https://biospectrumindia.com/rssfeed/states/kerala kerala https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/28431/cyrix-healthcare-acquires-blue-star-ees-medtech-solutions-business.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/28431/cyrix-healthcare-acquires-blue-star-ees-medtech-solutions-business.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:39:29 +0530 Kochi-based Cyrix Healthcare has completed the acquisition of the MedTech Solutions business of Delhi-based Blue Star Engineering & Electronics (Blue Star E&E), effective September 1, 2026. The acquisition strengthens Cyrix’s capabilities in medical imaging, equipment sales, installation, maintenance, repairs, refurbishment and lifecycle management. The acquisition brings together Blue Star E&E’s established MedTech Solutions business, experienced professionals, customer relationships and deep expertise in multi-brand CT and MRI with Cyrix Healthcare’s growing Total MedTech Management platform. Blue Star E&E’s refurbishment capabilities will further strengthen AURUM, Cyrix’s refurbished medical equipment business, particularly in refurbished CT and MRI systems. The combined platform will also provide stronger access to refurbished equipment, spare parts and accessories, supported by Cyrix’s warehouse and service network across India. The combination of Blue Star E&E’s specialist imaging expertise and Cyrix’s broader MedTech capabilities creates a stronger platform to serve the evolving needs of healthcare providers and advances Cyrix’s vision of building a comprehensive Total MedTech Management ecosystem across India, the Middle East and Africa.   Image caption- Ajith Kumar S, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Cyrix Healthcare (L) and Joy K John, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Cyrix Healthcare (R) ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/28415/baby-memorial-hospitals-names-dr-anup-warrier-as-group-chief-of-medical-services.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/28415/baby-memorial-hospitals-names-dr-anup-warrier-as-group-chief-of-medical-services.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:21:50 +0530 Kerala-based Baby Memorial Hospitals (BMH) has appointed Dr Anup Warrier as Group Chief of Medical Services, further strengthening its senior leadership team as the healthcare group continues to expand its clinical capabilities and focus on quality, patient safety, and excellence in healthcare delivery.   Dr Warrier, with over 20 years of leadership experience across tertiary and quaternary healthcare systems, brings expertise in clinical governance, quality and patient safety, accreditation, and clinical services planning for greenfield hospitals.   Most recently, he served as Chief of Medical Affairs & Quality for a multi-hospital network, where he played a central physician-leadership role in a quaternary care academic medical centre. A Consultant in Infectious Diseases by training, Dr Warrier holds DNB (Medicine), FRCP (Edinburgh), FIDSA, and CBIC credentials.   In his new role, Dr Warrier will provide strategic leadership for medical services across the BMH network, with a focus on strengthening clinical governance, standardising care practices, enhancing patient safety and driving continuous improvement in clinical outcomes. He will also work closely with BMH’s clinical leadership and medical teams to foster greater collaboration and consistency in care delivery across specialties and locations.   Dr Warrier has also contributed to healthcare quality and infection prevention initiatives at the state and national levels. He has served on Kerala’s State AMR & Stewardship Committee, is faculty for WHO-supported national infection prevention and control programmes, and has contributed to the APSIC Surgical Site Infection Guidelines and India’s National Hospital Infection Control Guidelines. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/28333/kerala-angel-network-partners-with-sree-chitra-tirunal-institute-for-medical-sciences-and-technology.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/28333/kerala-angel-network-partners-with-sree-chitra-tirunal-institute-for-medical-sciences-and-technology.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:59:05 +0530 Kerala Angel Network (KAN) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SCTIMST TIMed – the MedTech Incubator of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) Thiruvananthapuram. The collaboration marks an important step towards strengthening the support system for MedTech and healthcare startups emerging from Kerala. TiMed, with its strong focus on medical technology innovation and healthcare entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in nurturing startups working on solutions addressing critical healthcare challenges. KAN aims to work closely with TiMed to identify and support the next generation of MedTech innovators and healthcare entrepreneurs, and to contribute towards building globally scalable healthcare companies from Kerala. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/views/112/27921/operation-toofan-why-kerala-is-launching-its-biggest-anti-drug-crackdown-now.html https://biospectrumindia.com/views/112/27921/operation-toofan-why-kerala-is-launching-its-biggest-anti-drug-crackdown-now.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:42:52 +0530 Less than a month after neighbouring Tamil Nadu unveiled its ambitious Drug-Free Tamil Nadu Campaign to dismantle narcotics networks and curb the influence of organised drug syndicates, Kerala has announced its own sweeping offensive against the growing drug menace. The launch of Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt on June 2, 2026, marks one of the most extensive anti-narcotics campaigns undertaken by any state government in South India in recent years. The timing is significant. Both Kerala and Tamil Nadu recently went to the polls against a backdrop of growing public concern over drug abuse, youth addiction, organised crime and the spread of synthetic narcotics. Against this backdrop, the Kerala government is seeking to demonstrate that it is prepared to confront a problem that many law-enforcement officials and public-health experts believe has become deeply entrenched in parts of the state. The decision to launch Operation Toofan is not merely a reaction to rising crime statistics. It underscores a broader recognition that Kerala's drug problem has evolved from an isolated law-and-order challenge into a complex social, economic and public-health crisis. Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have progressively replaced traditional narcotics in trafficking networks. Their high value, ease of transportation and growing popularity among younger users have made them particularly difficult to combat. Kerala's extensive coastline, strong connectivity with Gulf countries and high levels of interstate mobility have further complicated enforcement efforts. Why Now? The immediate trigger for Operation Toofan is the steady rise in narcotics-related cases despite years of intensified enforcement. Kerala recorded 36,314 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, in 2025, compared with 27,530 cases in 2024. Earlier National Crime Records Bureau data had already shown Kerala leading the country in the registration of narcotics-related cases. Government officials argue that these figures reflect both the scale of the problem and the intensity of enforcement efforts. However, they also reveal an uncomfortable reality: despite thousands of arrests, repeated crackdowns and major seizures, trafficking networks continue to adapt and evolve. The concern is particularly acute because the nature of trafficking has changed. What was once largely associated with cannabis cultivation and local distribution networks now increasingly involves sophisticated interstate syndicates, international smuggling channels and synthetic drug laboratories. Intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned that Kerala is no longer merely a transit route but is becoming an important market for synthetic narcotics. The initiative marks a strategic shift from reactive policing towards a more integrated approach involving prevention, intelligence gathering, technological surveillance, rehabilitation and inter-agency coordination. What Has Kerala Done So Far? The state government enters Operation Toofan with a substantial record of anti-narcotics activity. One of the most visible initiatives was Operation D-Hunt, launched by the Kerala Police in 2025 under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). The operation involved extensive inspections, surveillance and coordinated raids across districts. In one major statewide drive, police screened more than 1,700 suspects, registered dozens of cases and arrested nearly 80 individuals. Meanwhile, central agencies have played an increasingly important role. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence launched Operation Chakravyuh in May 2026, targeting trafficking networks operating through courier systems, airports and interstate routes. The operation led to the seizure of more than 24 kilograms of narcotics, including methamphetamine, methaqualone and hashish oil, and resulted in the arrest of key operatives. During financial year 2025-26, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's Kochi unit alone reported seizures worth approximately Rs 70.8 crore and arrested 21 individuals under narcotics laws. Perhaps the most dramatic success came through the Narcotics Control Bureau's Operation Samudragupt, launched in 2022 to target maritime trafficking routes originating from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Working with the Indian Navy and other security agencies, the operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 3.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, 529 kilograms of hashish and 500 kilograms of heroin in a series of maritime interceptions. The methamphetamine seizure was the largest in India's history and carried an estimated value of around Rs 15,000 crore. These achievements have significantly enhanced Kerala's reputation as a state willing to take aggressive action against narcotics networks. Anti-Narcotics Task Forces, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances coordination cells and intelligence-sharing mechanisms have also been strengthened over the past decade. Why Have These Successes Not Been Enough? Despite these achievements, several structural weaknesses remain. First, a significant proportion of narcotics cases involve users and low-level peddlers rather than major traffickers. Critics argue that while enforcement statistics appear impressive, they often do not reflect the dismantling of large criminal networks that control supply chains and finances. Second, synthetic drugs are easier to conceal and distribute than traditional narcotics. Small quantities can generate enormous profits, making interdiction difficult. Third, organised crime groups increasingly use encrypted messaging applications, online marketplaces and darknet platforms, creating challenges for traditional law-enforcement methods. Fourth, demand remains high, particularly among younger populations. Enforcement may disrupt supply temporarily, but unless addiction and demand are addressed, traffickers often find new routes and markets. These realities help explain why Kerala has chosen to move beyond conventional raids and arrests towards a more technology-driven and coordinated strategy. What Makes Operation Toofan Different? The campaign adopts a whole-of-government approach to the narcotics problem. Unlike earlier initiatives that were largely police-driven, the new campaign integrates the Kerala Police, Excise Department, Health Department and Education Department under a unified command structure led by a designated nodal officer. The initiative incorporates several technology-driven interventions: Anonymous mobile applications allowing citizens to report drug activity confidentially.• WhatsApp-based reporting and intelligence systems.• Wastewater analysis to identify areas with high levels of drug consumption.• Drone-assisted surveillance in vulnerable locations.• Dedicated cyber teams to track online narcotics transactions and darknet marketplaces.• Real-time intelligence sharing between agencies. The education sector has also been brought directly into the campaign. Schools and colleges will be required to implement awareness programmes, while authorities will increase monitoring around educational institutions. The government intends to strictly enforce prohibitions on the sale of tobacco products and narcotics near schools. In addition, Operation Toofan places greater emphasis on financial investigations. Authorities have indicated that vehicles, properties and other assets linked to drug trafficking will be targeted through confiscation proceedings under existing legal provisions. This shift signals a growing recognition that dismantling the financial foundations of organised crime may be more effective than merely arresting individual offenders. Budget Allocation: Is It Enough? Ambitious enforcement strategies, however, require sustained financial backing. This raises an important question: whether Kerala's current budgetary commitments are sufficient to support the long-term goals of Operation Toofan. Kerala has already committed substantial resources to anti-drug initiatives, but questions remain about whether existing allocations are adequate. The state government allocated approximately Rs 15 crore for anti-narcotics activities and around Rs 9.43 crore for the Vimukthi Mission's de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes. The allocations support awareness campaigns, counselling centres, detoxification facilities and enforcement operations. While these allocations demonstrate political commitment, they appear relatively modest when viewed against the scale of the challenge. Kerala's economy is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 14.27 lakh crore in 2025-26. Even a conservative estimate suggesting that drug abuse imposes economic costs equal to one per cent of state output would imply annual losses exceeding Rs 14,000 crore. The current anti-drug budget therefore represents only a tiny fraction of the broader economic burden associated with substance abuse. The Hidden Economic Cost of Drugs The economic impact of narcotics extends far beyond drug seizures and police operations. Healthcare systems bear the cost of treating addiction, overdoses, psychiatric complications and the long-term health consequences associated with substance abuse. Law-enforcement agencies incur expenses related to investigations, surveillance operations, prosecutions and incarceration. With more than 30,000 narcotics-related cases being registered annually, the cumulative burden on police stations, courts and prisons is substantial. Productivity losses may be even greater. Drug addiction affects educational outcomes, labour-force participation and workplace efficiency. Individuals suffering from addiction often experience prolonged periods of unemployment, reduced earnings and declining productivity. Families often face additional financial burdens arising from caregiving responsibilities, treatment expenses and lost income. When these factors are combined, the total economic burden is likely to run into several thousand crores of rupees annually. While no comprehensive estimate currently exists for Kerala, applying international benchmarks suggests that the economic burden could plausibly approach one to two per cent of state output. Is More Funding Needed? Many public-health and law-enforcement experts contend that additional investment will be necessary. If Operation Toofan is to achieve its objectives, Kerala may eventually need to invest significantly more in: Modern forensic laboratories.• Cybercrime and darknet investigation capabilities.• Intelligence collection and data analytics.• Expansion of rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities.• Community-based prevention programmes.• School and college awareness initiatives.• Training for specialised narcotics investigators.• Witness protection and financial investigation units. The state's existing de-addiction infrastructure remains limited relative to the potential scale of demand. Without stronger treatment and rehabilitation systems, enforcement alone may simply recycle users through the criminal justice system rather than addressing the underlying causes of addiction. The Road Ahead Taken together, these measures constitute Kerala's most comprehensive anti-drug initiative to date. They build upon years of enforcement successes, including major seizures by the Kerala Police, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Narcotics Control Bureau. More importantly, they reflect a growing understanding that narcotics trafficking is not merely a policing issue but a challenge that affects public health, economic productivity, education and social stability. The ultimate measure of success will not be the number of arrests or seizures but whether authorities can move beyond targeting users and low-level peddlers to dismantling major trafficking syndicates, disrupting financial networks, reducing drug availability and expanding access to rehabilitation. The government's ambition is clear: to strike at the roots of a drug economy that has become increasingly sophisticated and deeply embedded. Achieving that objective will require sustained political commitment, stronger institutional coordination, adequate funding and a careful balance between robust enforcement and compassionate rehabilitation. For Kerala, the stakes are high. The battle against narcotics is no longer simply about law and order. It is about protecting public health, safeguarding economic growth and preventing a generation of young people from being drawn into addiction and organised crime. Operation Toofan is the state's most ambitious attempt yet to meet that challenge.   Narayan Kulkarni ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27544/nova-ivf-fertility-partners-with-kerala-based-craft-fertility.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27544/nova-ivf-fertility-partners-with-kerala-based-craft-fertility.html Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH)-owned Nova IVF Fertility is expanding its footprint in Kerala through a strategic acquisition of a 30-year-old, most trusted fertility provider - Craft Fertility. This collaboration will see the launch of 10 new centres over the next 3–5 years, blending Nova's rapid growth with Craft’s trusted clinical excellence to provide advanced fertility solutions across the state. This acquisition builds on Nova IVF’s momentum of growth and expansion. By integrating advanced IVF lab capabilities, international standards of care, and AI-driven embryology are set to deliver even more precise and superior clinical outcomes for couples. “The science of reproductive medicine is advancing at a very fast pace globally. The strong clinical and patient-centric approach followed by both enterprises promises to bring more advancements to fertility & IVF care to patients in the country,” said Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman, Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH). “This partnership arrives at a critical juncture as Kerala's fertility rate has dropped to approximately 1.35–1.7 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1", said Prof. Dr. C. Mohamed Ashraf, Chairman and Medical Director, at CRAFT Hospital & Research Centre. Commenting on the partnership, Shobhit Agarwal, CEO, Nova IVF Fertility, said, “With the drop in fertility rate in the state there is growing awareness of fertility treatments in Kerala and we believe this partnership will provide new generation clinical protocols and technologies like AI based embryo selection to IVF patients in the state. Collectively, we will expand our presence to 10 cities in the state.” India currently performs 2.5–3 lakh IVF cycles annually. Over the past decade, the science of IVF in India has evolved significantly, moving from a niche treatment to a more widely accessible and technology-driven solution for infertility. Advances in reproductive medicine including improved embryo culture techniques, vitrification (egg and embryo freezing), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and the integration of AI-led embryo selection have enabled improved success rates. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27281/4basecare-partners-with-caritas-hospitals-to-bring-personalised-cancer-care-to-kerala.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27281/4basecare-partners-with-caritas-hospitals-to-bring-personalised-cancer-care-to-kerala.html Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Caritas Hospitals, in partnership with Bengaluru-based startup 4baseCare, now brings personalised cancer care to patients in Kottayam and neighbouring regions. Through this collaboration, doctors can use genetic testing to better understand each patient’s cancer and choose treatments that are more targeted, effective, and easier for patients to manage, helping reduce unnecessary side effects and improve quality of life. As part of this partnership, 4baseCare and Caritas will offer personalised, data-driven cancer care closer to patients in the region. Furthermore, the lab will also expand access to genomic testing and targeted therapies in Kerala, building a bridge between clinical research and real-world application. Commenting on this, Rev Dr Binu Kunnath, Director & CEO Caritas Hospital , said, “At Caritas Hospitals, our focus has always been on delivering care that is compassionate, credible, and clinically advanced. This partnership with 4baseCare strengthens our ability to offer patients truly personalized cancer care, guided by science, driven by data, and delivered with empathy. By integrating advanced genomics into everyday clinical practice, we are not only improving treatment precision, but also expanding access to modern cancer care for patients across the region. This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to building a healthcare ecosystem where innovation directly translates into better outcomes for patients and families.” Hitesh Goswami, CEO and Co-Founder, 4baseCare, said, “The launch of advanced genomics and precision oncology capabilities at Caritas Hospitals represents yet another step forward in strengthening patient-centric cancer care in India. By bringing cutting-edge genomic technologies to clinical practice, this collaboration moves us closer to a future where every cancer patient can receive treatment that is timely, targeted, and tailored to their individual disease biology.” ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27232/alicorn-medical-unveils-indigenously-manufactured-wound-healing-medical-device.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27232/alicorn-medical-unveils-indigenously-manufactured-wound-healing-medical-device.html Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0530 As a significant milestone in the journey of Kerala-based Alicorn Medical, the company has announced the official launch of CholeDerm, India’s first indigenously manufactured extracellular matrix (ECM)-based Class D wound healing medical device, at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST).This launch represents the successful translation of indigenous research into clinical reality, made possible through the unwavering support of DST, BIRAC, SCTIMST, and the collaborative spirit between scientists, policymakers, and industry. Dr Sanjay Behari, Director, SCTIMST, formally announced the product launch, and acknowledged Dr T V Anilkumar, the visionary scientist and father of CholeDerm (from decellularised pig gall bladder), whose pioneering research laid the foundation for this innovation. CholeDerm is a proud step towards Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, delivering advanced wound care solutions that are clinically effective, affordable, and accessible. It is expected that with the introduction of CholeDerm to the Indian market, the treatment cost can be reduced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,000 making it more affordable to the common man. Moreover, the technology for recovering extracellular matrix from the gall bladder is not available to others and it gives a fair chance for competition in the international market. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27224/pm-lays-foundation-stone-for-technology-and-entrepreneurship-hub-at-bio-360-life-sciences-park.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/27224/pm-lays-foundation-stone-for-technology-and-entrepreneurship-hub-at-bio-360-life-sciences-park.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Foundation Stone for the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub, was recently unveiled by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in the esteemed presence of Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, and Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala. BIO 360 LIFE SCIENCES PARK at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is set to emerge as a major life sciences cluster in India and the CSIR NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship hub is being developed on a 10-acre land allotted free of cost at BIO 360 LIFE SCIENCES PARK, under Department of Industries,Govt of Kerala , underscoring Kerala’s long-term vision to build a globally competitive and comprehensive life sciences ecosystem. The project discussion was initiated on August 2024 in presence of the Minister for Industries and Coir, P Rajeev, and Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), A. P. M. Mohammed Hanish IAS, BIO 360 LIFE SCIENCES PARK and CSIR-NIIST officials. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly accelerate industry and startups growth, attracting major private players and life sciences industries and position Kerala as a major life sciences industries hub. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/26678/rcc-nutrafill-invests-rs-100-cr-into-new-food-processing-life-sciences-manufacturing-facility-in-kerala.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/26678/rcc-nutrafill-invests-rs-100-cr-into-new-food-processing-life-sciences-manufacturing-facility-in-kerala.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0530 RCC Nutrafill recently held the Bhoomi Pooja and foundation stone laying ceremony for its upcoming Food Processing and Life Sciences Manufacturing Facility at the KSIDC Business Park in Angamaly, Kerala. P. Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir in the Government of Kerala, presided over the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony in the presence of dignitaries, Government officials, company leadership, and local stakeholders. The facility spread across 5 acres, is set to complete Phase 1 within the next 24 months. Designed to be the first of its kind, the facility will serve as an integrated manufacturing & processing hub, combining cold storage, warehousing, research and development, logistics, and the handling of Life Sciences and FMCG products. Upon commercialisation the facility will cater to the processing of Food, Marine, Spices, Agricultural, and medical products through USDA-accredited-technology, ensuring product safety, shelf-life extension, and compliance with global standards. RCC Nutrafill, located in Malur, Karnataka, is India’s first integrated manufacturing facility for ready-to-use media and adjuvants. RCC Nutrafill specialises in the development and manufacture of adjuvants, raw materials and consumables essential for biopharma and pharmaceutical industries.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/26100/borderplus-commits-rs-10-cr-worth-scholarships-over-next-2-years-to-equip-indian-nurses-for-global-careers.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/26100/borderplus-commits-rs-10-cr-worth-scholarships-over-next-2-years-to-equip-indian-nurses-for-global-careers.html Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 +0530 BorderPlus, a leading workforce mobility platform, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the nation's healthcare champions. Recognising the importance of nurses and the world's urgent need for their expertise and skills, BorderPlus has announced a significant investment in their future, committing Rs 10 crore in scholarships over the next 2 years. The initiative will support deserving and aspiring nurses, enabling them to build successful international careers. Marking a key milestone in this mission, BorderPlus also unveiled its first regional Training & Support Center in Kochi, a hub aimed at nurturing nursing talent from the southern region through personalised guidance and resources.  The centre currently supports over 120 candidates, with plans to expand this capacity to more than 500. It offers in-person exam preparation, personalised counseling, and comprehensive documentation support. Through this centre, BorderPlus will also provide digital offerings, directly supporting nurses across Kerala and neighbouring regions. The Kochi centre will be operated by a trusted local franchisee partner and enrollments have already started. Mayank Kumar and Ayush Mathur, Co-founders of BorderPlus said, "The global healthcare sector faces a significant nursing shortage, presenting a unique opportunity for India's vast pool of skilled and dedicated nurses. At BorderPlus, our mission is to empower these professionals by providing structured, ethical, and transparent pathways to international careers." Despite India’s rich nursing talent, candidates exploring global career pathways often face hurdles such as end-mile skilling gap, prohibitive exam costs, complex documentation requirements, and a lack of reliable guidance. The scholarship, open to Indian nurses, aims to address these fundamental barriers by offering crucial financial support and structured guidance enabling Indian nurses to pursue overseas careers with greater confidence and clarity.    ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/26008/south-india-gets-first-centre-of-excellence-for-car-t-cell-therapy-and-bone-marrow-transplant.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/26008/south-india-gets-first-centre-of-excellence-for-car-t-cell-therapy-and-bone-marrow-transplant.html Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530 In a landmark collaboration that bridges visionary science with decades of clinical excellence, SunAct Cancer Institute and Smita Memorial Hospital, founded by the Father of Medical Oncology, Dr Suresh H. Advani (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan), have announced the opening of South India’s premier Centre of Excellence in CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Smita Memorial Hospital in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala. The newly launched Centre introduces India’s first CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumours, a major milestone in global oncology and currently unavailable elsewhere in the country. In addition to CAR-T, the Centre will offer TCR (T-Cell Receptor) Therapies; TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes); Gamma Delta T-Cell Platforms; Gene Therapies; and a dedicated Paediatric Oncology Programme The Centre will also accelerate access to Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT), clinical trials, and new immunotherapies, reinforcing a shared commitment to next-generation care. The partnership is focused towards creating equitable access to elite therapies across underserved regions; launching internationally benchmarked clinical trials from tier-2/3 cities; building a training ecosystem to develop the next generation of oncologists, researchers, and cell and gene therapy (CGT) specialists; and attracting global partnerships for joint research, biomanufacturing, and IP co-development. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25880/nura-launches-mobile-health-screening-facility-nura-express-in-kozhikode.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25880/nura-launches-mobile-health-screening-facility-nura-express-in-kozhikode.html Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530 NURA, an advanced diagnostic venture between Fujifilm Healthcare and Dr Kutty’s Healthcare, has announced the launch of its mobile health screening facility, ‘NURA Express’, in Kozhikode, Kerala. This marks a significant expansion of NURA’s health screening service business in Kerala for the first time. NURA’s global partner Fujifilm has been expanding the ‘NURA’ health screening centres, primarily in urban areas across several countries, to build an environment where more people can access high-quality health screening services. The newly-introduced NURA Express provides corporate health screenings in collaboration with local companies. The mobile unit will travel to the designated locations, offering cancer screenings and testing of lifestyle-related diseases through on-site CT scans for employees working in an office or factory or living in a particular residential area. The images captured in the NURA Express will then be remotely interpreted by the physicians stationed at the ‘NURA Global Innovation Centre’ in Kozhikode. The captured images and analyzed test results will be provided to people through a dedicated smartphone app. In the future, NURA/ Fujifilm aims to partner with local self-governments to establish a system through which the NURA Express can provide municipal health screenings to residents in remote areas. This initiative will contribute significantly to the early detection of cancer and lifestyle diseases for a large number of people. Commenting on the development, Dr Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA, said, “Cancer and lifestyle diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, remain among the leading causes of death worldwide. Health screenings play a crucial role not only in the early detection of these conditions—enabling timely intervention through treatment and health guidance—but also in disease prevention by fostering a deeper understanding of one’s health. However, in many emerging countries, access to health screening services remains limited, and the culture of preventive health checks is yet to be widely adopted." ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25718/aster-dm-healthcare-to-invest-rs-850-cr-in-kerala-in-next-3-years-.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25718/aster-dm-healthcare-to-invest-rs-850-cr-in-kerala-in-next-3-years-.html Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Aster DM Healthcare, one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, has reinforced its deep-rooted commitment to Kerala with a strategic vision for expansion and long-term investment. Aligned with the state's efforts to attract and facilitate high-impact investments under the ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit’ initiative held in Kochi, Dr Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, and Anoop Moopen, Director at Aster DM Healthcare met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and P Rajeev, Minister of Law, Industries, and Coir to discuss the current healthcare landscape and explore opportunities for growth and innovation. As part of the engagement, Aster has said that it plans to invest around Rs 850 crore in the next 3 years towards scaling up its infrastructure, medical services, and employment generation in the region. This commitment builds on the Rs 500 crore Aster has already invested in Kerala during the last 3 years, further solidifying its leadership in the state’s healthcare landscape. Looking ahead, Aster has an aggressive investment plan in Kerala that will result in a significant increase in bed capacity, bringing the total number of beds in the state to 3,453 by FY27. Aster currently operates seven hospitals in Kerala, with a total capacity of 2,635 beds, contributing to 53% of the company’s India revenue (9M FY25). Aster DM Healthcare’s expansion in the state will be driven by two greenfield projects that are coming up namely Aster Capital Trivandrum with a 454-bed facility and Aster MIMS Kasargod with 264 beds. The flagship hospital Aster Medcity will expand to 962 beds by FY27 as well. In Q3FY25, 100 beds were added to Aster Medcity’s existing capacity, further cementing Aster’s leadership in Kerala’s healthcare sector. Anoop Moopen, Director, Aster DM Healthcare said, “With our expansion plans, we anticipate creating an additional 4200 jobs, further strengthening Kerala’s healthcare workforce and economy."     ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25623/ddrc-agilus-diagnostics-opens-advanced-reference-laboratory-and-wellness-centre-in-thiruvananthapuram.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25623/ddrc-agilus-diagnostics-opens-advanced-reference-laboratory-and-wellness-centre-in-thiruvananthapuram.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 DDRC Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Agilus Diagnostics Limited, has announced the launch of its state-of-the-art regional wellness centre and 24x7 reference laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a significant milestone as the first reference laboratory in South Kerala. The advanced facility was inaugurated by Pooyam Thirunal Gouri Paarvathi Bayi Thampuratty, in the presence of distinguished guests V.K. Prasanth (MLA) and Kadakampally Surendran (MLA) from the Kerala Legislative Assembly. As part of the launch, Dr Anand K, Managing Director & CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, donated a Life Support Ambulance to the Department of Health Services, Kerala, underscoring the company's commitment to community welfare. The new wellness centre and laboratory, operating 24x7, will cater to the growing healthcare needs of the region, providing access to an extensive test menu of 3,600+ diagnostic tests and a variety of preventive healthcare packages. The facility has the capacity to process over two lakh samples per month, covering routine, semi-specialised, and high-end specialised tests. Spanning over 18,000 square feet, the facility houses multiple specialised laboratory divisions, including: Haematology, Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Immunology, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics, and Microbiology. A comprehensive radiology suite featuring Ultrasound, Audiometry, Ophthalmology, Digital Radiography, ECG, TMT, Spirometry, and Executive Medical Checkups. The new facility will cater to various districts including Trivandrum city, Nemom, Balaramapuram, Neyyattinkara, Vizhinjam, Kazhakoottam, Nedumangadu, Attingal , Chirayinkeezhu, Varkala, Kollam, Nagercoil and Kanyakumari.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25502/nura-plans-kerala-foray-to-launch-ai-driven-health-screening-centre-in-calicut.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/25502/nura-plans-kerala-foray-to-launch-ai-driven-health-screening-centre-in-calicut.html Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530 NURA, an advanced diagnostic venture between Fujifilm Healthcare and Dr Kutty’s Healthcare, is all set to foray into Kerala by opening its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Health Screening Facility in Calicut (Kozhikode). The facility was inaugurated by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in the presence of Teiichi Goto –President Fujifilm, V Abdurahiman, Ayisha Kutti. The debut in Kerala marks a significant milestone in NURA’s endeavour to provide early detection and comprehensive health screening services to the people of India. This Calicut centre is not just a screening facility, but it is a global training centre an experiential hub where people can experience the advantages of cutting-edge healthcare technologies, which NURA will be expanding globally. With this centre NURA aims its presence across the country and to strengthen its position as a global leader in the preventive healthcare market. The Calicut centre is designed to screen up to 50 people a day, offering world-class screening test experience with advanced technology, to facilitate faster and accurate detection of diseases at very early stages.  Currently, the centre offers Cancer and Metabolic syndrome screening but Locomotive syndrome screening and treatment plan for aging society will come up soon. In addition, NURA has an ambitious expansion plan, eyeing new centres in Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad and other major Indian cities by the next year. By 2030, NURA envisions a network of 100 centers globally, making preventive healthcare accessible worldwide About NURA’s Kerala debut, Pinarayi Vijayan – Chief Minister – Kerala said “We welcome NURA’s entry into Kerala as the state has a dearth of advanced yet affordable screening facilities. The demand for such services is increasing exponentially in the state as the state-funded health agencies are deficient in serving a large pool of patients."    NURA has been on an ambitious expansion journey, establishing centres in India, East Asia and in ASEAN countries, the Middle East, and Africa in 2024. With the recent launch of the Calicut centre, joining other facilities in Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, NURA continues to deliver health screenings in just 120 minutes, leveraging Fujifilm’s leadership in healthcare IT and advanced screening test technology to ensure accurate, efficient, and hassle-free results. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/24844/kerala-govt-to-launch-institute-of-organ-transplantation-in-kozhikode.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/24844/kerala-govt-to-launch-institute-of-organ-transplantation-in-kozhikode.html Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0530 The Government of Kerala has decided to establish an Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant at Kozhikode. It is being established as an Apex Institute for research, training and patient care in the area of organ transplantation and allied activities. This Apex Institute with skilled doctors, researchers and health workers can be developed as a Centre of Excellence. The total cost of the setting up the Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant will be Rs 558.68 crore (Phase I Rs 373.68 crore + Phase II Rs 185 crores). Funds will be procured from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to establish the Institute according to a Master Plan within a 25 acre campus, and implement the scheme. The Institute is proposed as a Super Specialty Centre with a 489 bedded hospital which includes 219 general beds, 42 special ward beds, 58 ICU beds, 83 HDU beds, 16 Operation Rooms, Dialysis Centre and a Centre for Transplantation Research. In Phase I, 330 beds are planned along with 10 Operation Rooms. 180 beds and 6 Operation Rooms are planned in Phase II. The Institute is proposed to perform 1,100 corneal transplants, 500 kidney transplants, 320 liver transplants, 15 intestinal transplants, 15 pancreas transplants, 50 heart transplants, 40 lung transplants, 120 bone marrow transplants and 300 soft tissue / digits / hands / bone / face transplants per year, at the end of 5 years from its inception. The Institute is estimated to have an area of 60,000 sq. mt. With allied services, parking, auditorium, guest house, hostels and quarters, the total area is estimated to be above 175,000 sq. mt. There will be 14 Specialty Departments and Divisions in Phase I, and 7 in Phase II. 31 academic courses are planned and some of them will be the first in the country. As far as academic programmes go, super specialty courses, post-doctoral fellowship courses, specialty nursing courses, transplant technician courses and transplant coordinator courses will be offered. A dedicated research facility with an aim to perform basic, translational and clinical research in all areas of transplantation including transplant biology, transplantation medicine, cell therapy, stem cells, transplant immunology etc. will also be created in the Institute. Currently only USA and China have dedicated transplant centres. The Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant at Kozhikode will be the first of its kind in the country.  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/24183/keralas-sabine-hospital-to-install-machine-which-detects-genetic-diseases-inside-womb.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/112/24183/keralas-sabine-hospital-to-install-machine-which-detects-genetic-diseases-inside-womb.html Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Sabine Hospital, a Kerala-based in vitro fertilisation (IVF) hospital is all set to install a state-of-the-art machine which detects genetic diseases inside the womb. The machine, named Next Generation Sequencer (NGS) will be used to detect genetic diseases in foetuses. The NGS machine will be installed at the hospital as part of its mission to make advanced diagnosis and treatment affordable to the common people. Sabine Hospital, which holds the highest success rate in IVF treatment in the country, holds the record of having the largest number of babies born through IVF every year. Many diseases such as some cancers, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, down syndrome and turner syndrome can be addressed in the foetal stage itself with the help of the Next Generation Sequencer. The DNA samples of children born with IVF treatment are tested using the NGS machine to identify the risk factors and genetic abnormalities.  The new NGS machine will be installed in the recently launched genetics department. Along with this, foetal medicine department, which ensures health of the expectant mothers and their unborn babies and upgraded NICU have also been launched. With a bed capacity of 50 and a NICU Level of 3, the state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) ensures world class treatment for new born babies. ]]>