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Time of India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
27 of Kol's 1st 38 heart recipients survived follow-up period: Study
1 2 3 Kolkata: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a group of doctors conducted a follow-up on 38 heart recipients, who underwent transplantation of the organ in Kolkata between 2018 and 2023. The survey conducted by these doctors show that 27 of these 38 patients, who underwent heart transplantation till Oct, 2023, were alive at the time of the follow-up. The data was collected from seven participating hospitals, where the transplants took place. The patients were in the age group of 12 to 58 years, 28 (73.6%) recipients being male and 10 (23.4%) female. Three were paediatric. According to the survey, out of the 38 heart transplant cases, 33 recipients were discharged from the hospitals where they underwent the surgeries. During the follow-up period, five patients died due to infective complications and one passed away because of organ rejection. Heart transplantation made its debut in Bengal only in May, 2018, at a private hospital. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Data compiled shows a 30-day mortality rate of 13.2%, with five out of the 38 recipients attributed to low cardiac output syndrome, possibly stemming from post-operative primary graft dysfunction (PGD.) Infective complications were noted in 11 recipients (28.9%). The article titled 'Heart Transplant in West Bengal: Insights from a Collective Experience of Multiple Centers in an Indian State', published in the Indian Journal of Transplantation, also pointed out challenges such as postoperative primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and infections, which can be addressed with continued efforts, gaining further experience, and infrastructure development. Doctors Debasis Das, Nilanjan Dutta, Shubhadeep Das of Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah, Pradeep Narayan, Ayan Kar, Mrinalendu Das, Lalit Kapoor of RN Tagore Hospital, Kunal Sarkar and Soumyajit Ghosh of Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Subhendu Sekhar Mahapatra of IPGMER, Plaban Mukherjee and Subrata Dey of Medical College Kolkata, Tamashis Mukherjee of Apollo, along with Kayapanda Mandana and Tapas RayChaudhury of Fortis, came together to piece together the data. The first successful heart transplant from a brain-dead donor in India was conducted in 1994 at AIIMS, followed shortly by Madras Medical Mission Hospital, Chennai. "Despite the delayed start in West Bengal, the programme has witnessed significant growth. Currently, West Bengal has seven accredited centres for heart transplantation," said the authors. Among the seven hospitals with heart transplant facilities in the state, two are state-run facilities where the procedure is done for free. "This development marks a milestone in the region's healthcare, providing hope to patients with end-stage heart failure. Challenges such as postoperative PGD and infections persist but are expected to be addressed with continued efforts, gaining further experience, and infrastructure development," the article reads. The authors also acknowledged the contributions of Amitabha Chattopadhyay, Munna Das, Sanjiban Ghosh, Jayita Nandy Das, Manish Kumar Sharma, Rangan Koley, and Shivani Gajpal of Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kolkata youth not ok. New study just proves it
Sudeep Chatterjee, coordinator of a Kolkata-based rehab centre says, 'Patients need care and belonging, but are often treated like criminals' A new study by the Institute of Psychiatry, IPGMER shows a sharp rise in suicide and substance abuse among Kolkata's youth, pointing to a dangerous mix of academic pressure, emotional neglect, stigma, and easy access to drugs. According to NCRB 2022 data, over 13,000 student suicides were reported in India, which amounts to nearly one every hour. West Bengal accounted for roughly 2% of these cases. Additionally, 7% of school students in the state use tobacco, 3% consume alcohol, and 2% have used illegal drugs. Over 12% reported suicidal thoughts, and more than 3% had attempted suicide. The data is stark, but the warning is clear. Devdeep Roy Chowdhury, a senior clinical psychologist in Kolkata says, 'Without early intervention, we risk losing more lives to problems that are easily preventable.' CT takes a deeper look into this concerning issue. We've normalised drinking and smoking, but ignored the mental health behind it. That's the real danger – Poulami Sengupta, clinical psychologist Films like Animal and Kabir Singh glamourise addiction. They send the wrong message – that smoking and drinking make you look cool or powerful – Mayank Kumar, assistant professor, Institute of Psychiatry, IPGMER 'They just want to feel like they belong somewhere' With more families going nuclear, children often feel emotionally unanchored. 'In joint families, there were cousins and elders around. In nuclear setups, the sense of connection comes only from peer groups,' says Poulami Sengupta. She adds, 'The need to belong is strong—and sometimes, that means joining in when friends drink or use drugs.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Adolescents and college students remain most vulnerable, a stage that psychologists call the 'age of expression and experimentation. ' 'We don't have enough juvenile rehabs' Despite increased conversation around mental health, support systems remain limited. 'There are several rehab centres in Bengal, but most lack proper infrastructure and an understanding that not all cases should be treated the same way,' said Juhi Sharma, a college professor who has handled student substance abuse cases. Poulami Sengupta, a clinical psychologist says, 'Expecting one psychiatrist to manage it all is like expecting a general physician to treat every disease. We need specialised professionals who understand youth psychology' 'In our homes, distress is brushed aside' Psychologists say that many Bengali families still treat mental health as a taboo. 'In most homes, emotional struggles are dismissed with phrases like 'it's just a phase,'' says Devdeep Roy Chowdhury. 'There's little space to acknowledge vulnerability. This happens especially with boys, where expression is still seen as weakness.' Substance use, he adds, is often treated as a moral failing, rather than a coping mechanism or cry for help.
Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
The health emergency Indian men aren't talking about
Written By Prachi Mishra In Indian society, the image of a man is tied to strength, stoicism, and silence. But behind this silence is a growing storm: a health crisis that is impacting men across the country. Experts warn that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health disorders, and lifestyle-related complications are escalating rapidly among Indian men, and more often than not, go unaddressed. 'There's been a sharp increase in conditions like hypertension and diabetes among men compared to women,' said Dr Atanu Pal, associate professor, department of nephrology at IPGMER and SSKM Hospital. 'Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are rising steeply, especially in high-stress professions like IT, business, and shift-based jobs,' he said. These conditions are just the tip of the iceberg. Men between the ages of 22 and 40 are also showing early signs of mechanical back pain from long sitting hours, cardiovascular complications, and undiagnosed arthritis. 'The burden of breadwinning, societal expectations, and fast-changing lifestyles have made anxiety and depression rampant,' Dr Pal said. Dr Pal also noted a rise in heart attacks, liver diseases (often alcohol-related), and cancers, especially lung, colorectal, prostate, and gastrointestinal, many of which are more prevalent in men. 'Even in rural India, substance abuse and depression are more common than we previously believed,' he said. Men dominate hazardous sectors like mining and construction, and because of this, they are disproportionately exposed to occupational diseases such as silicosis and other chronic lung conditions. Long-term smoking remains a leading factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A '20-pack-year' smoker – someone who has smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or any other combination that adds up to the same total – has a much higher risk of dying young. But while physical illnesses are visible, mental health in men remains largely invisible. Adrija Roy, a clinical psychologist, said she's seeing a rise in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression, particularly among men aged 25 to 40. 'Men are still told that crying or expressing emotion makes them weak. They suppress feelings until it turns into panic attacks or depressive episodes,' Roy said, adding that in rural areas, the problem is compounded by lack of access and stigma –– people are more likely to consult a tantrik than a therapist. Performance pressure begins early. 'Young boys often deal with phobias, adjustment issues and social anxiety. As they grow, the pressure to 'provide' intensifies. Many turn to substances to cope, which only worsens anger and emotional regulation,' Roy said. Roy recommended that mental health check-ups be treated like routine physical exams. 'Even if you're doing okay, check in with a therapist once a year. It should be as normal as a dental or eye check-up,' she said. Physical appearances, too, are taking a toll. An advisor from a major pharmaceutical company flagged a rise in steroid abuse among young men trying to bulk up. 'Unregulated steroid use is leading to sudden heart failures in men in their 30s and 40s. It's dangerous and often fatal,' she said. Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic nudged many to be more health-conscious. Hygiene, fitness, and wellness are being taken more seriously, but access to advanced therapies and preventive care remains patchy. Men also tend to ignore early symptoms. Dr Saroj Das Majumdar, head of radiation oncology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said lung cancer is frequently misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. 'By the time symptoms like coughing blood appear, it's often too late,' he said. India's low emphasis on preventive care only worsens the problem. 'In Western countries, health is among the top priorities. Here, it comes after food, shelter, education, marriage, and even smartphones,' Dr Pal said. He estimates that 50–60 per cent of people don't know they're ill, and among those who do, half don't seek treatment. Another neglected dimension is male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, often linked with diabetes and stress. But stigma keeps men from seeking help. 'Men are ashamed to admit these problems due to societal perceptions of masculinity. If caught early, these are easily treatable,' Dr Pal said. He urged parents to start conversations about sexual health at home and normalise open dialogue. Prevention, he believes, begins with awareness. Dr Pal recommended following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet – home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals over processed food – and incorporating daily movement. 'Even a simple walk or stretching can uplift your mood and improve your health,' he said, adding, 'Being social, spending time with friends and family, and expressing yourself emotionally are just as important.' 'Health is not just about medicine,' he said, 'it's about movement, nutrition, and meaningful relationships.' (The author is an intern at The Indian Express)
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
In death, Kolkata youth set to gift life to 10-year-old in Chennai
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: The heart of a 23-year-old Howrah youth, Abhisek Dalui, is set to save the life of a 10-year-old boy battling heart failure in Chennai. The deceased organ donor's liver and two kidneys also ensured a new lease of life for three others in the city, his cornea will help another person to see the world again. This is the eighth deceased organ donation in Bengal this year. Dalui, who was an AC mechanic from Manikura, had sustained severe injuries in a road accident on June 22. First rushed to a local hospital, he was referred to IPGMER's Trauma Care Centre (TCC) the next day. The family was counselled thoroughly when doctors noticed tell-tale signs of brain stem death. The family gave consent for doctors to conduct the mandatory test to confirm brain death and also to donate the deceased's organs. The hospital then informed ROTTO (East), the body that oversees organ donation and allocation activities in the eastern region. ROTTO found matching recipients in Kolkata for the three organs, the heart was offered to other states via NOTTO, the apex body on organ donation. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The heart was finally allocated to MGM Hospital Chennai. A team from the hospital flew down to Kolkata and left with the donor heart late on Friday evening. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo This year, the city has been registering two donations per month so far. Even if the organ donation momentum in Bengal is far behind that of southern and some western states, those working in this movement said if this donation rate continues, 2025 could see the best figures in the state. Kolkata: The heart of a 23-year-old Howrah youth, Abhisek Dalui, is set to save the life of a 10-year-old boy battling heart failure in Chennai. The deceased organ donor's liver and two kidneys also ensured a new lease of life for three others in the city, his cornea will help another person to see the world again. This is the eighth deceased organ donation in Bengal this year. Dalui, who was an AC mechanic from Manikura, had sustained severe injuries in a road accident on June 22. First rushed to a local hospital, he was referred to IPGMER's Trauma Care Centre (TCC) the next day. The family was counselled thoroughly when doctors noticed tell-tale signs of brain stem death. The family gave consent for doctors to conduct the mandatory test to confirm brain death and also to donate the deceased's organs. The hospital then informed ROTTO (East), the body that oversees organ donation and allocation activities in the eastern region. ROTTO found matching recipients in Kolkata for the three organs, the heart was offered to other states via NOTTO, the apex body on organ donation. The heart was finally allocated to MGM Hospital Chennai. A team from the hospital flew down to Kolkata and left with the donor heart late on Friday evening. This year, the city has been registering two donations per month so far. Even if the organ donation momentum in Bengal is far behind that of southern and some western states, those working in this movement said if this donation rate continues, 2025 could see the best figures in the state.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
State logs 7th organ donation in '25, 2nd in less than 2 weeks
1 2 3 Kolkata: The liver and two kidneys of a 23-year-old brain-dead individual were transplanted into three patients in two hospitals of Kolkata on Sunday night. Bengal's seventh deceased donation of 2025 follows the organ donation of a 12-year-old by his parents on May 20. Puskar Pal of Howrah's Amta met with an accident near his home on the intervening night of May 28 and 29. Initially rushed to the nearby rural hospital, the youth was shifted to IPGMER's trauma care centre due to a severe head injury. "Even as the doctors gave all required medical attention, his condition did not improve. On Saturday night, doctors said Puskar was brain dead and approached us, saying that his organs could save a few lives," said Sayan Mukherjee, his would-be brother-in-law. The only earning member of the family, Puskar worked as a welder after his father lost job during the pandemic. He dropped out of school so that he could start earning for his family along with his elder sister Puja, who tutors kids in the neighbourhood. "My brother was a simple and hard-working youth, ready to help people around. When doctors approached us for donating his organs, we decided to go ahead without any hesitation," said cousin brother Swadesh Pal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 95 % der Deutschen wissen nichts von diesem Krankenhaustipp Checkfox | Krankenhauszusatzversicherung Undo Doctors found that apart from the deceased's lungs, all vital organs were fit for transplant. On finding no matching heart recipient in the state and other hospitals in the region, ROTTO shared the heart with NOTTO. With no takers, the liver and two kidneys were finalised for retrieval and allocated to IPGMER and Command Hospital. Two women, one battling liver failure and the other renal failure, and a man also with kidney failure received the organs. On May 20, the city recorded the youngest deceased donor when the parents of Umang Galada (12) donated the boy's organs after he was declared brain dead at CMRI Hospital. In 2024, the state logged 14 deceased donations.
