Latest news with #NIMS
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
It's time to recognise infectious diseases as a specialty, say doctors
Hyderabad: While Hyderabad boasts of a robust health infrastructure, it faces a significant shortage of infectious disease specialists. The city has only about a dozen specialists for a population exceeding one crore Despite infectious diseases being a leading cause of death in the country, there are only a few hundred specialists available to treat these conditions. Infectious diseases can be caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They range from common infections like swine flu and malaria to more complicated conditions such as severe pneumonia, AIDS, meningitis, and hospital-acquired infections. The shortage of professionals is particularly alarming as COVID-19 cases continue to emerge, highlighting the critical role of specialists, especially for patients with comorbidities. Dr Pratik Yashavant Patil, an infectious disease specialist at KIMS and a member of the National Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS), stated, 'In recent times, viral and bacterial infections have become more noticeable. Although the focus on this specialty is growing, it has historically been viewed as a supportive subject. It is time it is recognised as a specialty, akin to cardiology or neurology.' To become an infectious disease specialist, doctors must first pursue post-graduate training in either general medicine, paediatrics or microbiology, followed by three years of super-specialty training in infectious diseases. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More Undo 'As infections caused by drug resistant organisms are on the rise, infectious disease specialists are better equipped to handle these situations compared to other doctors. The judicious use of antibiotics can significantly improve the management of infections,' Dr Pratik emphasised. In the United States, this specialty was introduced in 1960. However, in India, only two private hospitals in Mumbai and Chennai began offering training around 2009, followed by AIIMS Delhi and CMC Vellore, which have since started providing super-specialty programmes in infectious diseases. T he shortage is underscored by the fact that NIMS is currently the only government hospital with an infectious disease specialist in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Dr K. Bhanu Prasad, an assistant professor and infectious disease specialist at NIMS, explained: 'Although we do not have a separate department yet, we are gradually evolving in this direction. Our specialty is crucial—if we take COVID-19 cases. While other doctors can treat these patients, we can determine whether fever in a COVID-19 patient results from a viral infection or other conditions such as black fungus. We also assess the specific antibiotic needs for individual patients.' According to Dr Prasad, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are alarmingly high, with rates at around 13 per cent. 'Many people experience significant complications due to these infections, which is where our specialty comes into play. Infectious disease specialists can adjust medication doses for patients suffering from severe ailments such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or HIV, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality,' he added.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
NIMS doctors perform heart procedures on two teenagers using advanced 3D mapping
The Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad has successfully performed complex radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures to treat supraventricular arrhythmias in two young boys. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure that treats abnormal heart rhythms by using heat to destroy small areas of faulty heart tissue. Doctors insert thin wires into the heart to find and fix the spot causing the problem. Under a team led by cardiologist Dr. Oruganti Sai Satish, who specialises in electrophysiology, the institute treated a 15-year-old from Khammam and a 14-year-old from Hyderabad, both of whom were battling life-disrupting heart rhythm disorders, the hospital said. The first case involved a teenager from Khammam who had suffered recurrent palpitations, chest discomfort, and sweating since early childhood. Despite long-term medication, his symptoms persisted. Investigations revealed that he had a rare condition, right-sided heart orientation and reversed positions of internal organs, along with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart. The complex nature of his cardiac anatomy posed significant challenges for catheter placement and mapping. However, using advanced 3D mapping technology, the team was able to accurately identify and eliminate the abnormal pathways responsible for the palpitations through targeted radiofrequency energy, said a release. The second patient, a 14-year-old from Hyderabad, had experienced over 25 episodes of palpitations in just four months, frequently requiring emergency care and intravenous medication. His condition impacted his schooling and daily life. After consultations at multiple hospitals, he arrived at NIMS, where tests revealed an extremely rare electrical focus near the mitral valve on the left side of his heart. This too was successfully ablated using 3D mapping and RF energy. Both procedures were carried out free of cost under the Telangana government's Aarogyasri and Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) schemes.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Smartphone linked to burning thigh pain: Hyderabad doctors
Doctors in Hyderabad have observed a rise in meralgia paraesthetica cases, characterized by burning thigh pain due to nerve compression HYDERABAD: Doctors in Hyderabad have observed cases of burning thigh pain ( meralgia paraesthetica ), a condition where repeated or prolonged pressure leads to chronic nerve irritation , numbness, or tingling sensations in the outer thigh. What is particularly surprising is that some of these cases have been linked to the common habit of keeping a mobile phone in trouser pockets. In a recent instance, a 35-year-old man from Nampally reported severe pain and burning sensations in his right thigh. His sleep was affected by the discomfort, and he struggled to perform his job effectively. Upon taking a detailed medical history, doctors discovered that the man had been habitually keeping a bulky phone in his front right pocket for extended periods. Operation Sindoor 'Pakistan army moving its troops in forward areas': Key takeaways from govt briefing 'Pak used drones, long-range weapons, jets to attack India's military sites' 'Attempted malicious misinformation campaign': Govt calls out Pakistan's propaganda However, after about a month of treatment, he became symptom-free. 'Tight clothing' Dr Sireesha Yareeda, additional professor at NIMS, explained: "In many cases, this condition arises when individuals wear tight clothing and carry heavy items in their trouser pockets. There is a nerve called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), that provides sensation to the area. When it is compressed, it leads to pain." She added that, in addition to people wearing tight clothing, cases of burning thigh sensations are commonly observed in pregnant women, as well as patients with diabetes or thyroid disorders. Dr Sudheer Kumar, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, noted that identifying the cause of the pain in such cases often requires a detailed assessment of patient's daily habits. "Doctors usually prescribe medication and therapies in such situations, but if we explore patients' routines more deeply, we may be able to eliminate the root cause altogether. It is not the case that everyone who keeps a phone or heavy item in their pocket will develop this condition." Nerve irritation Dr Ranganadham, a senior neurosurgeon, emphasised that people should avoid storing large and heavy mobile phones or similar objects in trouser pockets for long durations, particularly while sitting. In another such case, a 29-year-old woman complained of similar issues. Working on the front desk as a receptionist, the woman would keep her phone in her trouser pocket for long hours. However, she gradually developed nerve irritation, numbness, or tingling sensations in her outer thigh area. She was diagnosed with meralgia paraesthetica and provided treatment. After a few weeks of follow-up, she had no symptoms, and the medications were discontinued.
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
35% of Aarogyasri funds to be given as incentives for docs, staff: Health Min
Hyderabad: Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha on Friday announced providing 35 per cent of the Aarogyasri funds as incentives to the doctors and medical staff for providing treatment to the Aarogyasri patients. The Health Minister on Friday chaired the board meeting of the Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), where the Director Dr N Beerappa presented the NIMS-2024 progress report to the Minister. The Minister congratulated the doctors and staff. The NIMS authorities sought 35 per cent of the money received by the NIMS from Aarogyasri should be given to the doctors and medical staff. He gave the green signal to the proposals in this regard at the NIMS Executive Board meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Beerappa said that the number of outpatients in 2024 increased by 12.6 per cent compared to 2023. The number of patients admitted under Aarogyasri increased by 22.4 per cent. In 2024, 11,000 poor were treated at NIMS through the LOCs provided by the government. Beerappa said that only 5,800 people were treated under LOCs in 2023. He said that about 350 robotic surgeries were performed at NIMS last year. Since the number of patients at NIMS was increasing, he requested the Minister to allow the recruitment of doctors and staff accordingly. The Minister gave permission to fill more than 800 posts. This includes all types of posts, including doctors and nurses. The Minister inquired about the construction work of new buildings at NIMS. Officials explained the progress of the construction work to the minister. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the work should be completed as quickly as possible without compromising on quality. He advised the officials to come with all the details and that he would soon conduct a full review of the construction work. He said that people have a lot of faith in NIMS and that they come here from faraway places for treatment. The Minister congratulated the doctors and staff for providing better medical services while maintaining their trust. He suggested that even better services should be provided. He said that patients should be shifted from the emergency department to the relevant ward as soon as possible. He said that this would make it easier to provide beds to other patients who came in an emergency. He instructed that patients should not be kept in the ambulance for a long time and should be taken inside as soon as they arrive. The Minister warned that strict action will be taken against those who try to tarnish the reputation of NIMS through internal conflicts.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
NIMS doctors secure top ranks in NEET-SS 2024, clinch AIR 1 for second year in a row
Doctors from the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, have secured top positions in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET SS) 2024. The institution has produced the national first rank holder for the second year in a row. Dr. Zakir Hussain led the achievements this year by clinching the All India Rank 1. In total, twelve doctors from NIMS secured top ranks, ensuring their admission into prestigious super-specialty programmes across the country. Among the top scorers are Dr. Bhanuchand (Rank 9), Dr. Rohit (14), Dr. U. Soumya (21), Dr. Syed Khalilullah (43), Dr. Krishna Kishore Somani (50), Dr. V. Sai Spurthi (58), Dr. Dheeraj Anirudh (67), Dr. Amtul Rahim Suryam (361), Dr. P.S.N. Rajitha (420), and Dr. A.V.S. Srilekhya (456).
