Insights, Innovations & Initiatives

Dear Readers,

Double Helical, a comprehensive national health magazine, continues to stand as a beacon of excellence, acknowledging trailblazing innovations, remarkable individuals, cutting-edge products, and transformative services reshaping India’s healthcare sector. Our mission is to pave the way for affordable, high-quality, and inclusive healthcare across the nation.
In addition to delivering monthly insights and updates on pressing healthcare issues, “Double Helical” has been hosting webinars on critical topics. We are happy to announce that we have decided to elevate this initiative into a regular weekly/fortnightly series. This dynamic webinar series aspires to engage healthcare professionals, experts, researchers, patients, and all those interested in learning, with the goal of sharing insights on the successful diagnosis, treatment, and holistic management of ailments, and promoting overall wellbeing.
Recently, we hosted an impactful webinar titled “Brain Tumour: How to Lead a Normal Life with This Neurological Disorder,” featuring renowned medical experts who delved into the complexities of brain tumours and the advancements in treatment options that offer hope to patients. This session sought to demystify the fear surrounding neurological disorders, emphasising the importance of early detection, effective treatment options, and the resilience of those living with brain tumours.
Our distinguished panel included experts such as Dr V S Mehta, Chairman Emeritus, Department of Neurosciences, Paras Group of Hospitals, New Delhi; Dr P S Chandra, Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Dr A K Singh, Former Chairman and Advisor, Max Institute of Neurosciences, Dehradun; and Dr Arun Sharma, Senior Neurosurgeon, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi.
Dr A K Agarwal, Professor of Excellence and Former Dean of Maulana Azad Medical College and Medical Advisor for Clinical Research and Innovation at Apollo Group Hospital, New Delhi, moderated the session and contributed immensely to the discussion.
During this enlightening session, experts highlighted that several patients are diagnosed with incidental benign brain tumours, often discovered due to the increasing accessibility of imaging techniques. Today, even a non-specific headache prompts patients to request an MRI, frequently leading to the detection of benign tumours like meningiomas, particularly in women. This underscores the critical need for individuals to seek expert opinions to understand the specifics of their condition, appropriate interventions, and anticipated outcomes.
This issue also forms our Cover Story for this month, exploring the remarkable strides made in diagnostic techniques, molecular research, and innovative treatments, which have significantly transformed the field of brain tumour management. Armed with cutting-edge technologies—from AI-driven imaging to personalised therapies targeting unique genetic mutations—medical professionals are making tremendous progress in the battle against this intricate adversary.
In this issue, we have a range of thought-provoking articles that will engage and inform our readers. For instance, “Metrics of Madness” delves into how the rise of academic rankings has evolved into an inflexible framework that pressures educational institutions and faculty to conform to rigid metrics, often compromising academic and ethical integrity. Dr Amitav Banerjee offers insightful perspectives on this topic.
In another thought-provoking piece, “Virus, Vaccine, and Vigilance”, Dr Ishwar Gilada discusses India’s proactive stance in vaccine development as efforts intensify globally to contain the Monkeypox crisis. Meanwhile, Dr Vinay Aggarwal, in his article “Breaking the Silence”, explores how despite the prevalence of mental health challenges, suicide remains an unspoken issue, deepening the suffering of those affected.
Dr Vinay Aggarwal also sheds light on the challenges and the importance of extending the retirement age for doctors to 70 in his piece “Extending Lifelines”, underscoring the necessity to retain experience, mentor younger practitioners, and strengthen India’s healthcare landscape. Another enriching article, “Healing Through Harmony” by Dr Suneela Garg and Dr Arvind Garg, highlights that beyond being a physical practice, yoga offers profound benefits for lifestyle diseases, mental health, and holistic wellbeing. They emphasise that embracing yoga’s principles can foster personal and social harmony.
Another thought-provoking piece “Healers Under Siege” by Dr Tripti Milind Galgali focuses on the alarming rise in violence against doctors, calling for comprehensive safety measures and a societal shift in attitudes toward healthcare professionals.
We hope this issue offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Happy reading!
Thanks and regards

Amresh K Tiwary,
Editor-in-Chief