Healthcare/Biotech

Cocoon Fertility, helmed by the formidable sister-duo of Dr.Rajalaxmi Walavalkar and Dr. Anagha Karkhanis, has been committed to helping couples battling infertility, to bring home their baby. The organization has just launched a new campaign with Soha Ali Khan, celebrated author and erudite influencer, focusing on the message 'parenthood has no gender'. Welcoming Soha into the Cocoon family, Dr. Rajalaxmi Walavalkar, Consultant, IVF and Reproductive Surgery, Cocoon Fertility, said "Our practice is guided by a sense of ethics and social responsibility. We are committed to providing couples with the highest standard of skills, knowledge, communication, confidentiality, support and evidence-based treatment. Soha was our first and only choice for brand ambassador." Dr Anagha Karkhanis, Consultant, IVF and Reproductive Surgery, Cocoon Fertility, added "Soha has always represented the liberating power of self-expression. Since women have been burdened by the infertility stigma for centuries, we want to reiterate that infertility is as much the husband's problem as the wife's. It is just another disease, like hypertension and is definitely treatable. So speak up, and come forward to embrace treatment with any centre you trust." Cocoon Fertility promises to provide the highest quality of personalised care in a supportive environment where the patient is first-priority. This campaign is close to Soha Ali Khan's heart too. Expressing her joy with her association to Cocoon Fertility, actor Soha Ali Khan said "Our democracy is 70 years old and yet, gender selection and women's rights continue to tarnish the fabric of our society. My association with Cocoon Fertility is beyond just offering hope through assisted fertility. I am asking women to come forward and take charge of their reproductive privilege."  This could be the coming of age of the infertility dialogue in India as the campaign aims to encourage society to accept infertility as just another medical condition. Time to de-stigmatize infertility has come. Cocoon Fertility is a pioneer in planned fertility options such as embryo and egg freezing. Cocoon Fertility - 022 25334848 Email - info@cocoonfertility.com Website - www.cocoonfertility.com

TSW in collaboration with Columbia University's department of health policy & management, has announced India's first Ivy League healthcare management program for doctors and executives. In an email interview, Michael Sparer, Professor and Chair, Department of Health Policy & Management, Columbia University, talks about the program. Q1. How is the program unique to Indian market? This is the first ivy-league executive education program in the India market that targets experienced healthcare professionals.  And while there are other executive programs for healthcare professionals, ours is the first to offer the faculty, resources and a network available at an institution like Columbia University. I'd like also to highlight two unique components of this Program: the Case-Based Learning Lab and the Thomas P. Ference Health System Simulation (Simulation). In the Case-Based Learning Lab, participants will write and present their own strategic case, based on a problem within their healthcare organization or experience. Program participants will use the curriculum, engage with their peers and consult one-on-one with Columbia's expert faculty to develop and share their analysis. The Simulation is a culminating exercise, which gives participants an opportunity to experience the challenges of executive leadership and strategic decision-making in a competitive, multi-hospital marketplace. It is a realistic exercise that simulates the complexity and intensity of an evolving hospital marketplace. Q3. Will the program help remove the glaring inadequacy in India's healthcare set up? Every nation faces a common set of healthcare challenges: reducing inefficiencies in delivery, using new technologies to reach diverse populations, improving the quality-of-care, and moderating the rising cost of care. In this program, participants will develop the tools needed to think strategically about solutions to these and other healthcare issues. By providing a learning environment that is both on-site and virtual, participants will be able to use what they learn in the classroom to immediately address these critical issues. Q4. Brief introduction with regard to work being done by the Columbia University - Mailman school of Public Health in Healthcare management and Public Policy? The mission of The Department of Health Policy & Management is to contribute to the creation and management of a better and more equitable health system in the US and globally. This mission is fulfilled through research and education focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies and the administrative functioning of health systems and organizations. The department engages superb, interdisciplinary faculty, both those who work full-time here in the department as well as our impressive group of part-time and adjunct colleagues. In addition to their teaching, our full-time faculty are engaged in a wide range of research initiatives, studying, for example, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the needs of aging populations, the effectiveness of obesity prevention programs, the management strategies employed by high-performing firms, and the impact of laws and regulations on public health outcomes. Q5. What is the USP of this programme compared to other programs available in India? In addition to the Case-Based Learning Lab and Simulation, the format of the program includes both online and in-person learning. Participants travel to New York City for one week at the beginning and end of the program, taking advantage of the Columbia University facilities and New York City attractions, including a hub of dynamic and influential health care systems and organizations. Our faculty also will teach the cohort in India in months four and eight, for additional week long, face-to-face sessions. These in-person weeks will include site visits to leading hospitals in New York City and Mumbai, and participants will hear from a variety of industry experts. The online sessions will include live interactions with HPM faculty as well as additional work done remotely and at the convenience of participants. This delivery model creates a vibrant and interactive learning environment. Q6. What benefits do this partnership between TSW and Columbia University bring to India's healthcare professionals? This collaboration brings together academic and industry experts in India and at Columbia University. TSW is the executive education division of The Times Of India group, whereas Columbia University is an elite academic institution. We can pool our resources to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders. Furthermore, with the oversight of the advisory council, which includes myself, along with Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman & Executive Director of Narayana Health, Dr. Nandakumar Jairam, Chairman, CEO and Group Medical Director, Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. TSW and Columbia University will ensure the program addresses current and challenging healthcare issues facing India.  Q7. How affordable will this program be for the Indian healthcare professionals? The price of this program reflects Columbia University's academic excellence and the competitive healthcare marketplace. Participants who complete the program will be able to leverage their time at Columbia University to have a lasting impact on their organizations and the Indian healthcare system more broadly.  

The ongoing Bombay Times fashion week has some awe-inspiring glamour on display. Divas in a range of flattering complexions, from deep chocolate, to warm wheatish, to Hispanic honey tones to the Caucasian fairer skin, sport gorgeous skin and walk in style. They have one factor in common- blemish-free skin! And no amount of make-up will ever substitute for this. Spotless skin is on everybody's bucket list. Getting this kind of skin, however is a challenge.  How does one get blemish free skin? And lustrous hair? Dr Amit Karkhanis, Medical Cosmetologist & Director, Dr.Tvacha Clinic, partner to Femina Miss India 2018, as well as Bombay Times Fashion Week, says, "Spotless skin is now within everyone's reach. Technology has bridged the gap between our iconic Bollywood & Hollywood beauties and  every woman in society, who prides herself on her grooming. From lustrous hair to gorgeous skin, its possible, safe and  just a phone call away." It is true that time can be unkind to our skin, as our skin ages due to a combination of factors, both internal and external.  The signs of ageing and the need for skin care begin as early as 25; 1% annual decrease in collagen. Internal factors include a decreased level of oestrogen,  poorer blood supply to the skin, diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands, less elastin production etc; External ageing is caused due to oxidative stress. Exposure to the sun's rays is the primary external factor, followed by pollution, unhealthy habits like smoking, poor diet and finally, lack of a proper skin care regimen. Dr.Tvacha Clinic, is known to have the largest variety of laser treatments in the country for skin and hair services. At the heart of Dr. Tvacha Clinic's practice is using medicine to enhance holistic results- as opposed to a superficial cosmetic feel-good approach. And the results have shown over time. Dr.Tvacha's vast array of laser services include treatments for conditions such as  Non-invasive spot reduction of fat. Anti-aging Skin tightening Removal of fine lines and wrinkles Stretch marks Acne and acne scars Neck lines Jawline scultping Facial rejuvenation Botox Removal of brown spots, sun freckles, tattoos. Laser Hair removal Skin brightening   Dr Amit Karkhanis, adds, " achieving glowing and youthful skin is now within everyone's reach. We have the largest selection of lasers in the country and  can transform the way your skin looks instantly." ​​ Dr. Tvacha is India's no. 1 laser technology clinic for skin and hair treatments.  For further details call on 022-7123 7000 or send an e-mail to info@drtvacha.com

It's important to stay confident on special occasions like appearing for an interview for the number one college or convincing people to fund your start-up. One day you wake up all excited to win the day and to be your best, but suddenly you look in the mirror, and all that confidence and excitement disappears when you see yourself getting bald. Isn't it the worst feeling of your life which takes your dreams and confidence away from you? But always remember that you are the hero/ heroine of your story called life and nothing can stop you, not even your falling hair. To help you win back your youth and confidence, NUTRALYFE has launched a revolutionary product called Regain, which will help you solve the evil problem of hair fall naturally. Nutralyfe Hair Regain is there to save you and your magnificent hair from every miserable fall. Hair fall is perhaps a shared universal problem for us, thanks to the busy modern lives that leave no time for us to take care of ourselves. This is an epidemic which affects men and women equally. Baldness has become just another taboo that we like to keep ourselves shut about.Well, it's never too late to make a move! With Nutralyfe revolutionary hair supplement you could be telling a different story to the world. So how does Regain work? Nutralyfe Regain is made of 100% natural ingredients. This herbal product is proven for its magical formula that prevents hair fall while simultaneously promoting the growth of new hair follicles. Given Nutralyfe Regain is enriched with the goodness of nature.Unlike other products in the market, every capsule in the bottle is suitably potent to target all those underlying symptoms which could be causing your hair to fall in the very first place. In order to help you maintain the natural beauty and the confidence without spending a fortune on it, NUTRALYFE has carefully kept the price affordable. This premium product: · Supports longer hair growth · Promotes hair elasticity · Strengthens and nourishes hair · Promotes healthy glowing skin · Heals and nourishes scalp · Makes your nails stronger and shinier Nutralyfe Regain is not only the most effective hair growth remedy in the market but unlike many bogus products it consists of the finest ingredients. Here is what makes the product special: 1)Proven Formula This product is the most well-researched product you can get your hands on in the market. The formation of been created by the taking advice from expert professionals from the industry. 2) The Power of Ashwagandha: The Ashwagandha Extract present in the product is proven by Ayurveda and Western Science both to strengthen hair and prevent hair thinning. Not just this, studies have shown that Ashwagandha helps to reduce stress level that is one of the main causes of hair fall. 3) The Herbal Wisdom of Bhringraj: The secret to hair health lies within the Bhringraj herb. Not only does it prevent hair loss and discolouration but it also encourages hair growth and improves overall hair health. 4) The Digestive Qualities of Yashtimadhu: To improve digestion and gastritis health, the product is enriched with Yashtimadhu. In Ayurveda, it is also used to prevent hair fall and can be consumed orally as well as in herbal shampoos. Yashtimadhu helps balance the Pitta and Vata humour and reduce greying hair and hair fall. 5) The Sacred Benefits of Brahmi: Brahmi is a medicinal plant that is used to promote youthfulness and longevity. 6) The Detoxing Effects of Bhringraj: Bhringraj powder is known as Eclipta Alba that purifies body and helps to be healthy. 7) The Damage Control Superpowers of Mandukparni: Mandukparni is also known Centella Asiatica that helps to reverse the damaging effects of toxins and cellular waste products caused by oxidation and toxification in the body cells. 8) The Healing Touch of Hibiscus: The optimum concentration of Hibiscus extract keeps the hair greying at bay and makes hair stronger and thicker. Re-Gain, the Synonym of Trust Though Trust is a small word but its effects are extensive. Nowadays, it's very important that you have put your faith to a trusted brand. In that case, certifications can be a helping hand for the customers.Re-Gain manufacturers have also have taken certification from GMP & FSSAI, thus product is very safe and lab tested. Nutralyfe has fallen its foot in the Indian Market not so long but within such a short time period they have shown that they are here to give the best. Though they are now providing some amazing offers (Buy on Amazon) for their customers but don't forget, good things don't last long just like Nutralyfe Hair Re-Gain. So don't now worry about Hair fall, as the solution to all your hair problems is just a click away.

In Feb 2018, there was news that a Pune based woman became a grandmother to twins born via surrogacy methods, using her dead son's cryo-preserved semen. Her life had come to an unexpected standstill when her son had succumbed to cancer in Germany in 2016. Today, her joy knows no bounds! As a woman, I cannot but feel happy for this woman and be grateful to the technology that allows us to do this- on the other hand, an IVF specialist, I  worry about the moral obligations of posthumous reproduction.  As reproductive technology develops, it opens up several moral and ethical issues in its wake.  For e.g. What were the person's wishes when they stored the sperm? Were these wishes re-ascertained nearer to their demise? Is there a likelihood that they may have changed their views? As this man was facing death, where his decision making skills compromised? Who can take ownership of the stored sperm after death? Society expects a stable partner/wife to not be in close relation to the man. Hence is it morally right for a man to leave his sperm to say his mother or sister?  In short can, biological gametes having the capacity to procreate be handed down, like property? Curiously, I am reminded of Isaac Asimov's quote, "The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." I agree, that the decision whether or not to have a child is a private matter and a fundamental right of an individual adult. Yet, a single man, who after his death, wants to use his sperm with donor eggs, impregnate a donor's eggs and have a surrogate to carry the child, is actually not working towards parenthood, as neither he nor the donor nor the surrogate will become parents to the child that is born. An unmarried person about to die leaves no fit parent for any child that is conceived after their death.  Even before the child is born, it is an orphan.  Hence the other obvious part of this narrative is that welfare of the child should be paramount when it comes to IVF and surrogacy, or both. What do you tell this child as he/she grows up? Your father died before you were born and the mother who gave the egg is unknown and the mother who carried you and delivered, actually didn't want you / can't keep you? It can be crushing for the child to be told all this!  Also, if the grandparents are going to raise this child, then their age itself decreases their physical ability to parent a child. Older parents/guardians will have age-related changes, hypertension, diabetes etc, will they make healthy parents? Does a child not deserve the love and protection of parents until fully grown and independent? Lastly, coming to the doctors who helped with the IVF and surrogacy- Are physicians obliged to do whatever the patient requests? There has to be equilibrium between the autonomy of the treatment provider and the autonomy of the patient. It is morally binding upon the doctors to look out for the welfare of any resultant offspring that they help bring to this world.  Indeed in countries such as the UK, the HFEA demands that the treating physician completes a mandatory 'welfare of child' form. Practice directive 8A of the HFEA states that "No treatment services regulated by the HFEA (including intrauterine insemination - IUI) may be provided unless account has been taken of the welfare of any child who may be born as a result (including the need of that child for supportive parenting) and of any other child who may be affected by the birth."  Unfortunately when such guidance and directives / regulations are sorely lacking in India, it becomes the duty of the treating doctor to stand by his Hippocratic oath. To do no harm- even to the unborn child. So while it may never be possible to have a consensus on multitudes of issues that arise but at the same time, it is not right to delegate these moral decisions to either philosophers and thinkers or government regulations.  Do No Harm needs to be the foundation for any complex decision making. Dr. Rajalaxmi Walavalkar, Consultant, IVF and Reproductive surgery, Cocoon Fertility Cocoon Fertility - 022 25334848 Email - info@cocoonfertility.com Website - http://www.cocoonfertility.com/