Health

Two-Month-Old Undergoes Robotic Surgery at Hyderabad Hospital

Hyderabad: A two-month-old infant has become one of the youngest patients in India to undergo a robot-assisted surgical procedure, with doctors at Citizens Specialty Hospital in Nallagandla, Hyderabad, successfully performing a robotic pyeloplasty.

The minimally invasive procedure was carried out by Prabhu Karunakaran, consultant paediatric urologist, to correct a condition affecting the infant’s kidney and ureter and restore normal urine flow.

The robotic procedure was performed instead of conventional open surgery, allowing the medical team to treat the condition through a minimally invasive approach. The baby recovered well and was discharged just two days after the operation.

The procedure adds to Citizens Specialty Hospital’s experience in paediatric robotic surgery. In 2023, Mallikarjuna Reddy performed robotic surgery on a 21-day-old infant, marking another significant milestone involving one of the youngest paediatric patients in the region. The two procedures were performed by different specialists.

Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty can offer several advantages over conventional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain and faster recovery. Such benefits can be particularly significant for infants and young children.

The successful surgery highlights the growing use of advanced robotic and minimally invasive techniques in paediatric urology and reflects the expanding capabilities of Hyderabad’s healthcare sector in specialised surgical care.

Amgen to Establish New Science and Innovation Centre in Hyderabad’s Genome Valley

Global biopharmaceutical giant Amgen is doubling down on its commitment to India, announcing plans to open a state-of-the-art Science and Innovation Centre in Hyderabad’s premier Genome Valley. Slated to become operational in 2027, this new facility will mark a significant expansion of Amgen’s global research and development (R&D) network, which currently comprises seven research laboratories worldwide.

Bridging Wet-Lab Science and Digital Innovation

The new Hyderabad centre is designed to be a powerhouse of discovery. It will focus on critical, high-impact areas including:

Discovery Chemistry
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK)
Precision Medicine
Data Science and Digital Technologies

By integrating experimental “wet-lab” science with advanced data analytics and AI-driven tools, the centre aims to dramatically accelerate the discovery and development of life-saving medicines. This facility will seamlessly complement Amgen’s existing Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, creating a powerful synergy between digital innovation and hands-on biological research.

Why Hyderabad? A Thriving Life Sciences Ecosystem

Hyderabad has long been recognized as India’s “Genome Valley,” but this new investment signals a shift from manufacturing and clinical research to high-value, early-stage discovery.

D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s Minister for IT and Industries, praised the decision, highlighting the state’s robust ecosystem: “Hyderabad brings together scientific talent, technology, and industry at scale and has built one of the world’s strongest life sciences ecosystems, with deep capabilities in pharmaceuticals and vaccines. The next chapter is about taking that strength into discovery and innovation. Our ambition is to make Hyderabad a place where the next generation of medicines and therapies can be discovered, developed, and taken to the world.”

Leadership Perspectives on Global Integration

For Amgen, this move is about creating a truly interconnected global R&D footprint.

Jay Bradner, Executive Vice President of Research and Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Data at Amgen, noted that the Genome Valley centre will perfectly complement the company’s strong US-based R&D operations. It will expand Amgen’s ability to connect science, data, and technology across its global research system, translating complex insights into tangible new medicines.

Som Chattopadhyay, Senior Vice President of Global Business Solutions and National Executive at Amgen, emphasized that this development firmly establishes India as a critical, strategic pillar in Amgen’s global R&D network.

Echoing this sentiment, Naveen Gullapalli, Managing Director of Amgen India, highlighted the region’s human capital: “Hyderabad’s STEM talent and life sciences ecosystem will support advanced technologies at scale. Our new centre at Genome Valley will help integrate biotechnology and digital innovation to serve more patients globally.”

Looking Ahead

Amgen’s investment in Hyderabad is a resounding vote of confidence in India’s scientific prowess and its potential to drive global healthcare innovation. As the centre gears up for its 2027 launch, it promises to create high-value jobs, foster cutting-edge research, and cement Hyderabad’s status as a premier global destination for biotech discovery and digital health innovation.

The future of medicine is being written in Hyderabad, and Amgen is ready to lead the next chapter.

Organ Donation Miracle: Two Hyderabad Families Give Life to 7 Patients

In the darkest moments of grief, humanity has the power to shine its brightest. In a deeply moving display of altruism and courage, two families in Hyderabad have transformed unimaginable personal tragedy into a beacon of hope, donating the organs of their brain-dead loved ones to save the lives of seven critically ill patients.

These selfless acts serve as a profound reminder that even in loss, the ultimate gift of life can endure.

The First Hero: A Mother’s Final Gift

Burela Seethamma, a 63-year-old housewife from Guntur, was a beloved pillar of her family. On July 12, she suffered a sudden and severe spike in blood pressure at her home and was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Hyderabad. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, she was declared brain dead on July 16.

Faced with an agonizing decision, her son, Mani Chandra, chose to honor his mother’s legacy of care by consenting to organ donation. Thanks to his heartbreaking yet heroic choice, Seethamma’s kidneys, liver, and corneas were successfully harvested, giving a second chance at life to five patients desperately waiting for transplants.

The Second Hero: A Driver’s Legacy of Service

In a parallel story of profound generosity, 56-year-old Namala Sahadev, a dedicated driver from Bowrampet in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district, also became an unsung hero. On July 3, Sahadev suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke (cerebrovascular accident) at home due to uncontrolled hypertension.

Despite intensive care unit (ICU) support, his condition did not improve, and he too was declared brain dead on July 16. In a moment of immense strength and compassion, his wife, Namala Laxmi, gave her consent to donate his kidney and liver. Her selfless decision directly saved the lives of two more patients in critical need.

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

Together, these two families have orchestrated a medical miracle. By choosing to look beyond their own profound sorrow, they have rewritten the destinies of seven individuals and their families.

Organ donation in India, particularly in the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh regions, has seen a steady and encouraging rise, driven by growing awareness and the courageous decisions of families just like Seethamma’s and Sahadev’s. Their actions highlight the critical role of private hospitals and transplant coordinators in facilitating these delicate, time-sensitive procedures with the utmost respect and dignity.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

The stories of Burela Seethamma and Namala Sahadev are not just news headlines; they are powerful calls to action. They challenge us to have open conversations with our loved ones about organ donation and to consider registering as donors ourselves.

Every year, thousands of patients wait in vain for a life-saving transplant. By choosing to donate, we can turn tragedy into triumph, ensuring that our legacy lives on in the beating hearts and seeing eyes of others. To the families of Guntur and Medchal: your extraordinary generosity will forever be remembered, and the seven lives you saved are your greatest testament.

Early Detection Saves Lives | Free Cancer Screening Camp in Hyderabad | 26 June 2026

Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you. In the fight against cancer, early detection is the most powerful weapon we have. That’s why the Rotary Club of Greater Hyderabad, in association with the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, is organizing a Cancer Awareness & Screening Camp – and it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

Event Highlights

Date: Friday, 26th June 2026
Venue: Praneeth Pranav Knight Woods, Beeramguda, Ramachandra Puram – BHEL, Hyderabad
Open to: All Rotary members, staff, and their families

What’s Available at the Camp?

This camp is designed to make cancer screening simple, accessible, and actionable. Services include:

Breast Cancer Screening
Lung Check‑up
Comprehensive Cancer Tests
Doctor Consultation (on‑site)

Why You Should Attend

Many cancers are treatable when caught early. This camp removes the excuses – no long waits, no complicated appointments. Just show up, get screened, and take the first step toward better protection and a healthier life.

“Early Detection • Better Protection • Healthier Life”

How to Reach the Venue

The camp will be held at Praneeth Pranav Knight Woods in Beeramguda (near BHEL, Ramachandra Puram).
📍 Scan the QR code on the poster to open the exact location on Google Maps – easy navigation, just scan & go.

Final Word

Whether you’re a Rotary member, staff, or family member, this camp is your opportunity to take charge of your health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Be proactive. Get screened.

Mark your calendar for 26th June 2026 – because one Friday morning could save your life.

Doctors Unite to Support Hyderabad Paediatrician Amid Legal Threat Over ORS Advice

A wave of support is building across the medical community for a Hyderabad-based paediatrician, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who is facing legal notices from pharmaceutical companies over her long-standing campaign on misleading ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) products.

What Sparked the Controversy?

For nearly a decade, Dr. Sivaranjani has been raising concerns about high-sugar beverages being marketed as ORS, arguing that such products can be harmful—especially for children.

Recently, two pharmaceutical companies issued cease-and-desist notices, accusing her of making defamatory statements and demanding that she stop her public advocacy.

The companies, however, maintain that their products comply with regulatory standards and are backed by scientific evidence.

Medical Community Calls It “Intimidation”

The legal action has triggered strong reactions from doctors and healthcare organizations across the country.

Medical associations have described the notices as:

“Unwarranted”
An “attempt to intimidate” a doctor
A move that could silence public health advocacy

Many professionals argue that raising concerns about patient safety should not lead to legal threats, especially when backed by scientific reasoning and regulatory discussions.

Backed by Regulations and Public Support

Dr. Sivaranjani has defended her stance, stating that her claims are aligned with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directives, which restrict the misuse of the term “ORS” for non-compliant products.

Her years-long campaign even contributed to stricter regulations on labeling, highlighting the impact of sustained public health advocacy.

Meanwhile, support has extended beyond the medical community, with:

Social media campaigns like #StandWithDrSivaranjani
Backing from parents and public health advocates

A Bigger Debate: Public Health vs Legal Pressure

This issue has now grown into a broader debate about:

The role of doctors in public advocacy
Corporate accountability in healthcare
Whether legal notices can discourage professionals from speaking out

For many, the case represents a critical moment for medical freedom and patient safety.

Why This Matters

At its core, the controversy is not just about one doctor—it’s about whether health professionals can openly challenge practices they believe may harm patients.

As the debate continues, the strong support for Dr. Sivaranjani shows that the medical community is standing firm on one principle:
👉 Patient safety should always come first.

Taking Steps Against the ‘Silent Thief’: Glaucoma Awareness Walk in Hyderabad

A Walk for Vision, A Step Towards Prevention

Hyderabad, March 2026 — The early morning sun saw hundreds gather at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) Kallam Anji Reddy campus, not for a marathon, but for a cause that could save their sight. The annual Glaucoma Awareness Walk brought together approximately 300-600 participants, all united against a disease that steals vision without warning—glaucoma.

The Silent Thief of Vision

Glaucoma isn’t called the ‘Silent Thief of Vision’ for nothing. It creeps in without symptoms, without pain, and by the time you notice something’s wrong, irreversible damage has already been done. The statistics are staggering:

1.12 crore Indians suffer from glaucoma
11 lakh people in India are already blind due to this condition
80 million people worldwide are affected
90% of cases go undetected until it’s too late

What’s more terrifying? Once lost, vision cannot be restored.

Voices of Authority

V.C. Sajjanar, Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) and former ADGP, graced the event as chief guest. He emphasized the critical need for early detection and announced TSRTC’s commitment to spreading awareness at bus stands and inside buses across the state.

“Over 10 million people in India suffer from glaucoma, often without realising it,” Sajjanar noted, urging everyone to prioritize regular comprehensive eye examinations.

Expert Warnings & Key Insights

Dr. Sirisha Senthil, Head of Glaucoma Services at LVPEI, painted a sobering picture. Glaucoma affects one in eight people aged over 40, but it doesn’t spare the young either. Newborns in consanguineous marriages face heightened risks—a telltale sign being when the black part of the eye turns white or blue.

Another silent culprit? Steroid misuse. Over-the-counter steroid medications, used without medical supervision, can trigger glaucoma and cause permanent vision damage.

Dr. Siddharth Dixit, Consultant Ophthalmologist at LVPEI, drove home the message: “Please get comprehensive eye checkups done at regular intervals. Do not miss the tests, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma.”

The Good News: Preventable Blindness

Here’s what makes glaucoma different from other blinding diseases—80% of glaucoma-related blindness is preventable if detected and treated early. Most patients with glaucoma can lead productive, fulfilling lives throughout, provided they follow their treatment plan and don’t miss check-ups.

Who Should Get Checked?

According to the World Glaucoma Association:

Under 40: Every 2-4 years
40-60 years: Every 2-3 years
Above 60: Every 1-2 years

High-risk groups include those with high myopia (thick glasses), diabetics, long-term steroid users, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma.

More Than Just a Walk

The Glaucoma Awareness Walk wasn’t an isolated event—it capped off World Glaucoma Week (March 8-16), which featured social media campaigns, practitioner workshops, and continuous medical education sessions across the LVPEI network. A flash mob at KBR Park entrance pulled in morning walkers, ensuring the message reached beyond the registered participants.

The Message is Simple

Glaucoma is not a reason to lose hope. With regular check-ups, proper medication, and timely intervention, you can protect your vision. The question isn’t whether you can afford to get checked—it’s whether you can afford not to.

Your eyes are your window to the world. Don’t let the silent thief close the curtains.

Hyderabad Police ‘Arrive Alive’ Road Safety Program Draws Over 600 Participants

The Hyderabad City Police on Wednesday, January 28, organised ‘Arrive Alive’, a road safety awareness programme, at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium in Ibrahim Bagh. The event was held in collaboration with Vasavi Engineering College and was attended by over 600 students and faculty members.

Addressing the gathering, Joint Commissioner of Police Joel Davis said the Arrive Alive movement was launched by Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy with the aim of ensuring that road safety awareness reaches every household and institution across the State.

Highlighting the alarming rise in road accidents, Davis said nearly 8,000 people lost their lives in road accidents in Telangana last year, adding that 70–80 per cent of these fatalities were preventable had basic safety precautions been followed. He also underlined the severe socio-economic impact road accidents have on families.

Speaking about the Good Samaritan Act, Davis explained that bystanders who assist accident victims are not required to disclose personal details or phone numbers and will not be compelled by police to act as witnesses. He added that private hospitals are legally mandated to provide immediate treatment during the ‘golden hour’, and noted that the government is exploring reward mechanisms through the Transport Department for individuals who help save lives.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rahul Hegde said roads are shared public spaces and traffic rules are designed to ensure safety and equal access for all citizens. He urged students to behave responsibly on roads and to act as ambassadors of road safety in society.

Sri Nityananda Trayodashi – 31st January 2026 (Saturday)

✨ Divine Appearance Day Celebration ✨

Bhaktivedanta Institute, Hyderabad
cordially invites all devotees and well-wishers to celebrate the auspicious Sri Nityananda Trayodashi, marking the divine appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the embodiment of mercy, compassion, and pure devotional love.

📍 Venue:
Marri Krishna Hall,
Near Dr. M. Channa Reddy Garu’s Residence &
St. Ann’s High School, Vijayapuri Colony,
Tarnaka, Secunderabad

🕉️ Program Schedule:
🕘 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Kirtan
🕤 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Abhishekam
🕥 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Sri Nityananda Mahaprabhu Katha
🕦 11:30 AM: Aarti
🍛 Followed by Mahaprasadam

🌼 Come and receive the blessings of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the original spiritual master who bestows pure love of God.

📞 Contact:
+91 94901 38389 | +91 94414 91855

🙏 All are cordially invited.

National Open Kung-Fu, Karate & Taekwondo Championship – 2026

Successfully Held at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, Hyderabad

The National Open Kung-Fu, Karate & Taekwondo Championship – 2026, organized by New Shaolin Kung-Fu Hyderabad, was successfully conducted at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, Hyderabad with great enthusiasm and discipline.

The championship witnessed active participation from martial artists representing various states, academies, and associations across the country. Competitions were held in Kung-Fu, Karate, and Taekwondo across multiple age and weight categories, showcasing high standards of skill, strength, and sportsmanship.

The event was graced by the presence of senior martial arts masters, referees, officials, and distinguished guests, whose encouragement motivated the athletes to perform at their best. The well-organized matches, fair officiating, and smooth event management were widely appreciated by participants and spectators.

At the conclusion of the championship, medals and certificates were awarded to the winners and participants, recognizing their dedication and achievements. The event served as a strong platform to promote martial arts culture, discipline, and unity at the national level.

The National Open Kung-Fu, Karate & Taekwondo Championship – 2026 concluded on a successful note, and New Shaolin Kung-Fu Hyderabad extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants, coaches, officials, and organizers for making the event a grand success.

Conference on Air Quality Index to Be Held in Hyderabad on January 29-2026

Hyderabad:
The State Planning Department will organise a conference on Air Quality Index (AQI) and air quality management at the Dr. MCRHRD Institute of Telangana in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 29, with technical support from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board.

According to an official press note, the conference aims to bring together experts, stakeholder departments, non-governmental organisations, universities and civil society groups to discuss effective strategies for improving air quality across the State. Specialists in the field will share best practices for regulating various sources of air pollution and strengthening coordinated action among stakeholders.

The session will be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with other Ministers, senior officials and subject experts.

Key topics to be discussed during the technical sessions include the adoption of best available techniques, increased use of cleaner fuels to minimise emissions, and strategies for reducing road transport emissions towards net-zero targets. The discussions are expected to focus on practical solutions and policy-level interventions for sustainable air quality management.

The conference is part of the State government’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and promote cleaner, healthier urban environments in Telangana.