Wellspring in the News

Cochlear implant surgery

Absences of hidden costs, transparent dealings, skilled surgery, nursing, physiotherapy, clean & hygiene hospitals are factors responsible for increasing medical tourism in India.

One such procedure successfully done in India is Cochlear Implant Surgery. A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. The cochlear implant is often referred to as a bionic ear.

Procedure:

An incision is made and the skin and tissue flap is lifted so that the surgeon can drill into the skull bone behind the ear. An electronic prosthetic device that is surgically placed in the inner ear and under the skin behind the ear for the purpose of providing useful sound perception via electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve and an electrode array is inserted into the cochlea

Post Surgery Rehabilitation therapy:

Rehabilitation therapy is necessary to maximize benefit from the implant. The first programming and stimulation occurs at 3 to 4 weeks. A number of programming sessions are necessary to fine tune the hearing. The implantee is taught how to listen with the implant, and how to understand speech (and talk). These services are provided by audiologists, teachers, or speech language pathologists.

Abdominoplasty in India

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, is a form of cosmetic surgery intended to make the abdomen firmer. It is an effective way to firm and flatten abdominal muscles. This surgical procedure involves removing the excess skin from the middle and lower abdomen to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. Though this is not a weight loss procedure, patients can avoid gaining weight after the procedure by maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercises, as recommended by the surgeon. Not only will a healthy lifestyle keep one from regaining the weight, but also it will help them to heal more quickly and tone the muscles involved.

Tummy tuck procedures vary in scope. They are frequently divided into categories based on the severity of the procedure. A complete abdominoplasty can take one to five hours. A partial abdominoplasty, or mini-tuck, normally can be finished in an hour or two.

The patient who has undergone abdominoplasty need to exercise regularly to maintain the new, svelte figure. Even patients who didn’t exercise regularly before they had the procedure are encouraged to exercise regularly afterward. It will also help to reduce swelling, tone muscles, and reduce the odds of blood clots forming.

Abdominoplasty is an expensive option in most countries and is not covered by normal health insurance. Hence many patients are coming to various hospitals in India which are equipped to do this procedure at highly economical cost. India possesses highly experienced and trained medical professionals and well qualified cosmetic surgeons to perform such surgeries with the latest medical care facilities available.

BGS Global Hospitals, Bangalore conducts first stem cell transplant for traumatic brain injury

A serious road accident on a car ride from Mysore (India) to the city changed life for a 27-year-old working professional, Madhumalika. She not only lost her job after the mishap but her memory and other key abilities too. When she was brought in coma to BGS Global Hospital, Bangalore in December, recovery seemed almost impossible, but revolutionary stem cell therapy has worked a miracle on Madhumalika, say doctors who have helped her recuperate.

Through this therapy, bone marrow was transplanted directly into the brain. Dr.N K Venkataramana, Chief Neurosurgeon & Vice President of BGS Hospitals, Bangalore, confirmed that this is the first time in the country and second in Asia that stem cell therapy was used for traumatic brain injury. China made the first attempt.

Stem cell research and therapy is a promising advancement in medical science. Stem cells are found in all multi-cellular organisms and have a variety of significant medical applications. Stem cell treatments are a type of cell therapy that introduces new cells into damaged tissue in order to treat a disease or injury.

They can be cloned and made into specific cells such as muscle or nerves or any other type of cell that a patient requires.

Choosing a hospital: Is JCI the way to go?

One question that confounds every individual travelling overseas for treatment is that of choosing a hospital. While most patients are able to hone in on the choice of a doctor/hospital through facilitator companies, referral doctors or their personal networks, a few are left in without enough information on the hospital to choose. In such instances, thanks to search engines and medical tourism associations with very little insight (and too much internet bandwidth at their disposal) in the international healthcare space, the patients are led to believe that JCI accredited hospitals alone are a credible destination.

JCI – Joint Commision International, is a popular, ‘private’ healthcare accreditation group in the United States. It is a US-based accreditation group that fulfils the requirements of an independent international body for healthcare standards accreditation. JCI is accredited by ISQua an accreditor of accrediting bodies. It was in early 2008 that JCI was recognized by ISQua . Apart from the JCI, other accreditation bodies from the following countries are approved by ISQua:-

- JCI of USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Egypt
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kyrgyz Republic
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- NABH of India

This international standardization body conveys the following message: “Any hospital that is accredited by ISQua approved accreditation body will be assured of the same patient safety and procedures of any hospital in developed world.” For instance, a NABH accredited hospital is as good as a JCI accredited one in terms of patient safety and treatment quality.

Economic considerations though mandate various healthcare insurance companies in the United States to recognize overseas hospitals accredited by JCI alone for in-patient treatment. This, in turn prompts hospitals already accredited by other ISQua affiliated bodies, to indulge in the futile and laborious exercise of obtaining JCI accreditation. As the entire world is moving towards an integrated healthcare solution transcending geographical boundaries, insurance companies too would be following suit in recognizing ISQua accredited hospitals. This would be a big and important step in breaking geographic barriers and provide insured clients with all the quality options they deserve.

Independent medical travellers would also benefit by considering ISQua related accreditations, if accreditation were the sole factor in choosing a treatment destination. In India, for instance, the NABH accreditation is ISQua accredited and thus a good enough quality stamp for a hospital.

The intent of this post is not to malign the effectiveness or efforts of JCI, but to lend some perspective to this issue of hospital accreditation in an international milieu.

Wellspring facilitates Mr. George Abraham’s (Sultanate of Oman) Surgery for Cervical disc prolapse in Chennai, India.

Wellspring India Meditour Pvt Ltd, a healthcare facilitation company, headquartered in Chennai, India and empanelled with leading multispecialty hospitals and Ayurvedic clinics, has served its first patient from Sultanate of Oman, Mr. George Abraham.

Mr. George Abraham Salalah, Oman for the past 14 years. He was suffering from Cervical Disc Prolapse at the C5-C6 level following a recent accident while at work. After the initial bouts of treatment including pain killers and traction, it was decided by the doctors in Oman that surgery would be the only option for a permanent relief.

While Mr. George Abraham and his family were in a dilemma as to where to get the surgery done, they were informed about Wellspring’s services by Wellspring’s associates in Oman, Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Salalah. His reports were sent to Wellspring who reverted with treatment suggestions from four relevant hospitals. With the help of doctors at Badr Al Samaa Hospital, It was decided to get his surgery done in Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, a multispecialty hospital in Chennai.

He travelled on the 2nd day of finalizing the hospital accompanied by his wife and necessary arrangements were made in the hospital by then. He was given a warm welcome at the airport by the staffs of Wellspring and taken directly to the hospital. His admission procedures were instantly completed without any hassles. The preparations done by Wellspring prior to his arrival had helped him to get into the ward immediately for spontaneous medical attention.
The doctors including specialists attended to him on the same day and the investigative procedures began on the next day itself. The surgery was conducted on the 6th day of admission, after various procedures/observations. Being a major surgery, it took almost 3&1/2 hours and he was brought directly to the room. He was discharged on the 11th day of his surgery. The travel arrangements for his return travel was made by Wellspring who also gave him a warm send off.

Mr. George Abraham says he preferred to travel to India because of the better treatment facilities available and he chose SRMC for his treatment as this hospital is famous for Neurosurgery. He says “I am very much satisfied with the medical treatment and the hospital services. The ward quality, comfort and cleanliness here are in par with those in Oman and the doctors and staffs were highly accommodative.”

Wellspring staff’s regular visits to the hospital and follow up with Mr. George Abraham and his wife gave them a homely feeling. He was very glad to inform that Wellspring’s hospitality services and interactions for his treatment were excellent, as he says, “Wellspring addressed to our concerns and issues proactively and I would recommend Wellspring India Meditour to all those who wish to travel to India for their healthcare requirements.”
Wellspring India Meditour has marketing associates in the Middle East and will soon be spreading its wings to South Africa and Bangladesh.

Please visit us at www.wellspring-meditour.com

Cervical Disc Prolapse

Cervical Disc Prolapse is often referred to as a protruding disc, a herniated disc, a slipped disc, a bulging disc, a ruptured disc or even a collapsed disc.
A normal healthy disc does not prolapse, unless a severe accident occurs. The most important symptoms are neurological symptoms, meaning those symptoms due to pressure on the nerve(s) in the neck.
The diagnosis is often suggested on CT scans of the neck which the referring doctor may suggest. However, before surgery is performed, either a MRI scan or a myelogram will usually be needed.
The main reason for recommending surgery is to relieve the pain that radiates down the arm. If there is evidence of nerve damage causing weakness in the arm.
There are two main types of operation done for cervical disc prolapse or osteophyte causing pressure on the nervous system. One is done through the front of the neck, anterior cervical fusion or discectomy and arthroplasty and the other is done through an incision over the back of the neck, cervical foraminotomy or a cervical laminectomy.
During surgery, the prolapsed disc will be removed and a strut of a bone is grafted from the hip and inserted into the disc space.
In normal cases, hospitalization after surgery is usually for only 7-10 days. The patient is advised to wear a collar for about 6 weeks.

Patient Mr. George P.Abraham from Salalah, Sultanate of Oman was referred to us by Badr Al Samaa Hospitals, Salalah. He traveled to Chennai and underwent a neuro surgery for Cervical Disc Prolapse in one of our esteemed empanelled hospitals, Sri Ramachandra Medical Center, Porur, Chennai.

Patient Testimonial:

“I’m impressed with the services of Wellspring associates in Oman who helped me in my travel to India for my treatment. I preferred to travel to India because of the better treatment facilities available in India. I chose SRMC because this particular hospital is famous for neuro surgery. I’m satisfied with the medical treatment and the hospital services. The ward quality, comfort and cleanliness are at par with the Omani hospitals. I highly appreciate the doctor’s interaction and the staff courtesy. I’m glad to inform that Wellspring’s hospitality services and interactions were excellent. They addressed to my concerns & issues very proactively. I will surely recommend Wellspring India Meditour to all those who wish to travel to India for their healthcare needs.”

PARALYSIS & AYURVEDA

Paralysis or stroke is a medical emergency which results when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off or greatly reduced
A paralyzed person loses the capacity of voluntary movement in some part of the body, like the hands, legs or torso. The loss of voluntary muscle movement is accompanied by numbness, or loss of sensation, in the affected part. Due to this, the person does not feel any pain or climatic changes like heat, cold, etc. in the paralyzed part of the body.
Ayurveda, the science of life, is the oldest and most holistic medical system available on the planet today. It was placed in written form over 5,000 years ago in India
Ayurveda regards Pakshavadha (Paralysis) as a Vataja, i.e. a disorder caused due to imbalance of the Vata, the air element of the human body. Vata dosha is responsible for the proper coordination of all voluntary movements in the human body. A block in the proper movement of the Vatadosha can bring about Pakshavadha in the person.
Ayurveda offers excellent therapies for treating Paralysis. The strength of Ayurveda in the area of treating Paralysis is globally appreciated. Since it addresses the root cause of the issue the results are fantastic.

Employers favour overseas medical care

Most Americans have health insurance through their employers. As the American economy is moving from a manufacturing based economy to service based economy, health insurance coverage has become less stable. The service sector offers less access to health insurance than its manufacturing counterparts. In addition to this, there is an increasing reliance on part-time and contract workers who are not eligible for coverage. Thus workers having access to employer-sponsored health insurance is decreasing.

Rapidly rising health insurance premiums are the main reason cited by all small firms for not offering coverage. The average annual increase in inflation has been 2.5 percent while health insurance premiums for small firms have escalated an average of 12 percent annually. Companies that do offer health insurance, often require employees to contribute a larger share toward their coverage. Employee spending for health insurance coverage (employee’s share of family coverage) has increased 120% (from $135/month to $248) between 2000 and 2006.

A study found that 29 percent of people who had health insurance were “under insured” with coverage so meager that they often postponed medical care because of costs. U.S. health care costs have gone so outrageous that some small employers save money by flying workers to foreign countries for inexpensive medical procedures.

While global medical tourism has yet to make major inroads with U.S. employers, some small employers and benefit providers are starting to take the idea seriously. Until recently, medical tourists were mostly individuals seeking low-priced cosmetic and elective surgery not covered by insurance. But more than one million Americans will travel overseas for procedures this year, and a rising proportion are getting insurers or employers to pay part of the cost. Surgery overseas costs 30 to 80 percent less than it does in the U.S., thanks to lower fees for even top-quality doctors and hospitals.

Courtesy:
www.consumeraffairs.com
www.nchc.org

Hip Replacement Surgery in India

Hip replacement, is also called hip arthroplasty, and is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant, made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or various combinations of these materials. Such joint replacement orthopedic surgery generally is conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage as part of the hip fracture treatment.
Hip replacement surgery is a relatively recent procedure that had to wait for the invention of plastics and other synthetic materials to make reliable prostheses that could withstand years of wear.
The major purpose of hip replacement is to remove the two damaged parts of the hip joint, namely the ball or the femoral head and the hip socket or the acetabulum. Hip replacement surgery has two primary purposes: pain relief and improved functioning of the hip joint.
Computer Assisted Navigation Surgery (CANS) in total Hip Replacement surgery helps surgeons align the patient’s bones and replacement implants with a degree of accuracy not possible with the naked eye. Small-incision (minimally invasive) surgery offers the potential for faster recovery, less bleeding and less pain for patients.
Total hip replacement in India is one of the most common and popular orthopedic surgeries that are performed by experts with high success rate.
Total hip replacement surgery using the most advanced keyhole or endoscopic surgery and arthroscopy is done at many hospitals in India which utilize the newest medical technology and are run by some of the most skilled and qualified medical professionals
Highly qualified doctors & surgeons in India, who have been educated in some of the top universities of the world, hold clinical positions at these state of the art facilities that cater mainly to medical tourists.
A Total hip replacement surgery costs about 30,000 USD in USA or UK whereas the same surgery costs 8000 USD in India.

Wellspring India Meditour Pvt. Ltd, Chennai, India is a Healthcare facilitation company.
One such world class hospital which is famous in joint replacement surgery whom we are partnered with is, Hosmat Hospital, Bangalore which excels in the field of Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Arthritis, and Accident-Trauma.
Hosmat is the first hospital in South India to use Computer Assisted Navigation Surgery (CANS) for surface replacement of the hip for precision and accuracy.

Organ Donation on the upswing in Chennai

Organ donation is one of the most selfless acts that a human being can do to help another fellow being. Public awareness on organ transplant, though low in the country, has gained momentum in the last six months and was intensified when a doctor couple, parents of Hitendran, donated their son’s organs after he was declared brain dead. Since then, there has been an increased awareness and more organ donations from brain dead individuals. The donor population ratio in India is likely to increase further in the coming years as people are becoming more aware about their responsibility to help fellow beings.
In organ donation, a person willingly gives part of his organs either when he is alive or when he is dead/ brain dead, to help somebody live a healthier life. There are 23 different organs in the body, which could be donated by an individual. Only a few organs like one kidney and part of the liver can be donated when one is alive, whereas almost any organ except brain can be donated from dead/ brain dead individuals. Brain death is an irreversible condition where all activities of the brain stem stop functioning. The organs function with life-support system but the patient is declared clinically dead. However, if organs such as kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and even bowels are retrieved in time they could help an ailing patient recover.
Organ transplant is not a “one man job” but involves participation of several specialists and individuals outside the medical fraternity, including counselors and social workers. Better transportation and communication technologies have made inter-state transplantations commendably common in India. Recently the heart and liver of a 3 year old child who was declared brain dead after a road accident in Bangalore (Karnataka), was transplanted to two children in Frontier Lifeline Hospital and Chettinad Hospital in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
India has a number of specialized hospitals conducting organ transplant surgeries at highly affordable prices. The country is becoming an important destination for medical tourism for people from United States, Europe and Middle East countries. Though cost effectiveness is an important factor attracting transplant patients to Indian hospitals, technical expertise of the highly qualified doctors and the hospital infrastructure and world class facilities also play a major role.
Most international patients traveling to India for their treatments prefer a facilitator who can organize the doctor consultation, hospital admission and all the other allied services that would be required for the patient and his accompaniants. In such cases, the patient can feel free to contact us. Putting patient’s welfare and convenience on the forefront, Wellspring provides complete guidance and facilitation regarding the hospitals & treatment, doctors, travel, hotel assistance and much more. This helps the healthcare traveler to undergo his treatment procedure in the most convenient and hassle free manner.

Courtesy:
Times of India
The Hindu
Deccan Chronicle
http://www.mohanfoundation.org/
http://www.collegesintamilnadu.com/

Wellspring enters Omani Medical Tourism

Wellspring India Meditour has launched its operations in the Middle East. Wellspring along with Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals and Polyclinics in Sultanate of Oman would extend its services to the Oman residents.