in patients with poor heart function, low blood pressure, when performing a surgery becomes extremely risky. In India, it is still in its nascent stage, and requires expertise, specialized skill of the interventional cardiologist. Its limited usage is due to its high cost and largely depends on critical clinical condition.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Over the years the Cardiology team at Medica has achieved numerous feats and the two recent complex procedures gives the giant fillip to cardiac care in Eastern India. Impella is emerging as a path-breaker in cardiac care. We are overwhelmed to be the first in the region to successfully implement ‘Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) procedure on Impella support. That we can save more lives, which were earlier considered to be unsalvageable, with Impella support is what we are aiming as a healthcare organization.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Medica has always aimed for clinical excellence and these two cases are testament to our continuous effort towards that direction. Technology with skilled expertise will always go a long way to treat critical cases more deftly and we shall keep doping so across all our group hospitals. We are happy that both patients are doing well and back to their normal lives. ”

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The NICU at Medica, became a beacon of hope and perseverance as these infants underwent a meticulous journey. From the initiation of early feeding with breast milk to precise calculations of feeds, fluids, and medications, every moment was a testament to the unwavering dedication of Team Paediatrics.

Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, Head of Department – Paediatrics, and Neonatology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata, stated, “At the core of our approach lies the unwavering advocacy for breastfeeding, the implementation of kangaroo mother care, and the delivery of tender loving care that serves as the nurturing force guiding these precious infants on their journey towards restored health. Our dedication echoes through each action we take, ensuring that every aspect of our care is infused with compassion and expertise.”

The parents of these resilient babies entrusted their fragile lives to the expertise and care of the hospital’s NICU team, bravely facing uncertainties with unwavering trust.

The story culminated in joyous triumph as both preterm babies were discharged from the NICU. Despite their stormy course, their resilience shone through, with the 804-gram preterm bidding farewell at a weight exceeding 1500 grams. However, the crowning glory was the astonishing journey of the 630-gram preterm, discharged at an impressive weight of over 1800 grams.

Moumita Mandal, 37-years-old resident of Behala, whose baby was born in the 26th week of her pregnancy, expressed gratitude, saying, “From the first day, Medica’s pediatric team tirelessly worked to save my baby boy, who weighed 804 grams. I believe my child was in the best hands possible. I’ll forever appreciate Dr. Nicola and her team for their exceptional care.”

The average 90-day stay in the NICU marked a testament to the collaborative efforts, dedication, and expertise of the entire medical team at Medica Superspecialty Hospital.

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Saving lives is our paramount commitment at Medica Group of Hospitals. I am proud of the paediatric team led by Dr. Nicola, whose clinical excellence and the support of our skilled nursing team have proven instrumental in expertly managing critical premature cases. It’s heartwarming to witness these two children joyfully reunited with their families and thriving in good health. May their well-being endure and flourish always.”

As Medica Superspecialty Hospital celebrates the successful discharge of these two remarkable infants, it serves as a guiding light of hope and restoration for both families and medical practitioners.

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~ Celebrating Breastfeeding Week with a ‘Kangaroo Mother Care Workshop’ and ‘Breastfeeding Workshop’ in Kolkata~

Kolkata, 2nd August 2023: Celebrating ‘Breastfeeding Week,’ Medica Group of Hospitals, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, became the first private hospital in Eastern India to join hands with UNICEF for a special event to empower working mothers. On the 2nd and 3rd of August 2023, they are organizing a highly informative ‘Kangaroo Mother Care Workshop’ followed by an insightful ‘Breastfeeding Workshop’. On the 2nd of August, the distinguished attendees included Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, Head of Department – Paediatrics and Neonatology at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata, along with Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Co-founder & Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, and Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Co-founder, and Jt. Managing Director of Medica Hospitals. The workshops on 2^nd August, were conducted by eminent Kangaroo Care Master Trainers, Sr. Parul Datta, senior nursing professional and paediatric and neonatal nursing faculty; formerly senior sister tutor, department of Neonatology at Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER) and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital Kolkata, West Bengal; Prof. Asim Mallick, Professor and In charge of the Neonatal Unit at NRS Medical College; and Dr. Bijan Saha, Associate Professor at IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. Dr. Vandana P Bhatia, the health officer of West Bengal from UNICEF was present for the event.  

In 1992, WABA (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action) launched Breastfeeding awareness to raise public support for breastfeeding due to declining rates and increased infant mortality. World Breastfeeding Week is now a collaborative effort by WHO, UNICEF & WABA. The 2023 theme is “ENABLING Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents”- highlighting challenges faced by working mothers.

At Medica Superspecialty Hospital in Kolkata, the Department of Paediatrics prioritizes breastfeeding mothers. They have a dedicated nursing area with comfortable seating, providing automatic and manual breast pumps, bottle warmers, and sterile bottles. The hospital maintains a monitored refrigerator for storing breastmilk, and lactating employees are encouraged to take breaks to express milk.

In West Bengal, UNICEF has taken a leading role in promoting breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care through close collaboration with State government health facilities. This marks a significant milestone for UNICEF as it extends its expertise and support to the Department of Paediatrics at Medica, the first private hospital to receive such assistance. Together, they will provide training and certification to nurses and doctors not only from Medica but also from other metropolitan hospitals.

Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, Head of Department – Paediatrics, and Neonatology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata shared, “Breastfeeding is not only a vital tool to end preventable deaths but also a catalyst for economic and social prosperity. We must reiterate and emphasize the significance of early breastfeeding within an hour of birth, exclusive nursing for six months, and sustained breastfeeding up to two years of age, we can eliminate 20,000 maternal deaths and 823,000 infant deaths annually. To support working breastfeeding mothers, a global mindset shift is essential. The challenges they face at work are numerous, but with awareness, education, and understanding, we can empower them to overcome these obstacles. Proper handling and preservation of breast milk are crucial to addressing the shortage faced by working women. Let us unite as stakeholders, prioritizing the mother and child, and coordinating efforts to provide continuity of care over the critical first 1000 days. Together, in our homes and workplaces, we can ensure a brighter future for today’s babies by supporting and empowering breastfeeding mothers.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Co-founder & Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals stated, “Working alongside UNICEF for the first time to empower and certify our dedicated nurses and doctors has been a truly gratifying experience. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Vandana P Bhatia, UNICEF Health Officer West Bengal, whose unwavering support made this endeavor possible. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional trainers who generously contributed their time to this workshop. As we look forward to the future, we aspire to continue organizing such impactful events that strengthen healthcare and leave a lasting positive impact on our communities.”

Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Co-founder, and Jt. Managing Director of Medica Hospitals, also shared, “We at Medica Hospitals are wholeheartedly dedicated to the well-being of our patients, and it brings us immense pride to join hands with UNICEF as their partner for this vital initiative. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for our organization, reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of countless mothers and babies. Through this alliance, we embrace the opportunity to embark on a new journey—a journey of education, empowerment, and support for mothers, enabling them to embrace the beauty of breastfeeding and grant their babies the best possible start in life.”

About Medica Group of Hospitals:    

Medica Group of Hospitals, one of the major chains of hospitals in Eastern India today, has built and managed numerous healthcare facilities across the Eastern region over the past few years. The group has footprints in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam.

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