Apollo hosts symposium on Integrative Medicine
The Apollo Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, recently organised a symposium on the Integration of “Multi-Disciplinary Medicine for Future Healthcare” at the auditorium of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.This symposium provided a unique platform to discuss the critical importance of effective, integrated, and multidisciplinary healthcare tailored to the needs of diverse populations and communities. Experts from various medical specialties, including Ayurveda, gathered to examine the rapidly evolving landscape of innovative approaches to managing both prevalent and complex diseases.
Panel discussions explored topics such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and chronic liver and kidney diseases. The emphasis was placed on precision and personalised care, preventive strategies, public engagement, and educational outreach, fostering a holistic approach to advancing health and well-being.
On this occasion, Lt Gen Prof Bipin Puri, DMS, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, inaugurated the symposium and delivered a remarkable address on the importance of Integrative Medicine (IM). Dr (Prof) Arun Agarwal, Medical Advisor (Innovation and Clinical Research), Apollo Group of Hospitals, introduced the concept and scope of IM.
According to Dr Agarwal, IM is a medical approach that combines conventional and complementary therapies to treat the whole person, considering a patient’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. This approach uses a combination of therapies, including conventional methods like drugs and surgery, alongside complementary therapies such as acupuncture and yoga. It employs an evidence-based approach to improve health and wellness, recognising that physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs are interconnected and impact overall well-being.
IM adopts a healing-oriented approach that encompasses all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle. It underscores the therapeutic partnership between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and employs all appropriate therapies. This approach involves collaboration among nurses, doctors, and various specialists, covering diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, and medical research. It aims to promote and maintain health and well-being comprehensively.
Several experts participated in the symposium, including Dr Anupam Sibbal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Group of Hospitals; Dr Preetha Reddy; P Shivkumar; Ravi Vasudevan, CEO, Apollo Ayurvaid; Dr Dharini Krishnan; Dr N K Ganguly; Dr Bhavna Prashar, IGIB, New Delhi; and Sreeith Edamana, COO, Apollo Ayurvaid. They shared their insights and perspectives, enriching the discussions with their expertise.
Apollo’s recent healthcare events have focused on multidisciplinary healthcare approaches, artificial intelligence in patient safety, and technological advancements, often held alongside large conferences like the International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC) or the Transforming Healthcare with IT (THIT) conference.