In a move to strengthen healthcare awareness and facilitate greater access to specialised medical expertise in Northeast India, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur organised a press meet in Aizawl, bringing together members of the media fraternity and senior clinicians from Manipal Hospitals. The interactive session focused on the growing burden of neurological and spine-related disorders, while highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention and access to advanced, multidisciplinary healthcare.
The session featured Dr. Sukalyan Purkayastha, Director and Senior Consultant – Neurointervention& Endovascular Surgery, Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur Cluster, and Dr. Anindya Basu, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead – Spine Surgery, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, who interacted with journalists and stakeholders on emerging healthcare concerns, treatment advances and the importance of responsible and evidence-based health communication.
Gifted with diverse natural resources and culture, but limited access to highly specialised medical care in certain parts of the region can often result in patients travelling to larger metropolitan centres for advanced diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking on the growing burden of neurological disorders, Dr. Sukalyan Purkayastha said, “Neurological disorders, particularly stroke, are increasingly becoming a significant public health concern. One of the biggest challenges continues to be delayed recognition of symptoms and late presentation at hospitals, which can significantly affect treatment outcomes. Timely intervention is critical, particularly in stroke, where every minute can have an impact on the patient’s recovery. Greater awareness among the public and accurate health communication through the media can play an important role in encouraging people to recognise warning signs and seek medical attention without delay. At Manipal Hospitals, neurological care is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-interventional specialists, neuro-radiologists and rehabilitation experts. This integrated approach, supported by advanced neuroimaging, specialised stroke care and rehabilitation services, enables patients to receive comprehensive care across their treatment journey.”
Lifestyle-related and chronic health conditions, including neurological disorders, stroke and spine-related ailments is a growing concern for emerging India and the Northeast region is not an exception. Highlighting the increasing prevalence of spinal disorders and back pain, Dr. Anindya Basu said, “Spinal disorders and back pain are increasingly affecting people across age groups. Sedentary lifestyles, prolonged screen time, poor posture, occupational strain, obesity and degenerative conditions are contributing to this growing burden. Importantly, these problems are increasingly being seen among younger professionals and working individuals, affecting their quality of life and productivity. Early evaluation and an appropriate diagnosis are essential to determine the right course of treatment. It is important for patients to have access to accurate information and specialised medical advice before opting for any form of treatment. At Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, our comprehensive spine care programme combines multidisciplinary expertise, advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, rehabilitation support and personalised treatment pathways, enabling patients to access specialised care and work towards faster recovery.”
