Media Coverage | 16-02-2025
The fourth edition of ‘Lokmat Times Excellence in Healthcare Awards’ were presented during a glittering ceremony at Hotel Centre Point in Nagpur on Saturday. Doctors who have done outstanding and exemplary work in the field of medicine and healthcare were honoured with the LT Excellence in Healthcare Awards. Maharashtra minister for medical education Hasan Mushrif, key note speaker Padma Shri Dr Amit Maydeo, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, senior vice-president, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York and chairman, Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute, Jaipur, Dr Samin Sharma and consultant endochrinologist and CEO of British Association of Physician of India Origin (BAPIO) Training Academy, UK, Dr Parag Singhal, winners of Lifetime Achievement awards Dr D S Raut and Dr Manjula Rohatgi, chairman of jury board Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, secretary Dr Raju Khandelwal, members of jury board Padma Shri Dr Vikas Mahatme, Dr Jay Deshmukh, Dr Raj Gajbhiye, Dr Manjusha Giri, Dr S N Deshmukh, Dr Prashant P Joshi, Dr Sudhir Bhave, Dr Nilesh Agrawal, Dr Neeraj Baheti, director of Lokmat Media Group Ashok Jain, senior editor of Lokmat Samachar Vikas Mishra, editor of Lokmat Times N K Nayak, editor of Lokmat Shrimant Mane, editor of Lokmat Samachar Ravindra Bhajnia long with the awardees. See also Big State Rajesh Tickley
Maha to become a medical tourism hub, says Mushrif
Lokmat Times Excellence in Healthcare Awards presented
Lokmat News Network
Nagpur
Maharashtra’s medical education minister Hasan Mushrif on Saturday urged the medical fraternity to contribute towards enhancing the quality of education in government medical colleges. Emphasising the state’s vision, he stated, “We plan to make Maharashtra a medical tourism hub.”
Mushrif noted that most students seeking admission in government medical colleges are meritorious but come from lower-income backgrounds. To support them, he has directed colleges to improve hostel facilities for students and resident doctors, acknowledging their crucial role in patient care.
The minister was speaking at the grand ceremony of the fourth edition of the Lokmat Times Excellence in Healthcare Awards at Hotel Centre Point, Ramdaspeth, on Saturday. The event honoured individuals and institutions who have made remarkable contributions to healthcare and medical services.
During the ceremony, Mushrif conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards, two International Awards and five Outstanding Contribution Awards. Additionally, four doctors received awards in various categories, while 20 doctors and five hospitals were honoured with Popular Choice Awards.
As the chief guest, Mushrif reiterated his commitment to enhance and implement safety measures in medical colleges. Stressing the importance of improved working conditions for the doctors in government hospitals, he acknowledged the shortage of teaching staff in medical colleges and invited doctors to offer suggestions to address this issue. “I will certainly implement the best ideas to upgrade facilities in all medical colleges,” he assured.
Mushrif lamented the lack of technical staff in super speciality hospitals in the state and said funds were needed for development of these tertiary healthcare facilities. “The public private partnership (PPP) model was suggested but it is embroiled in litigation. We need to find some middle way to develop these facilities. I will do whatever is needed for medical education,” he said. He further urged the doctors to serve the underprivileged, adhering to the principle, “Service to the poor is service to God”. Mushriff also emphasised Maharashtra’s strict implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a national public health insurance scheme that provides free healthcare coverage to low-income individuals.
He appreciated Lokmat Media Group’s initiative of giving awards under various categories to unsung heroes of the society such as the ‘Sarpanch Award’, ‘Marudhar Samman’, ‘Maharashtrian of the Year Award’, ‘Lokmat Global Economic Convention’ besides recognising contributions of the industry, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, trail blazers and others.
The prestigious award function was attended by several eminent personalities from the healthcare sector. Padma Shri Dr. Amit Maydeo, Chairman of the Institute of Gastrosciences at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, delivered the keynote address.
Present on the dais were Dr. Vijay Darda, Chairman of the Editorial Board of Lokmat Media Group and former Member of Rajya Sabha; Dr. Samin Sharma, Senior Vice-President of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, and Chairman of Eternal Heart Care Centre & Research Institute, Jaipur; Padma Shri Dr. Chandrashekhar Meshram, Neurologist and Chairman of the Jury Board of Lokmat Times Excellence in Healthcare Awards; Prof. Parag Singhal, Consultant Endocrinologist and CEO of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) Training Academy, UK; and Padma Shri Dr. Vikas Mahatme, Ophthalmologist and former MP, Editor of Lokmat Times N K Nayak, Senior Editor of Lokmat Samachar Vikas Mishra, Editor of Lokmat Shrimant Mane, and Editor of Lokmat Samachar Ravindra Bhajni.
The minister recalled that when he had the law and judiciary portfolio, he had made it mandatory for private hospitals run by public trusts, which had been given government sops in the form of prime land or other facilities, to reserve 10 per cent of their beds for treating the needy patients free of cost.
Many people have benefited from the measure, he said, adding that he himself was sending 15 to 20 people, who appealed to him, for advanced treatment to these swanky hospitals every fortnight or so.
‘Prevention is cornerstone of better healthcare: Dr Maydeo
Lokmat News Network
Nagpur
At a time when the commercialisation of healthcare services has become a growing concern, renowned gastroenterologist Padma Shri Dr Amit Maydeo has emphasised that better healthcare is not just about curing diseases but also about preventing them.
Dr Maydeo, who serves as the chairman of the Institute of Gastrosciences at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, stressed, “The future of healthcare lies in shifting from reactive medicine to fostering an environment of proactive wellness.”
Delivering the keynote address at the fourth edition of the Lokmat Times Excellence in Healthcare Awards at Hotel Centre Point, Ramdaspeth, Dr Maydeo shared his journey of coming into the medical profession.
Initially aspiring to become an aerospace engineer, he was mesmerised by the complexity of the human body and decided to pursue a medical career. “What galvanised me was the passion to study the most complex and miraculous human body, which comprises 80 organs, 12 organ systems and approximately 30 trillion cells,” he stated.
“My early focus shifted to the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) system or the gut. It is not just another organ system but the foundation of overall health, playing a pivotal role in preventing diseases. The gut comprises 12 organs, a distinct endocrine system, 38 trillion microorganisms from 7,000 different species and a separate nervous system, which is why it is often referred to as the body’s ‘second brain’,” Dr Maydeo explained.
The gastroenterologist further stated, “We live in an era where diseases are inevitable but can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and early diagnosis. Even conditions like heart disease, liver disease and cancer can be avoided by eliminating certain toxic environmental factors and making healthier lifestyle choices.”
Citing the example of fatty liver disease, which can progress to liver fibrosis, Dr. Maydeo highlighted that it can be completely reversed by adopting a healthier lifestyle and reducing just 10% of body weight. He asserted that prevention is the cornerstone of modern healthcare but requires a collaborative effort from both doctors and policymakers.
Dr Maydeo stated, “Prevention is better than cure and science will be our greatest ally in achieving this goal. The best aspect of modern medical practice is the support of technology, which enables accurate and early diagnosis. Today, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostic tools detect pathology with greater accuracy.”
However, he also emphasised that while embracing technological advancements, it is crucial to remember that medicine is not just a science. “Doctors of the future should maintain their ability to listen to patients and treat them holistically with empathy and compassion,” he urged.
Uncovering secrets for better health
Eat a high-fiber diet rich in plant-based foods.
Engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Include fermented foods and natural probiotics to nourish gut bacteria.
Stay well-hydrated and manage stress, as both directly affect gut function.
Avoid refined and processed foods.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Get adequate and restful sleep.
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