ARTICLES ON Press Release

Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur recently celebrated National Nutrition Week, Cooking competition on Traditional Healthy Recipes for women was organized for the employees of Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur. An overwhelming response was received and many innovative healthy recipes were prepared. The competition was judged by Centre head Mr. Abhinandan Dastenavar, Mrs. Rita Rawat, Dr. Renuka Mainde, Dr. Kavita Bakshi, and Chief Dietician Swati Awasthi. This year, Poshan Abhiyan has been launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister which aims to achieve improvement in the status of nutrition of both children and women. To celebrate Rashtriya Poshan Maah, theme-based activities are conducted across the country throughout the month of September & informed Mrs. Swati Awasthi, Senior Dietician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur. The activities during the month will be centered around the following theme. Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2022/09/30/wockhardt-hospital-nagpur-celebrates-national-nutrition-week/

This clinic will deal with all kinds of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnia, snoring, parasomnia etc.  Wockhardt Hospitals has launched a Sleep Disorder Clinic at the Mumbai Central branch which will deal with all issues related to sleep health. This clinic will deal with all kinds of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnia, snoring, parasomnia, etc. Speaking during the launch, Dr. Prashant Makhija, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said, “Getting adequate sleep of at least 7-9 hours is essential for every adult. Sleep health has also been recently included by American Heart Association as a metric of cardiovascular health. Frequent sleep disruptions can result in both short-term as well as long-term health complications. Also, speaking on the common issue of snoring, which is not only a nuisance for bed-partner but can be a marker of Sleep apnea serious health disorder with significant long-term negative effects on cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Malik Merchant, Consultant Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals adds, “there are several factors which contribute to sleep disruptions. While we spend one-third of our lives sleeping, there’s poor awareness amongst the general population about the importance of sleep. Sleep difficulties can arise due to physical as well as emotional problems. Sleep and mental health have a strong relationship and are dependent on one another. Lack of sleep can contribute to or worsen existing depression, anxiety, mood swings, anger, loneliness, etc. Stress is one of the leading factors for a sleep disorder.” Dr. Prashant MakhijaConsultant NeurologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central Dr. Malik MerchantConsultant PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/wockhardt-hospital-launches-sleep-disorder-clinic/436407/

Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd., a leading chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals in India, commemorated patient safety week across western India at all its facilities at Nagpur, Nasik, Rajkot, Mumbai Central (South Mumbai), and Mira Road (North Mumbai). Patient safety is fundamental to delivering quality health services. The practices aim to strengthen the regular process to improve patient care and safety. The theme of WHO this year is “Medication without Harm,” we at Wockhardt Hospitals are covering many topics including medication. The group-wide patient safety week program took place from September 15th to September 17th, 2022. It was inaugurated by Zahabiya Khorakiwala, managing director, of Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd. commenting on the initiative, Khorakiwala said, “Prevention is always better than cure. Unsafe healthcare practices are a leading cause of avoidable harm in health care across the world. At Wockhardt Hospitals, we believe in delivering quality care.” During the three days, there were multiple interactive events reinforcing all our defined safety protocols like games on safety on medication management, Fire safety exercise, risk management, safety awareness talk, spot safety audit, etc. Furthermore, quiz competitions for staff, patients and patients, and relatives every day, slogan competitions, and one-minute videos on issues related to safety strengthened the commitment to patient safety. Dr. Clive Fernandes, group clinical director, and chief operating officer, Maharashtra Wockhardt Group Hospitals, said, “At Wockhardt Hospitals, we have always prioritized patient safety. All our clinical and operational protocols are defined keeping patient safety in mind. We conduct such awareness programs regularly to reinforce our defined protocols among our associates to ensure that at Wockhardt Hospitals Life Wins.” Dr. Virendra Chauhan, Center Head, Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai said, “We continuously hold safety awareness related programs and training at our hospital to ensure patient safety and quality care. We believe that the leadership of our hospital should genuinely support patient safety and give a positive outlook for behaviors that further it.” Source: http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=153334&sid=2

In the first of Vidarbha region, a 68-year-old gentleman from Botswana (Africa) with multiple myeloma underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation at the Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur. The treatment was done by Dr. Gunjan Loney and Dr. Vishvdeep Khushoo, Consultants-Haemato-Oncology and BMT. The patient was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2020 and treated with chemotherapy followed by maintenance therapy at a local hospital in Botswana. He was then offered Bone Marrow Transplant. In view of no expertise in his country, he decided to get transplanted in India. He was also diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the left buccal mucosa in 2007. He had undergone surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in Botswana. With the disease in control, autologous bone marrow transplantation was done in the Wockhardt BMT unit. “The patient was given a high dose of chemotherapy which wiped out his normal marrow cells and residual microscopic cancer cells. Infusing his own stem cells helped in the cure,” said Dr. Gunjan. He recovered within 12 days of the transplant. The challenges we thought we would have faced were because of his previous chemotherapy-treated oral cancer and old age. However, it was quite a smooth journey through the transplant process.Bone Marrow Transplantation is a curative treatment for many blood disorders, including myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia. A team effort is required to take care of the patient in a germ-free environment where he/she would undergo conditioning chemotherapy followed by stem cell infusion. In the next 10 to 14 days, the patient would be severely immunosuppressed with extremely low blood counts making him or her susceptible to severe infections and bleeding. Patients with cancer are supported with chemo ports or peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC) lines to receive painless therapy. With adequate supportive care, most patients undergo transplantation successfully resulting in the cure of such life-threatening diseases. Doctors also thanked the nursing staff, resident doctors, the Transfusion team, the Laboratory team, and the Hospital team including all other supportive departments for their immense support. Dr. Gunjan Loney Consultant – Haemato-OncologyWockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur To book an appointment call: 0712-6624100 Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2022/09/13/successful-bone-marrow-transplant-of-international-patient-in-wockhardt-hospital/

On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day, the Department of Physiotherapy organized a camp in an old age home and nearby police station to address their aches and pains.  This year the theme for world physiotherapy Day is ‘Treatment of Osteoarthritis. The Physiotherapy team led by Dr. Alka Nakade, Head of the Department guided the police station staff on keeping their joints healthy through regular exercises and if any one of them had any osteoarthritis symptoms they were given the exercise regimen.  “We had also visited vrudhasharam where we met almost 20 to 25 old people, talking to them and knowing their problems and explaining the exercises to every individual according to their complaints. We have also arranged a free foot analysis machine on 8th Sep in the hospital for all the pts and relatives to check their wt bearing status which if improper leads to OA knees”, informed Dr. Alka.  The hospital will also set up a foot analysis machine on its premises on 8th September 2022 which can be accessed by the patients and relatives free of any cost.  “Our aim is to be able to contribute to society to prevent diseases while we do our best in treating our patients. This exercise is just a small step in this direction”, said Mr. Abhinandan Dastenavar, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals in Nagpur. Dr. Alka NakadeHead of the Department – PhysiotherapyWockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur To book an appointment call: +918605604444 Source: https://ournagpur.com/wockhardt-hospitals-nagpur-celebrate-world-physiotherapy-day/

In an interview, Bharti Singh spoke about wanting a sibling for her son. However, her pregnancy plans might have to wait as she had her son via C-section delivery due to which she cannot get pregnant before a year or two. Indian comedian Bharti Singh is an inspiration for all the new moms – especially the working mothers who juggle between work and family life and motherhood all the same time. Despite her professional duties, she is often seen spending quality time with her son Laksh who was born in April this year. And only a few days after her delivery, Singh was back at the sets to resume work. Recently, she opened up about her plans for a second pregnancy in interaction with ETimes. In an interview, Bharti Singh spoke about wanting a sibling for her son. However, her pregnancy plans might have to wait as she had her son via C-section delivery due to which she cannot get pregnant before a year or two. Cesarean section or C-section delivery is a surgical procedure wherein an incision is created in the belly and uterus. While this procedure has evolved over the years, there are some complications that may follow. Dr. Indrani Salunkhe, Consultant Gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, spoke about the procedure and started by talking about how the procedure evolved over the years. “Cesarean section is a surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in the belly and uterus. The procedure has evolved over the years since earlier doctors took a vertical scar on the abdomen which took longer to heal and was not cosmetic. At present, doctors create a transverse scar during the procedure which is cosmetic and has a faster recovery time,” said Dr. Salunkhe. “Doctors make 2 types of scars on the uterus during a C-section. The transverse incision which is the most common one goes from side to side while the vertical one goes from top to bottom. If the previous scar is vertical u cannot attempt a normal delivery since the chances of scar rupture are high. If your cesarean scar is transverse you will be allowed for a vaginal delivery. There is a small risk of uterine rupture for a woman who attempts VBAC even if a woman has a transverse scar. Therefore, it is advised to always discuss the pros and cons of the same with your doctor,” the expert added. Advantages of Vaginal Birth After Previous Cesarean Section: Dr. Indrani SalunkheConsultant GynaecologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: 022-61784400 Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/bharti-singh-talks-about-planning-a-second-baby-post-caesarean-know-the-long-term-implications-of-the-procedure-article-93984603

Under the Patient Education Initiative of Wockhardt Hospitals in Nagpur, Dr. Gunjan Loney, Consultant – Hematologist and Hemato – Oncologist. What is ITP?  Immune thrombocytopenia (formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) is a medical term for an autoimmune disorder causing a shortage of platelets and bruising. Causes: The immune system mistakes the platelets as foreign and destroys them. It can follow a virus, vaccination, or certain medications, but for most people the cause is unknown. Three Types of ITP Acute ITP – that arises suddenly Persistent ITP– if the platelet count remains low after 3 months Chronic ITP– if the platelet count has not returned to normal after 12 months. What are Platelets?  There are three types of blood cells that are all formed in the bone marrow; red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets, which are small and sticky and circulate in the bloodstream, provide the initial plug to stop bruising and bleeding after an injury. The normal platelet count is between 150 to 400 (x 109/l). Many people with ITP have a platelet count in single figures. The number of platelets circulating in our bodies fluctuates all the time, and thus no two consecutive platelet counts are likely to be exactly the same either in a healthy person or in an ITP sufferer. Symptoms of ITP Some people with ITP, especially those with a count over 50, may have no symptoms at all, and their ITP is only noticed during a routine blood test. Even people with very low counts can sometimes have few symptoms. Common symptoms are: When to Seek Help? You should contact the hospital in the following circumstances: A prolonged (over 30 minutes) nosebleed which will not stop despite pinching the noseProlonged gum bleeding blood in the feces or urine, heavy blow to the head persistent or severe headache with loss of vision, vomiting or drowsinessVery heavy periods (eg. lasting 8 -10 days, changing more than 4-5 pads per day, passing clots on 2 consecutive days) Diagnosis: ITP is usually diagnosed by a blood test showing that only the platelet count is low, and the red blood cells and white blood cells all look normal. Additional blood tests may be taken at this time to exclude rare clotting or immune diseases that can mimic ITP. A bone marrow study may be done if the ITP continues, in which a small sample of bone marrow will be taken under local anesthetic and examined under the microscope. Dr. Gunjan LoneyConsultant Hematologist and Hemato – OncologistWockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur To book an appointment call: 0712-6624100 Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2022/08/30/wockhardt-patient-education-initiative-lets-know-more-about-itp/

Prior to 2020 had 1 or 2 cases visiting hospital OPD in a span of 6 months and now it is 12 in just four months. Nashik: Just like heart and spine problems, there is a significant rise in the cases of Avascular Necrosis of the head femur in the younger population. Avascular Necrosis is a disease that leads to temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bones. Doctors have noticed an increased number of patients coming with complaints of AVN disease in their OPD. AVN i.e Avascular Necrosis of the head of the femur is a disease of the hip joint which has recently been found rapidly increase incidence in the Covid pandemic, particularly in the younger population. “Prior to 2020, AVN, a disease of young (20-40) had 1 to 2 cases visiting hospital OPD in a period of 6 months. From April 2022 to August 2022, (4 months period), a total number of 12 patients were diagnosed to have Avascular Necrosis of the head of the femur. This suddenly increased incidence of AVN in pandemic may be related to Covid-19 virus or coagulopathy that follows after its infection,” said Dr. Pankaj Gunjal, Consultant Orthopaedic, Wockhardt Hospitals, Nashik. Dr. Gunjal added, “Prior to 2020, AVN of the head femur was found in the young population, but it was not very common. Most of the time its causes were not identifiable, but certain diseases like sickle cell anemia, smoking, alcoholism, unmonitored, and long-term use of steroids were associated with AVN. After 2020, there was a sudden increase in patients with hip pain, and on the investigation, they are diagnosed with AVN of the head of the femur. From April 2022- August 2022, 12 patients were diagnosed with AVN of the head of the femur. Mostly, young patients came with back pain radiating to the lower limb. On careful examination, it is found that the pain they are complaining about is not from the back but from hip joints. Pain from the back usually radiates to the back of the lower limbs and can be felt till the foot while pain originating in the hip is felt on the front side of the thigh and radiates to the knee.  Most patients are in the age group of 20-40, and males are more commonly affected. One particular complaint common in patients is pain while sitting on a bike in the initial stages of the disease.” Four Stages of AVN (Avascular Necrosis) AVN has 4 stages, in stage 1- mild pain is felt no changes are seen on X-ray, and MRI may show bone edema. In this stage, the blood supply to the head of the femur is stopped to a particular area and that area is necrosed (dead).” As the disease progresses in stage II, severe pain is felt, still, no changes are seen on the x-ray, MRI shows necrosis of part of the head of the femur with bone edema. In this stage due to the absence of blood supply, the particular part of the head of the femur has necrosed bone. The body makes an attempt to heal that area, and edema i.e inflammatory fluid increases in the head of the femur, which leads to severe pain in the hip joint. In stage 3, as the disease progresses, due to dead bone, the covering surface of the head collapses, there is severe pain and the patient feels pain in day-to-day activities and is unable to sit crossed-leg or squat. In stage 4, the irregular-shaped head has friction with its cup (acetabulum) and results in arthritis (wear and tear of joint) of the hip joints leading to decrease activities of patients due to severe pain,” highlighted Dr. Gunjal. Timely treatment of AVN is the need of the hour. “Many patients don’t visit the hospital when the pain is mild and may take painkillers. In stage 2, pain is severe and a simple procedure that is core decompression can be done to reduce pain and avoid further damage to the joint, and delay arthritis. It is found that those diagnosed early with less than 30% of involvement of the head of the femur find greater benefits with this procedure. In stage 3/ 4, total hip replacement (THR) is the only option for complete relief from pain. In this operation, the joint is replaced by implants. Even lifestyle changes such as diet to reduce weight and exercises to strengthen the muscles around hip and core muscles should be done on a regular basis,” concluded Dr. Gunjal. Dr. Pankaj GunjalConsultant: Joint Replacement & Orthopaedic SurgeriesWockhardt Hospitals, Nashik To book an appointment call: +918669998260 FAQs on AVN Among Youngsters Q. What is the average age of AVN patients? Ischemia that develops on a non-traumatic or traumatic background might result in AVN. Those between the ages of 20 and 40, who are physically active are usually the ones affected. Patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) typically fall within the age range of 30 to 50. However, the specific age may vary depending on the underlying cause and the joints affected. Younger individuals are equally susceptible to AVN, particularly if they have medical issues, use steroids, have experienced trauma, or possess other risk factors. Q. What causes AVN in youngsters? Children suffering from injuries, such as fractures or dislocations that cause poor blood supply to the affected bone can develop avascular necrosis (AVN). In addition, this condition can be worsened by certain diseases, such as leukemia, sickle cell disease and systemic lupus erythematosus, which impair the blood supply to the bones and therefore make young people more vulnerable to AVN. The use of corticosteroids over a long period of time by younger people can also make them more vulnerable to AVN, often as a treatment for autoimmune diseases or asthma. Q. How is AVN diagnosed among young patients? A combination of clinical assessment, imaging tests (MRI, X-ray), and occasionally blood testing to evaluate underlying disorders are used to diagnose AVN in young children. Doctors evaluate symptoms like restricted range of motion or joint discomfort, and imaging aids in identifying the distinctive bone abnormalities linked to AVN. Q. What is the recovery process like after AVN treatment in Mumbai? Rest, physical therapy, medicine, and even surgical procedures like core decompression or joint replacement

A 50-year-old lady suffering from Lung cancer survived the battle against death at Wockhardt Hospitals in Nagpur. In her treatment for cancer, she responded very well to treatment. But She developed difficulty in swallowing due to narrowing in the esophagus (food pipe). To relieve this esophagus metallic stent was placed in a food pipe across the narrowing outside. After stenting, she was having a cough whenever she was swallowing. Dr. Piyush Marudwar did a Gastrograffin study. It is a special type of x-ray done after swallowing liquid contrast material. It was found that there is Communication between Trachea and Esophagus (Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula), Contrast which was swallowed was going from the Food pipe into the respiratory tract. Dr. Piyush Marudwar, who is a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Advanced endoscopist, covered fistula with fully covered self-expandable metal stent covered stent always has a risk of migration downwards to prevent that it was fixed using newer over the scope stent Called Stent fix clip. This kind of procedure is done only 2nd time in Central India. She was able to swallow after this procedure. After supportive treatment, she improved and was discharged. Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2022/07/29/life-of-50-year-old-cancer-patient-saved-in-wockhardt-hospitals-by-complex-endoscopic-procedure/

As the first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in India, here are prevention tips by experts you need to follow. The fast-spreading monkeypox infection has reached India as a 35-year-old man in Kerala who returned from UAE three days back is confirmed to have been diagnosed with the disease. A viral infection, monkeypox can spread by contact with an infected person or infected animal, contact with their body fluids or any material contaminated with the virus, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. According to CDC, the virus can enter the body through broken skin, respiratory tract, eyes, nose, or mouth. The incubation period for monkeypox is around 1-2 weeks. While the first symptoms can range from fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, and lymph node enlargement, after a couple of days, a rash starts to develop first on the face and then spreads to other body parts. People with a history of travel should immediately isolate themselves at home or at a hospital facility. According to CDC, the period of isolation of the patient should be for 3 weeks approximately till the scab falls. As monkeypox reaches India, here are tips by experts to protect yourself from the virus. “Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or fomite contaminated by an infected animal. It is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with bodily rashes or lesions, body fluids, droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding,” says Dr. Honey Savla, Consultant Internal Medicines, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. Here are some prevention tips by Dr. Honey Savla and Dr. Charu Dutt Arora. According to experts, vaccines for smallpox can be given to the contacts within 4 days of exposure, it provides strong protection in most cases of monkeypox. Dr. Honey SavlaConsultant – Internal MedicinesWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: 022-61784444 Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/monkeypox-reaches-india-experts-offer-tips-to-protect-from-the-virus-101657865542591.html