One of the largest International conferences on Heart Rhythm disorders in the World Held at New Delhi

One of the largest International conferences on Heart Rhythm disorders in the World – the 7th APHRS Scientific Session comes to India

Over 1500 physicians and cardiologists attend the four-day conference organized jointly by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and Indian Heart Rhythm Society (IHRS)

New Delhi, October 31st, 2014: The APHRS Scientific Session, one of the largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists in the world is being held in the capital city of India for the first time ever. The four-day conference-taking place from Oct 29th – Nov 1st simultaneously at Hotel Taj Palace and ITC Maurya, is the largest medical conference ever organized in the country in terms of the International faculty participation from different continents such as the Asia Pacific, USA and Europe.

The 7th APHRS Scientific Session is a global conclave aimed at upholding excellence and advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart rhythm disorders. The highlight of this year’s conference are the 200 scientific sessions being conducted by 250 core leading National and International faculty on topics such as ECGs, Sudden Cardiac Death, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure and Arrhythmia. A special focus is also being given to technological development in the field of heart rhythm disorders. New technologies like Leadless Pacemakers and Subcutaneous ICD’s are being showcased during the scientific sessions and special training sessions for young cardiologists, nurses and technicians are being organized.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Mohan Nair, Chairman Organizing Committee, 7th Asia APHRS Scientific Session and Chairman Cardiology, Saket City Hospital said, “It is indeed a proud moment to have an International conference of such stature and scale being organized in India. With the increasing incidence of heart rhythm disorders in the country, it is extremely important that we make full use of the advancements in technology in the fields of arrhythmia and electro cardiology and educate the community about new and innovative treatment options available globally. The 7th APHRS Scientific Session provides platform to physicians, researchers and other partakers to come together and contribute in enhancing international academic exchange and development. I thank all our partners and look forward to many such opportunities in the future”.

Adding to this, Dr Young-Hoon Kim, President APHRS said, “Started in 2008, APHRS takes place every year in different countries of the Asia Pacific Region. The goal behind scheduling these conferences in different countries is to provide an exchange of information related to not only arrhythmia and electro cardiology but also to put forward an apt platform for the exposure to the local culture which is rewardingly educational and deeply enriching. I am thrilled to be in India for the conference and amongst some of the leading global experts in the field”.

In the past APHRS has been organized in countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Next year’s conference will take place in Melbourne, Australia during the month of November 2015.

Giving a global perspective, Dr Richard Fogel, President, Heart Rhythm Society said, “I am extremely happy to be here in India today for the 7th APHRS Scientific Session. The treatment of arrhythmic disorders differs not just within different North American countries but also globally, making a platform such as this extremely beneficial and important. Technological advancement has now revolutionized treatment of heart rhythm disorders. For instance putting a three lead pacemaker is now an established non-drug therapy for end stage heart failure”.

Commenting on the medical advancements in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, Dr Kalyanam Shiv Kumar, Director, Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Professor, Department of Medicine Radiology, UCLA USA, said, “It is now possible to catheter ablate most of the cardiac irregular heart rhythms safely and effectively. With the help of ultra-modern technologies a majority of heart attacks due to heart rhythm disorders can be avoided”.

Adding to this, Dr Jonathan Kalman, Professor at The Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, said, “Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disturbance and a major cause of stroke and death. Over recent decades, the incidence of AF has increased dramatically, positioning AF as one of the epidemics of the new millennium. Conferences like the APHRS Scientific Session like are extremely important platforms to discuss advancements in the field and provide adequate training to heart rhythm physicians to address this modern epidemic”

A public awareness program on sudden cardiac arrest was also launched at the venue.  To know more please visit www.aphrsindia.com

SAIL Heart & Health Pavillion in Perfect Health Mela 2014 - a Boon for heart patients

The 21st  MTNL Perfect Health Mela  was held in Delhi from the 15th-19th October at Talkatora Indoor Stadium New Delhi. This year, the Mela activities were focused on the theme “Swach Bharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this focus emphasized that by improving the cleanliness of the country, several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria and cholera can be eliminated. 

The Perfect Health Mela was jointly organized by the Heart Care Foundation of India, SAIL, MTNL, NDMC and the Delhi Govt. 

For the first time ever , the SAIL Heart & Health Pavilion and MTNL provided free telemedicine facilities for heart patients . A medical team from Medanta Medicity, which is  a leading multi specialty hospital in Gurgaon, provided free  cardiology consultations from their hospital.

The SAIL Heart & Health Pavillion was the pick for the mela visitors. In this pavilion, patients availed free general consultations by allopathic ,  ayurvedic, homeopathic, unani and naturopathic doctors, spiritual healing by Sahaj Yoga practitioners, healing using unconventional medical techniques (vacuum therapy, reikhy, pranic healing and massage), eye checkups, dental checkups, orthopedic checkups, free blood tests(Hb,blood sugar, lipid profile, kidney profile, liver profile) , free blood pressure checkups , ECGs and 3D ECHOs.

More than 5000 people availed of these facilities. Of these, a record 1355 people availed free 3 D ECHO’s, 2462 free ECG’s and 1500 blood tests. All patients were checked for their BP and BMI as well. In this pavilion, 6000 people comprising of all sections of society were trained personally  on dummy manikins on the ‘Hands Only CPR 10 technique’, which is used for saving a life from sudden cardiac death.

The dignitaries who visited the SAIL Heart & Health Pavilion included Shri Mukul Rohatgi Attorney General of India, Shri Satish Upadhyay President BJP Delhi Pradesh, Dr Naresh Trehan CMD Medanta Medicity, Dr O P Yadava CMD National Heart Institute, Sh P K Purwar CMD MTNL and other top dignitaries. 

India to host the 7th APHRS Scientific Session for the first time ever; one of the world’s largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists

To be organized jointly by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and Indian Heart Rhythm Society (IHRS) in New Delhi from October 29th to November 1st 2014

New Delhi, October 27th, 2014: The APHRS Scientific Session, one of the world’s largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists will be held in India for the first time ever this month. In it’s seventh edition, the annual conference organized by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society will take place in conjunction with the Indian Heart Rhythm Society simultaneously in Hotel Taj Palace and Maurya in New Delhi from 29th October to 1st November, 2014.  

The primary objective of the conference is to provide a platform to physicians, researchers and other partakers involved in the fields of arrhythmia and electro cardiology from across the world to come together and contribute in enhancing international academic exchange and development in this field under one roof. The highlight of this year’s conference will be the 200 scientific sessions being conducted by 250 core leading National and International faculty on topics such as ECGs, Sudden Cardiac Death, Atrial Fibiliration, Heart Failure, latest technological advancements in Cardiology amongst others

Speaking on the upcoming conference, Dr Mohan Nair, Chairman Organizing Committee, 7th Asia APHRS Scientific Session and Chairman Cardiology, Saket City Hospital said, “I am delighted to announce that the 7th APHRS Scientific Session, one of the most prestigious and largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists in the world is going to take place in the National Capital this year.  A global conclave aimed at upholding excellence and advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart rhythm disorders, the APHRS Scientific Session 2014 will be attended by nearly 1500 leading physicians, cardiologists and medical students this year. I thank all our partners and look forward to getting more such opportunities to India in the future.”

Adding to this, Dr Young-Hoon Kim, President APHRS said, “Started in 2008, APHRS takes place every year in different countries of the Asia Pacific Region. The reason behind scheduling these conferences in different countries is to provide an exchange of information related to not only arrhythmia and electro cardiology but also to put forward an apt platform for the exposure to the local culture which is rewardingly educational and deeply enriching. I am extremely excited about attending this conference in India amongst some of the leading global experts in the field”.

In the past APHRS has been organized in countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Next year’s conference will take place in Melbourne, Australia during the month of November 2015. 

A FEW CONFIRMED FACULTY

•    Dr KK Talwar - Chairman, Board of Governors, Medical Council of India
•    Dr T. S. Kler - Executive Director Cardiac Sciences and Electrophysiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
•    Dr  KK Sethi - Chairman & MD, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute
•    Dr M Khalilullah – Founder, Heart Centre, New Delhi
•    Dr John Camm - Honorary consultant Cardiologist, St George’s Healthcare Trust, U.K
•    Dr Andrea Natale - Executive Medical Director, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center USA
•    Dr Kalyanam Shivkumar - Director, Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Medical Plaza, USA
•    Shih Ann Chen - Professor of Medicine, National Yang Ming School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
•    Dr Karl H Kuck – Chief of Staff Cardiology Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Germany
•    Dr Sanjeev Saksena- Clinical Professor, Medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, USA
•    Dr Richard Fogel - President of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)
•    Dr David Hayes – Prof of Medicine (Cardiac) USA
•    Dr Angelo Auricchio, President-elect of the European Heart Rhythm Association
•    Dr Jonathan Kalman – head of electrophysiology and arrhythmia department, Royal Melbourne Hospital

UNIC becomes supporter of Perfect Health Mela

New Delhi India:  UNIC New Delhi joined NGO Heart Care Foundation of India in presenting a five-day Perfect Health Mela organized 15 -19 October at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Renowned dignitaries such as India's Attorney General  Mukul Rohatgi, President of the Delhi Unit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party Satish Upadhayay and New Delhi Municipal Corporation Chairman Jalaj Srivastava, joined UNIC Director Kiran Mehra- Kerpelman in inaugurating the health advocacy fair.

Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela is a mass health awareness module, which caters to people from all age groups and walks of life. Its primary activities include health check-up camps, entertainment programmes, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and inter college and school competitions.  This year's Mela was organized in joint collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, along with  several other corporate and government partners.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the President of Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. K.K. Aggarwal said: "We at Heart Care Foundation of India are extremely delighted to organize the Perfect Health Mela that promotes the concept of "Swach Bharat, Swasth Bharat" (Clean India; Healthy India!)  By simply observing hygiene in water and environment, up to 50% of the diseases can be prevented!"

In her address, UNIC Director Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman called attention to the UN's Global Handwashing Day being observed that very day. She said: "We have to realize how the small steps which we take make a much larger difference than we can ever see or know. For example, washing your hands today could prevent you from getting a disease that might cost you or your parents a huge amount of money to treat - if you saved that money, you could use it to give yourself a better education, to get a better job, to build a better life for yourself and your family in the future. It is in our minds, our actions and our lives that we must create a change."

Later UNIC Director joined all the dignitaries in participating in a CPR practice session. She was also given the National Excellence Award 2014 by the Heart Care Foundation of India and its partners.

Dr KK Aggarwal nominates nine renowned doctors to join the Swachch Bharat Campaign

The team of nine leading doctors in the city led by Delhi BPJ President, Mr Satish Upadhyay and Heart Care Foundation of India’s President Dr KK Aggarwal together pledged– “Hum Shapath lete hain ki hum Bharat to Swachh or Samridh Banayenge”. In addition to this they also took brooms in their hands and participated in a symbolic cleanliness drive at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium.

The tem of nine medical icons nominated by Dr KK Aggarwal included Dr Naresh Trehan – CMD Medanta The Medicity; Dr Anupam Sibbal –Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospital; Dr Naveen Dang – Director Dr Dangs Path Lab; Dr D K Dewan – Director Dept of family welfare, Delhi Government ; Dr P K Sharma – MOH, NDMC; Dr O P Yadava – CMD National Heart Institute; Dr Anil Goyal:  President Delhi Medical Association ; Dr Girish Tyagi – Registrar Delhi Medical Council and Dr Vinay Aggarwal  – Former President IMA.

Commenting on the campaign, Dr Naresh Trehan, CMD of Medanta – The Medcity said that I am privileged to be nominated to be a part of the 9 Medical Navratnas of the Swachch Bharat campaign and I am convinced that by keeping our surroundings clean, we can make India a healthier and disease free nation.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, Padma Shri Awardee, Sr. National VP and Secretary General Elect – IMA and President – Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr KK Aggarwal said,“ Improper sanitation, unhygienic habits, un kept surroundings, improper disposal of waste and open defecation all drastically increase the prevalence of disease in our country. It has been Heart Care Foundation of India’s constant endeavor over the past 21 years through the Perfect Health Mela to raise awareness about preventive health and this year we decided to add cleanliness to it given their indispensible relationship. I would like to thank all the doctors present here today, participants, sponsors and supporters for the wholehearted efforts and contribution in making Mela a success”

Started in 1991, Perfect Health Mela is a mass health awareness module, which attracts over 2-3 lakh people each year. In its 21st edition, the Mela was organized in association the MTNL. SAIL, NDMC, MCD, UN Information Center for Bhutan and Nepal and DST and the theme was “Swach Baharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this theme being that by improving the cleanliness of the country several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria, Jaundice and cholera can be eliminated.

Some of the key one of its kind features of this year’s event included a live telemedicine facility set up by Medanta – the Medicity, the SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion and subsidized heart surgeries provided by the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund.

Commenting on his nomination, the Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals, Dr Anupam Sibbal, added, “A country can only truly progress if its citizens are healthy and environment is clean. I thank Dr KK Aggarwal for nominating me and hope I can help carry forward this message. I congratulate him and his team at Heart Care Foundation of India for their constant efforts towards raising health awareness and providing effective health solutions for the marginalized sections of the society.”

Over 1000 people attended the valedictory function of the 21st MTNL Perfect Health Mela & SAIL Health Pavilion.

The lighter and other side of Medicine- at the 21st MTNL Perfect Health Mela

Youth Festival to Propagate Preventive Health and Hygiene Measures

Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading national non-profit organization is committed to making India a healthier and disease free nation. 

On the 4th day of its annual flagship event-The 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela organized Medico Masti festival an inter college youth fiesta at the Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Thousands of students of across 50 colleges, medical and non-medical from Delhi NCR participated in the event.

On the spot competitions like fashion show, choreography, rock band, etc were organized as part of the festival. Other competitions included western and classical dancing, quiz contest, singing competition, etc. Infotainment is a new concept of creating health education and in this module education is interlinked with entertainment. 

Addressing the event , Padma Shri, DST National Science and Communication and Dr. BC Roy National Awardee and the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. KK Aggarwal said “That to prevent the increase  of heart diseases in the nation, the prevention must start in college life. He said that college students should follow the principles of formula of 80 which is as under: To live more than  80 years without life style diseases keep your Abdominal Circumference, Lower Blood Pressure,  LDL (bad) Cholesterol, Pulse Rate and Fasting Sugar all lower than 80.Anyone who gains weight of more than 5 kg after the age of 18 in girls and 20 in boys is obese and overweight. Any weight gain at this age should be avoided.”

Dr. Smita Mishra Sr. Cardiologist Fortis Hospital and Dr. O.P Yadava C.E.O. National Heart Institute added, “The youth must learn to say no to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. They also must abstain themselves from casual sex, especially if it is unprotected.”

The Mela had facilities like 3D echo cardiograph, ECG and other basic consultation will be provided. Those people can afford treatment will be guided and people who cannot afford treatment will get a subsidiary or free heart surgery. Keeping in mind the healthcare needs of the poor and needy, special free of diagnostic facilities and cardiac interventions will be provided by National Heart Institute for rheumatic heart disease and Medanta –Medicity will focus on congenital heart disease and also MTNL had set up live video conferencing unit at the mela with Medanta-Medicity.

The Perfect Health Mela is an annual mass health awareness module started in 1993, catering to people from all age groups and walks of life; the Mela incorporates activities across categories such as health check up camps, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and competitions. This year’s Mela will feature a first of its kind SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion to provide a complete solution to a person’s overall healthcare needs. People will now not only be able to learn about preventive health measures through interactive entertainment modules but will also be able to seek treatment and consultation under one roof. This year’s Mela was organized in association with NDMC, MCD, SAIL and MTNL and its theme is “Swach Baharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this theme is that by improving the cleanliness of the country, several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria, cholera can be prevented.

Power Packed Performances by Nurses and Children with Special Needs at the- 21 MTNL Perfect Health Mela

Exciting activities such as debate, painting, skit, diya making and dance were the special attraction.

Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading national non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease free nation organized  on its 3^rd day of the  annual flagship event, The 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela ,Divya Jyoti  an Inter college Nursing  competition .It was held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The main philosophy behind the program was to create health awareness amongst the nurses during their long hours of duty and stress. 

Research points out that there are multiple pressures associated with the profession which is leading to increase of stress levels amongst nurses. This is due to various reasons like long working hours which lead to insomnia, insufficient resource, interpersonal conflicts and poor reward systems. 

Heart Care Foundation of India organized inter college nursing competitions where more than 2000 nurses participated. The various activities that took place in the mela were  Debate, Painting, skit and dance.

Anmol, a festival for children with special needs was organized the same day at the Perfect Health Mela. Over 200 children with special needs participated in folk dance, yoga, painting, singing and diya decoration competitions.

 Addressing the Event Padma Shri, DST National Science and Communication and Dr. BC Roy National Awardee and the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. KK Aggarwal said “Nurses form the backbone of society and are an integral part of the medical profession. They help the medical fraternity to communicate better with patients. Nurses should not follow doctors blindly. If they feel that a doctor has given a piece of wrong advice, they should immediately intervene and suggest the doctor to review and revise his decision”.

Dr.Ravi Kasliwal Sr. Cardiologist Medanta Medicity and Mr. Yogesh Shukla Sr. BJP leader in a joint statement added  “Classical dancing is a good form of exercise compared to western dance. Any form of classical dance is not only a mode of exercise but a way to meditate.”

The star attraction of the day was the Shopping Centre created by Department of Handloom & Handicrafts where 60 stalls. The Mela is providing free blood test, 3D echocardiography and consultation to all people visiting.

The Perfect Health Mela is an annual mass health awareness module started in 1993, catering to people from all age groups and walks of life; the Mela incorporates activities across categories such as health check up camps, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and competitions. This year’s Mela will feature a first of its kind SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion to provide a complete solution to  overall healthcare needs. People will now not only be able to learn about preventive health measures through interactive entertainment modules but will also be able to seek treatment and consultation under one roof. This year’s Mela is being organized in association with NDMC, MCD, SAIL and MTNL and its theme is “Swach Baharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this theme is that by improving the cleanliness of the country, several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria, cholera can be prevented.