The most common causes of strabismus in childhood or infancy are Decreased vision in one or both eye due to various conditions like congenital/developmental cataract, retinal issues like retinopathy of prematurity, optic nerve disorders. Refractive errors where child has to use glasses Certain syndromes and neurological disorders Idiopathic/ genetic When an adult presents with squint on the other hand, it may be a childhood squint that was left untreated or it my be due to other causes like paralysis of the nerves supplying the extraocular muscles in case of uncontrolled diabetics or neurological issues, thyroid disorders and trauma to the eyes.

The presenting symptoms of squint are Appearance of squint in one or both eyes alternatively bnormal head posture
Decreased vision in one or both eyes Asthenopic symptoms like headache Diplopia or double vision in some cases. The treatment of squint is largely based on the cause. One of the common myths around squint in our society is that it’s just a cosmetic blemish which may not be treated.

Many infact consider squint as a lucky charm and refrain from getting treatment for the same. Another misconception is that there is no need for correction of squint in childhood and treatment can wait till the child becomes older . This is unfortunately
incorrect. If squint is left untreated in a child , it can lead to amblyopia or lazy eye and inadequate development of stereopsis, depth perception and three dimensional vision.

Therefore it is best to treat squint at the earliest . However when it’s left untreated, it can also be treated in adulthood for the purpose of cosmesis. Sometimes squint also needs to be treated to address double vision in both children and adults Treatment of squint involves treating of cause like removal of any cataract, treatment of refractive error with glasses, patch therapy, home based or computer based exercises, prisms for diplopia and surgery Surgery in squint requires realignment of extraocular muscles. This surgery is usually a day care procedure .

In children general anaesthesia may be needed for surgery, but in adults it can be done under local anaesthesia. Surgery in squint is known to be predictable and safe In conclusion, squint is a common eye problem which can easily be treated. Anyone having this condition is advised to contact an ophthalmologist preferably a strabismus specialist at the earliest.

This initiative is part of AJAX’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to address the infrastructural challenges faced by the existing OPD, which currently manages over 800 cases daily.  Also, AJAX Charitable Trust recognized the Non-availability of a Blood Bank facility in the region. To date, AJAX has invested approximately two crore INR in this project, alongside further investments for setting up a Blood Bank and Dialysis Centre.

The new OPD, located on the ground floor, is capable of handling 600 cases per day, while the Dialysis Centre will include 10 beds. Additionally, Blood bank which will be on the first floor will cater to the immediate need of blood for patient use.

These enhancements are designed to alleviate pressure on the current healthcare infrastructure and ensure timely medical care for patients. This initiative aligns government objectives to strengthen rural healthcare through sustainable and impactful public-private partnerships, anticipating the growing need for robust healthcare services in the region.

Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, lauded the initiative, stating:* “Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure is a top priority for the government, and it is heartening to see companies like AJAX Engineering actively contributing to this mission. This project will go a long way in improving medical access for rural communities.”

K.H. Muniappa, Minister of Food & Civil Supplies Consumer Affairs, commented on the partnership:* “This initiative demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in driving social change. AJAX Engineering Charitable Trust’s contribution will help address the healthcare challenges in Doddaballapura and provide much-needed services to the community.”

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including elected representatives of Doddaballapura Taluk, municipal councillors, and members of the hospital’s health protection committee.

Speaking on behalf of AJAX Engineering, K Vijay Chairman, “The development of these critical healthcare facilities in Doddaballapura is an essential response to the increasing demand for medical services in the region. By supporting the construction of the OPD, Blood Bank, and Dialysis Centre, we aim to ensure timely access to life-saving care for residents. This project reflects AJAX’s commitment to addressing specific community needs through meaningful, targeted initiatives that create lasting value.”

The expansion project at the hospital is aimed at responding to the increased patient demand observed in recent years, which has placed significant strain on the hospital’s infrastructure. The new facilities will offer enhanced treatment options, particularly for those requiring outpatient care and dialysis services, which are crucial for managing chronic health conditions in the community.

He highlighted the need for a non-discriminatory approach to healthcare, valuing both homeopathy and allopathy. Dr. Manjunath noted that while India has over 700 medical colleges with 110,000 medical seats available each year, there remains a shortage of doctors in rural areas.

He urged that with proper safety and security measures in hospitals, more doctors would be inclined to work in these regions, calling for government cooperation in this effort. Encouraging students to approach their studies with faith and to avoid working under pressure, he stated that this could lead to mistakes. He stressed the importance of continuous learning beyond textbooks, as life itself offers invaluable lessons.

Dr. N.K. Venkataraman, a neurologist, underscored the societal respect afforded to the medical profession and urged students to uphold this respect through their actions. He advised them to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills that extend beyond academic learning, including personal presentation, communication, and professionalism.

Dean and Director Dr. C.R. Jayanthi welcomed the students to a college rich in learning opportunities, encouraging daily study and strong communication with patients. He reminded them that commitment and hard work are vital to achieving success in their medical careers.He also raised awareness about the growing incidence of infectious diseases and diabetes, stressing the need for students to develop problem-solving skills to address these challenges effectively.

Additionally, the Oxford Brains Neurological Center was inaugurated on the hospital premises during the event. Hospital Director Y. Srinivasalu, Hospital Superintendent Dr. V.B. Gowda, and other distinguished guests were present.

With over 20+ years of experience in the field of pain medicine Epione has established itself as a trusted name in pain relief, having treated over 50,000 patients across all its centers in south of India. The Bangalore branch has been instrumental in bringing specialized pain management therapies to the city, helping patients manage chronic pain and improve their quality of life through advanced, non-invasive treatments.Epione is the first to introduce plasma therapy (PRP) for pain relief in India.

Dr. Sudheer Dara,Founder &Managing Director of Epione& Chief of Pain Medicine, said, “Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of people suffering from chronic pain. The first year of our Bangalore centre has exceeded our expectations in terms of patient response and clinical success. We are committed to expanding our services to reach more people in need.”

To meet the growing demand for pain management services, Epione is excited to announce plans for two new branches in Bangalore in the coming year. These new centers will allow Epione to extend its reach and provide high-quality, patient-centric care to even more individuals suffering from debilitating pain conditions.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of Epione Pain Relief Centre in Bangalore. Over the past year, we’ve made incredible strides in helping people manage and overcome chronic pain, improving their quality of life. As we expand to two more centers next year, our commitment to innovative, patient-centric care only grows stronger. We look forward to reaching more individuals and making a lasting difference in their journey towards pain-free living”, said Dr. Vidya Bandaru – Clinical Head, Sr. Interventional Pain Physician & Radiologist- Epione, Bengaluru.

The establishment of the cutting-edge Neurosciences Institute bolsters Bangalore’s status as the leading science and health city in the country. The Aster Institute, which offers global standards of care with state-of-the-art technologies, has a collective neuro expertise and experience of 75 years.  The Mixed Reality Technology at the Institute, the first of its kind in South Asia, helps patients and clinicians visualize the anatomy in 3D and aids focused treatment planning and positive outcomes. The unit also has a Virtual Experience Room that offers first-hand feel of the virtual reality technology offered by the Mixed Reality Technology.

The Hospital also announced the establishment of the Intraoperative Neuro monitoring – Cascade IOMAX System, a first in Karnataka, that plays a crucial role in Brain and spine surgeries by significantly enhancing patient safety, safeguarding critical neural pathways, especially in epilepsy and spinal deformity surgeries. The Hospital also unveiled the Biplane Cath lab at the Institute for treatment of stroke-related emergencies including Aneurysm and Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). This centre will try to fill the void that Bangalore has been facing – of very few dedicated centers to treat stroke. 

Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys, inaugurating the program, said, “The EPIC initiative is a shining example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility. Epilepsy is a debilitating condition, and programs like EPIC ensure that even the underprivileged have access to the best possible care. I am honored to be a part of this noble effort and am glad to know that Intractable Epilepsy if diagnosed can be surgically treated with precision at Aster Whitefield Hospital.”

Dr. Zeba Moopen, Non-Executive Director, Aster DM Healthcare said, “Being an integrated healthcare organization, Aster has always prioritized staying at the forefront of technology to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. The launch of our Advanced Neuro Institute is a reflection of this commitment. We are confident that the integration of cutting-edge neuro care technology will be transformative, setting new standards in patient treatment and outcomes.”

“The Hospital’s EPIC Program is also testament to our mission of providing quality care in epilepsy. By removing financial barriers, we are giving patients a chance at a better life—free from the burden of epilepsy,” Dr. Zeba added.

Prof. Dr. Satish Rudrappa, Group Director, Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, Bengaluru said, “Epilepsy is a condition that disproportionately affects patients from low-income groups. If not diagnosed early, it can lead to a significant social, educational, and economic burden on both the patient and their family. When epilepsy becomes chronic and intractable, medications often fail to provide relief. However, a substantial number of these patients can experience improvement through surgical intervention. Unfortunately, epilepsy still remains stigmatized in society and to address this issue and increase public awareness, the free EPIC program has been initiated for people living below the poverty line.”

Prof. Dr. Swaroop Gopal, Group Director, Aster International Institute of Neurosciences and Spine Care, Bengaluru said, “The EPIC Program is only the beginning. With the establishment of the Neurosciences and Spine Care Institute, we are positioning ourselves to be a leader in neurosurgical care. This initiative will ensure that epilepsy patients too receive comprehensive treatment, while our cutting-edge facility will set a new standard for neurosurgical care in the region.”

Rtn. Satish Madhavan, District Governor, 2024-2025, District 3191 said, “Rotary has always stood for service to humanity, and the EPIC Program aligns perfectly with our mission. By partnering with Aster Whitefield and Sukriya, we are bringing together resources and expertise to transform the lives of epilepsy patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.”

The EPIC Program and the new institute marks a critical advancement in accessible neuro-healthcare in India. With a commitment to the latest treatments and patient-centric care, these initiatives bridge the healthcare gap and provide innovative solutions to underserved populations.

Bengaluru, Sep. 4: –Aster CMI Hospital and Coal India Ltd. have partnered to provide life-saving bone marrow transplants for children with thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia. This initiative, supported by the Health Ministry of India, allows Coal India Ltd.’s Corporate Social Responsibility project to financially assist bone marrow transplant treatments for these life-threatening conditions. Aster CMI Hospital is empanelled for this project, enabling it to provide these critical treatments. 

As part of the understanding, Coal India has committed to providing upto Rs. 3 crores to treat thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia patients for a period of 3 years. This funding will enable us to provide medical assistance to approximately 300 patients.”

Dr. Somashekhar S P, Lead Consultant – Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, stated, “Our Haematology-Oncology Department’s expertise in complex surgeries and advanced treatments enables us to deliver exceptional care to these patients. This collaboration will significantly expand our reach and impact, enabling us to extend our treatment to a larger number of patients and it will mainly benefit economically weaker sections patients.”

Dr. Stalin Ramprakash, Senior Consultant of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore mentioned, “Thalassemia and aplastic anaemia are life-threatening conditions where the bone marrow fails. Without treatment, most patient’s lifespan will decrease drastically, in few instances for less than a year.  This tie-up will enable us to offer curative BMT treatment to many more children with these conditions so that they can lead a normal fulfilling life they deserve.”

 “We are honoured to collaborate with Coal India Limited on this life-saving initiative. We are certain with the support of our skilled doctors and advanced technologies available at the hospital, we will achieve the partnership’s objective. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Aster DM foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged communities through healthcare outreach, education, and other social welfare programs, added Mr. SGS Lakshmanan, COO, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Mr. Shri Vinay Ranjan, Director of Coal India Limited, said, “We believe that this partnership with Aster CMI Hospital will significantly enhance the quality of life for our employees and their families. By combining our resources and expertise, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.”

Children born with these rare, life-threatening conditions require ongoing medical support and medications to live normal lives like their peers and this noble partnership aims to cure as many patients as possible and extend the lifespan of these children.

Water vapor or steam therapy is a novel treatment approach to treat the prostate and has been approved by FDA and has been recently launched in India. The Apollo Prostate Institute has taken the lead in the matter, marking yet another milestone in the hospital group’s continued commitment towards innovative practices.

Many men aged over 50 suffer from BPH (prostate enlargement) symptoms in India. It is also important to note that adults (less than 45 years of age) are also showing symptoms of BPH. Prostate is a non-endocrine gland situated between urinary bladder and urinary passage in all men. It starts increasing in size after 25 years and reaches its maximum during 45-50 years during which time people start feeling some urinary symptoms. Further it can grow as a hypertrophy (much bigger) or it can under atrophy (small) depending on the genetic make of that person.

There are various medical procedures to treat men with enlarged prostate varying from simple medications to various other methods like TURP, laser treatment, urolift, TUNA, TUMT, laproscopic procedures and robotics to mention the few. However, the new addition of steam therapy (water vapour thermotherapy) to treat prostate has overcome the pit falls and side effects of medications and prevents the complications of other major surgical procedures.

“We have taken a cafeteria approach to treat patients with BPH,” says Dr T Manohar, Chief of Urology services, Uro-oncology, robotics and kidney transplantation at Apollo Seshadripuram. A cafetaria approach involves empowering patients to choose the treatment approach while informing them about the pros and cons of each system of medicine. Such an informed choice will improve the acceptability of medical interventions and the patient’s compliance to treatments.

Water vapour therapy (REZUM) or steam therapy is done by injecting 0.45 ml of steam (under 100-113 degree C) for 9 seconds each into different areas of the prostate which are causing obstructions through a disposable device under mild sedation or local anesthesia. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes and the patient is discharged the same day. Rezum is a proprietary name invented by Boston Scientific, an American biomedical engineering firm. It is approved by FDA and was introduced to India in late January 2024.

Says Dr Manohar, “This novel technique has revolutionised BHP treatment, especially for young adults having side effects with medications, for those wishing to preserve ejaculatory and sexual functions and where anesthesia is contraindicated.”

The procedure has several advantages including prevention of sexual dysfunction and preservation of the ejaculatory phenomenon. Says Uday Davda, VP & Unit Head, Apollo Seshadripuram, “There is no removal of the prostate, no use of any foreign body or minimal or no requirement of analgesics.

Dr. Manish Mattoo, Chief Executive Officer for Karnataka & Central Region at Apollo Hospitals, stated, “The cutting-edge water vapour therapy has achieved significant success across the USA, Europe, and Asia Pacific, including countries such as Australia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. With its adherence to international safety standards, we are proud to introduce this proven method to India and mark its global presence.”

Usually, the patient is discharged on the same day after the procedure and typically one feels improvement in urine flow starting from 3 weeks and maximum benefit are experienced at the 3-month stage.

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In his address, Mr. Nitte Santosh Hegde remarked: “I am honoured to inaugurate this pioneering department at Kauvery Hospital. The integration of Al and personalized care represents a transformative step in healthcare, addressing both the root causes of illnesses and the need for preventive measures. This innovative approach will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for many individuals and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry.”

Located at Kauvery Hospital’s Electronic City unit in Bangalore, this groundbreaking initiative combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, holistic care to address and reverse the root causes of health issues before they become critical. This comes at a crucial time when India faces a pressing need for proactive and personalized healthcare solutions.
Recent data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates that preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases account for over 60% of all deaths in India. However, only 10% of Indians receive regular preventive health check-up.

Dr. S. Chandrakumar, Founder & Executive Chairman of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, explained how the new department would bridge this gap: “Kauvery Hospital’s new department will offer a comprehensive approach to health management that leverages advanced Al and IoT technologies. This initiative ensures early detection, intervention, and management of health issues, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. We will now Predict, Prevent, Delay & Reverse health issues much before they become critical.”

Dr. S. Vijayabaskaran, Executive Director of Kauvery Hospitals (Bangalore and Hosur), highlighted the success of the multidisciplinary approch: “Our recent analysis report has shown remarkable progress in our Diabetes Remission program, where insulin was completely withdrawn for 53% of patients, and the dose was reduced for 30% of patients. Patients undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation showed a 50% improvement in the rehabilitation process. Our Chronic Kidney Disease Management program reduced rehospitalisation rates by over 50% and significantly decreased mortality rates. Our use of advanced Al technology in achieving these milestones not only enhances patient care but also sets a new standard in healthcare services.”

Kauvery Hospital’s Department of Lifestyle Diseases offers a range of services combining advanced technology and customized care.

Dr. Rajkumar Channabasavaiah, Director and Head of the Department, elaborated: “Our Al-powered Department of Lifestyle Diseases brings in advanced services like Diabetic Remission Programs, Weight Management Solutions, Hypertension and Cardiac Wellness, Gestational Diabetes Management, PCOS and Hypothyroidism Management, Asthma/COPD and Arthritis Care, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management, and Post-ICU and Renal Rehabilitation. We have designed customized care plans, precision nutrition, personalized fitness plans, and medication adherence. The department will focus on 24/7 monitoring using affordable wearable IoT devices, lab report analysis, and treating doctor dashboards. A dedicated team of health coaches, care managers, fitness experts, nutritionists, psychologists, and doctors will cater to each patient’s individual requirements. Our department also specializes in Comorbidity Management by addressing current lifestyle, comorbidities such as CVD, CKD, DM, obesity, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

International Knee and Orthopaedic Centre (IKOC) is a 50-bedded super speciality hospital, equipped with 4 modular operation theatres, 8 ICU beds and 6 emergency beds. Located in the heart of HSR Layout, International Knee and Orthopaedic Centre (IKOC) has 6 Suite rooms, 4 deluxe rooms and 26 single rooms.

Speaking about the launch, Dr Chandrashekar P, Director, IKOC said, “We are elated to launch IKOC which has some of the best orthopaedic doctors in Bengaluru. We can tackle any complex knee, hip, shoulder or bone problem. IKOC will ensure comprehensive care for every patient.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr Yuichi Nagano, Managing Director, Sakra World Hospital, India said, “We have been closely working with Dr Chandrashekar P for 10 long years. We look forward to extending SAKRA’s accessibility to many more patients by collaborating with Dr Chandrashekar.P.”

 In a groundbreaking move, IKOC launched India’s first fully active MISSO Robot, a cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the precision and recovery time of joint replacement surgeries. This advanced system aids in performing surgeries with the highest accuracy, minimal blood loss and faster patient recovery, setting a new standard in orthopaedic care.

Dr Chandrashekar P, Director of IKOC, played a pivotal role in designing this robotic system. Commenting on the big step forward, Dr Chandrashekar P said, “The launch of the Made in India knee replacement robot MISSO – for the first time in India, is a defining moment in the orthopaedic field.  MISSO will democratise robotics in the country. This is a transformative and future forward technology platform for many more such path-breaking innovations in the medical field. With MISSO, we will be able to provide quality healthcare and bring about precision outcomes for a larger demography in India. Launching of the MISSO robot is a giant step forward to reduce India’s import dependency in robotics.” 

This Made in India robot marks a significant leap forward in robotic surgery, promising remarkable outcomes while showcasing the nation’s prowess in medical innovation. The MISSO Robot has been developed by Meril Life Sciences, an India-based global medical device company. The indigenously made robot is all set to transform the landscape of orthopaedic surgery.    

In 2016, due to dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart dysfunction, with irreversible damage to his heart and no hope for recovery from heart failure, the patient underwent a successful heart transplant. Despite financial constraints, his father and committed partner secured the necessary funds for the surgery, which took place in 2016 without any complications and the patient remained stable until 2020.

Despite facing a 75% survival rate prognosis, the patient and his committed partner remained determined. They married in 2018, embracing the obstacles of post-transplant life together. His wife was the pillar of support and strength throughout his recovery journey.

However, 2020 brought a new health issue. The patient contracted severe COVID-19, requiring intensive care. Fortunately, he made a full recovery with no lasting impediments. After overcoming these struggles, their joy multiplied with the birth of a beautiful baby girl.

The patient’s journey continued to unfold in 2021. Chest pain and backaches led to a new challenge: cardiac allograft vasculopathy, a narrowing of the arteries in his transplanted heart. Apart from this, a follow-up echocardiogram in 2022 revealed severe biventricular dysfunction, necessitating a cardiac re- transplant. This news meant another transplant was necessary, but the patient, a fighter through and through, faced it with unwavering determination.

Recognizing the complexity of the case, the cardiologists’ team led by Dr. Nagamalesh U M mobilized to perform a life-saving heart re-transplant surgery. This transformational procedure marked a first in Karnataka and the second in India.

The patient underwent a complex re-transplantation in December 2023. While initial complications arose due to bleeding and rejection episodes, meticulous management with regular biopsies and close monitoring ensured a successful recovery. Complications arose post-transplant. The patient bled due to surgery and blood thinners from his angioplasty. Despite recurrent rejections, meticulous management with regular biopsies and close monitoring kept him stable. He has now completed 6 months of the second heart transplant with no further complications.

“The past few years have been a medical rollercoaster for me. Finding out I needed a second transplant was a setback, however the exceptional team of surgeons, led by Dr. Ganeshakrishnan lyer and helped by Dr. Divakar Bhat, Dr. Arul Dominic Furtado, Dr. Madhusudana Narayana, Dr. Prashanth Y M, and Lead Cardiologist, Dr. Nagamalesh U M extended their support throughout my treatment journey. My family was kept informed about the surgery and all our queries were addressed. I am immensely grateful for their expertise and compassion. They have given me the gift of renewed health and the opportunity to look forward to the future,” said the patient.

Commenting on the Surgery, Prof. Dr. Nagamalesh U M, Lead Consultant – Cardiology, Interventional Cardiologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, and Director – Heart Failure, Transplant & MCS Program, Aster Hospitals, Bangalore, said, “The patient’s post-transplant course included significant bleeding events due to the second surgery and the ongoing requirement for blood thinners and rejections. However, through meticulous monitoring and regular endomyocardial biopsies, these challenges were effectively managed. Importantly, the patient has now achieved a successful 6-month post-operative period with no further complications, demonstrating his remarkable resilience and the invaluable support of his loved ones.”

Dr. Ganeshakrishnan lyer, Lead Consultant – CTVS Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said, “Heart re-transplant was a complex procedure, requiring meticulous planning, exceptional skill from the entire team, and seamless communication throughout the process. I’m proud of the dedication and expertise displayed by every member of the team. This case exemplifies the power of collaboration in achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

Mr. Ramesh Kumar S, CEO – Aster Hospitals, Bangalore, said, “We are proud to mention this is the 2nd in the country and 1 heart transplant in Karnataka. Dr. Nagamalesh and his team’s expertise and dedication not only provided the patient with a second chance at life but also offered hope to individuals facing similar complex cardiac conditions. We wish the patient, a brighter future.”

Aster Hospitals remains steadfast in its pursuit of pioneering healthcare solutions. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge tools such as Artificial Intelligence with the warmth of compassionate care, the hospital is paving the way for a future where personalized solutions coexist harmoniously with ethical practices. The hospital’s collaborative spirit, manifested through strategic partnerships, cultivates an environment of trust, ensuring that every innovation is meticulously designed to prioritize patient well- being.