Category: Medical

Nick Lewis is used to pushing forward. As the former publisher of the Richmond Register and an accomplished author of several murder mystery novels, perseverance and creativity are second nature. But when a stroke in April 2024 left him unable to move his right arm, Lewis faced one of the toughest chapters of his life.

“I couldn’t move my arm at all. I could barely move my hand,” Lewis said. “I didn’t want to accept that it was permanent.”

Now, thanks to a groundbreaking therapy, he’s not only regaining strength and function — he’s also making history. Lewis is the first patient in Kentucky to receive the Vivistim® Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) System, a cutting-edge technology that is helping stroke survivors reclaim lost movement and independence.

Making history with a breakthrough therapy
The Vivistim System is a first-of-its-kind, Food and Drug Administration-approved device that pairs targeted vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation exercises to help rewire the brain — a process called neuroplasticity — and restore the brain-muscle connection. It’s a promising option for stroke survivors who have plateaued in their recovery using conventional therapy.

For Lewis, who had spent months in traditional outpatient therapy at the UK HealthCare Outpatient Therapy Clinic at Cardinal Hill, the idea of further progress seemed uncertain — until his therapy team introduced the possibility of Vivistim.

“I figured I didn’t have anything to lose and everything to gain,” he said. “If it could help me get even a little more movement back, it would be worth it.”

Lewis received the implant in February 2025 from UK HealthCare neurosurgeon David Dornbos, M.D., who says the arrival of this technology marks a significant milestone in stroke recovery in Kentucky and a major breakthrough for chronic stroke survivors.

“Vivistim is a major transformative advancement in neurorehabilitation for stroke survivors,” said Dornbos. “To have Mr. Lewis be the first in the state to receive this therapy is a testament to both his determination and UK’s leadership in providing patients access to the most advanced treatments available. As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, UK has been a leader in acute stroke care for years, but this new technology allows care across the full continuum of stroke recovery, even decades after the initial injury. We’re excited about the hope this brings to so many others in an area where historically it did not exist.”

The system involves implanting a small device in the chest, similar to a pacemaker, which sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve during rehab exercises. These pulses help strengthen the brain’s ability to create new motor pathways.

The author’s next chapter
Each week, Lewis returns to therapy at Cardinal Hill, where every movement — from reaching to gripping — is paired with electrical stimulation. At home, he uses a magnet to activate the device during his daily exercises.

“I’ve definitely noticed improvement,” he said. “My grip is stronger. I can move my arm more. I’m getting closer to doing things I couldn’t do before, like feeding myself with my right hand and even tying my own shoes.”

Recently, he grilled burgers again, using tongs in his right hand — a small but emotional victory. He also surprised himself by writing his name in cursive for the first time since the stroke, a hopeful sign in his quest to return to writing his next novel.

Before the stroke, Lewis led an active life with his wife — walking regularly, gardening and golfing. A career journalist, he spent four decades in the newspaper business before retiring in 2013. Since then, he’s published a series of murder mysteries and other novels, blending journalistic insight with storytelling flair.

“I’m eager to finish my next one,” Lewis said. “That’s why it’s really important for me to get my right hand working again. Writing is such a big part of who I am.”

Recovery takes grit — and vision
Lewis emphasizes that Vivistim isn’t a miracle cure — it’s a powerful tool that must be paired with consistent therapy and dedication. He puts in hours of rehab both at Cardinal Hill and at home, driven by clear, personal goals.

“You have to use it,” he said. “If a patient doesn’t commit to the therapy at home, they’re not going to see the kind of improvement they want. It takes dedication.”

His occupational therapist Cameron Mullins customizes sessions to real-life goals — like placing a tee and a golf ball to prepare Lewis for one day teeing it up again. Mullins also incorporates high-repetition exercises for tasks such as cooking and computer use.

“A key to neuro rehab is repetition, so the brain can relearn skills,” Mullins said. “Nick is highly motivated, and that makes a huge difference in his progress.”

Hope for stroke survivors
While Lewis continues his recovery journey, he’s proud to be a trailblazer for others — the first in Kentucky to receive this therapy, and certainly not the last.

“I’m proud to be part of something new,” he said. “If it can help me, maybe it can help a lot of other people too. It gives you hope that you can get back what you lost — and maybe even more.”

As he works toward finishing his sixth book, Lewis’s story is already writing itself — one of resilience, innovation, and the power of never giving up. UKNow

Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao chaired a meeting of the High-Powered Purchase Committee today at Panchkula where several crucial tenders for medicines and medical equipment worth Rs 50 crore were approved to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

During the meeting, the tender for procurement of 19 apheresis machines, amounting to Rs 10.78 crore, was approved. These machines are essential for platelet separation in the treatment of dengue patients and are expected to significantly enhance the management of dengue cases in the state.

To improve healthcare for thalassaemia patients, the committee approved the tender amounting to Rs 1.9 crore for leuco reduction filters. This will help ensure the availability of critical filters needed for the ongoing treatment and management of thalassaemia patients in Haryana.

To address the urgent needs of haemophilia patients, the tender for the procurement of Anti-Haemophilia Factor VIII worth Rs 19 crore, along with EHL Recombinant Factor VIII valued at Rs 3.6 crore, was also approved.

Additionally, the committee approved a tender amounting to approximately Rs 16 crore for the procurement of anti-cancer medicines and injections, along with other critical injections and medicines. This move is aimed at enhancing the treatment options for cancer patients and ensuring the continuous availability of essential medicines across the state’s healthcare facilities.

The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to providing essential healthcare facilities and timely treatments for critical diseases like dengue, thalassaemia, haemophilia and cancer. She highlighted that these decisions would play a crucial role in improving patient care and treatment outcomes throughout Haryana. The Tribune

India and several Asian nations are witnessing a renewed spike in Covid-19 cases, prompting governments to review health infrastructure and issue precautionary advisories. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a global rise in infections, authorities in India and countries like China, Singapore, and Thailand are stepping up monitoring efforts, especially with newer sub-variants of the Omicron strain now in circulation.

1,009 active Covid-19 cases in India
As of May 28, India recorded a total of 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala (430), Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104) leading in numbers, according to the Union Ministry of Health. Karnataka reported 40 new infections on Wednesday, raising the state’s active caseload to 126. The positivity rate over the past 24 hours stood at 10.12 per cent, based on 395 tests conducted.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited KC General Hospital in Malleswaram to inspect preparedness. “I personally verified the availability of oxygen cylinders, ICU beds, ventilators, and masks. A dedicated Covid-19 helpline will be launched soon,” he said.

Punjab, meanwhile, confirmed two active cases, and Chandigarh reported its first Covid-related death in recent months, a 40-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh with comorbidities, including Hepatitis B.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that current variants remain sub-lineages of Omicron and are largely causing mild symptoms. However, experts like Dr Arjun Dang of Dr Dangs Lab have pointed to the presence of more transmissible sub-variants like LF7 and NV181 in states such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Strong Covid-19 variant observed in China
China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a positivity rate of 15.8 per cent from selected hospital tests in early May, up significantly from 6.3 per cent at the end of March. In April alone, China logged over 168,000 confirmed cases, including 340 severe ones, and nine deaths, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

Chinese health experts have identified XDV and XDV.1 as the dominant strains. Zhong Nanshan, a prominent respiratory disease specialist, has warned these variants show stronger immune evasion and advised older adults and people with health conditions to take heightened precautions. A decline in cases is expected by late June.

Over 180,000 cases this year in Thailand
Thailand has recorded 187,031 Covid-19 cases and at least 44 deaths from January to mid-May, the National Thailand reported. A total of 67,484 new cases and eight fatalities were recorded over a week (May 18–24), with Bangkok leading in numbers. The annual Songkran water festival in April has been partially blamed for the spread.

Authorities have ramped up access to digital healthcare services and are distributing masks, test kits, and sanitisers. Free telemedicine consultations and doorstep delivery of medicines are being provided through government apps like SaluberMD and Mordee.

Singapore recommends masks, booster shots
Singapore has also seen a rise in cases, with an estimated 14,200 infections in early May, up from 11,100 the previous week. Hospital admissions rose slightly but remain under control. The predominant strain is a descendant of the JN.1 variant, which now accounts for more than two-thirds of local cases.

The Health Ministry has advised senior citizens, high-risk groups, and nursing home residents to take booster shots. While no Covid-related fatalities have been reported this year, residents have been urged to wear masks in crowded spaces and avoid social activities when unwell.

WHO urged Covid vigilance
According to the WHO, there were 91,583 reported Covid-19 cases globally in the 28 days leading up to May 11. Thailand led the tally, followed by Brazil, the UK, Greece, and France. However, the data excludes China and the US, both of which have not submitted recent updates.

The WHO reiterated that while Covid-19 has entered an endemic phase in many parts of the world, periodic surges are expected. Business Standard

The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) recently warned four medical device makers about a range of failures in procedures and processes. Two letters were sent to eye product manufacturers in the US, a third to a US developer of hemostatic products, and the fourth was related to a German company’s blood collection system.

New 510(k) needed for SAFE-T-FILL blood tubes
Kabe Labortechnik of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany received a warning letter on May 9, following an inspection from 6-9 January.

The company manufactures SAFE-T-FILL capillary blood collection systems. According to the letter, the company violated quality system regulations, with processes not up to current good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards. For example, it did not validate the manufacturing process for the SAFE-T-FILL systems, which are filled onsite with an anticoagulant coated in a capillary rod, a “critical component” in the device, the agency noted.

Software used to inspect the coated capillary rods “was installed many years ago and has not been validated,” according to the letter.

Given that the machines and software are not validated, it’s unclear how the products meet quality specifications, FDA concluded. The agency asked the company to provide a systemic corrective action plan for all devices manufactured and sold in the US.

“Design changes, including the impact of cumulative changes should be assessed to determine if a new 510(k) is needed,” FDA advised.

FDA also flagged failure to develop, maintain and implement medical device reporting (MDR) procedures, such as a plan for reporting adverse events promptly to FDA.

The agency wrote that it is taking steps to refuse entry of these devices into the United States – detention without physical examination – until these violations are addressed and gave the company 15 working days to respond to the letter. RAPS.org

Expanding at a CAGR of 8.88%, India laboratory automation market is set to reach a value of USD 139.25 million by 2029.

The rising usage of robotic systems and automated workflows in laboratories to improve efficiency and accuracy is a major factor driving the growth of the India laboratory automation market. Also, the requirement for faster and more exact results is driving an increase in demand for high-throughput screening and sample processing solutions. Further, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning into laboratory automation, allowing for data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics. To accommodate varied laboratory procedures, there is a shift towards modular and scalable automation solutions. There is an increase in the use of cloud-based laboratory information management systems for data storage, analysis, and collaboration.

India laboratory automation market – Overview:
The use of modern technologies and robots to streamline and improve the efficiency of laboratory operations and workflows is referred to as laboratory automation. It entails combining instruments, software, and robotic systems to automate operations like sample preparation, analysis, and data administration. The goal of laboratory automation is to eliminate human error, boost productivity, and improve the accuracy and repeatability of results. It allows scientists and researchers to handle bigger volumes of samples with greater precision, perform difficult experiments with greater precision, and expedite the pace of scientific discovery. Laboratory automation frees up crucial time for scientists to focus on data analysis and interpretation by automating mundane processes.

Impact of Covid-19 on India laboratory automation market
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted India laboratory automation market, ushering in a new era of technological advancements and growth. With the urgent need for efficient and high-throughput testing capabilities, laboratories across the country have increasingly adopted automation solutions. Automated systems, robotic platforms, and artificial intelligence-driven processes have revolutionized sample processing, analysis, and data management, improving accuracy, speed, and scalability. The pandemic has acted as a catalyst, driving investments in laboratory automation technologies, enabling faster testing, reducing human error, and enhancing overall laboratory efficiency. As India continues its fight against the virus, the laboratory automation market is poised for further expansion and innovation in the post-pandemic era. Ocean

Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced that her government is working towards a sharp upgrade in Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure, aiming to increase hospital bed availability from 0.47 beds per 1,000 people to at least three.

Speaking at a public event in her constituency of Shalimar Bagh, Gupta said the city’s poor health care capacity was a legacy of years of neglect.

“I may not make grand promises, but I can say with certainty that Delhi now has a government that works,” she said. “In our first 100 days, we have taken multiple policy decisions to address long-standing issues that had left people frustrated.”

She said a high-level health committee meeting held on Tuesday revealed an alarming gap in infrastructure. “The WHO recommends two beds per 1,000 people, but Delhi doesn’t even have one. This is a serious concern. We are now working towards a goal of three beds per 1,000 residents,” Gupta said.

The announcement came amid a mild uptick in Covid-19 cases, though the government has stressed there is no cause for panic and preparations are in place for any eventuality.

The government, she added, has already started initiatives such as the distribution of Ayushman Bharat health cards to senior citizens, offering financial protection across all socio-economic backgrounds. “It’s an unprecedented move to support the elderly across sections,” she said.

At a separate event marking her government’s completion of 100 days in power, Gupta expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for the BJP’s landslide victory. She said the synergy between the Centre, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the state government was now beginning to show results on the ground.

“There is coordination between Delhi, MCD and the Centre. All of us are working toward a developed Delhi. The people’s vote has changed the city’s fate,” she said.

Gupta is set to present a detailed “report card” of her government’s first 100 days, at a mega event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on May 31.

Earlier on Wednesday, she toured parts of Shalimar Bagh to inspect ongoing development projects. In Pitampura, she inaugurated newly constructed footpaths at SU and UU Parks and unveiled upgraded roads and civic infrastructure in NP, PD, and QD blocks.

Reflecting on her journey from councillor to CM, Gupta said, “When I was elected in 2007, these parks were barren and neglected. We added paths, toilets, swings, open gyms — and now, as CM, I pledge to turn this space into a beautiful ‘Amrit Udyan’.”

She also announced the completion of a new Ring Road stretch between Madhuban Chowk and Mukarba Chowk, constructed at a cost of ₹13 crore. “It is our resolve to make every neighbourhood clean, beautiful, and safe. This wave of development will not stop,” Gupta said.

With the BJP government approaching the 100-day milestone, the CM has sought to frame the party’s tenure as one of decisive action, infrastructure revamp, and visible public service delivery — a contrast, she said, to “governments that only fought and failed to fix.” Hindustan Times

The global hospital beds market is estimated to be valued at USD 5,230.0 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 8,294.3 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2025 to 2032.

Focused on growth and future opportunities, this report is a go-to resource for industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers. With visuals, charts, and data-driven insights, the Hospital Beds Market has experienced rapid growth fueled by rising demand and innovation. This analysis gives you the competitive edge with actionable strategies backed by real data.

Market insights and scope of the hospital beds market industry
This report provides a comprehensive segmentation of the Hospital Beds Market scope, covering product types, applications, end-user markets, key regions, and leading competitors. It offers expert insights into current market conditions, historical performance, production trends, and revenue forecasts.

The financial performance of key players is assessed, including gross profits, sales volumes, and manufacturing costs. Analytical tools like SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces are used to evaluate market dynamics. Additionally, the report includes a detailed review of major players, covering their financials, product benchmarking, and competitive strategies.

Report drivers and trends analysis:
The report also discusses the factors driving and restraining market growth, as well as their specific impact on demand over the forecast period. Also highlighted in this report are growth factors, developments, trends, challenges, limitations, and growth opportunities. This section highlights emerging Hospital Beds Market trends and changing dynamics. Furthermore, the study provides a forward-looking perspective on various factors that are expected to boost the market’s overall growth. Coherent Market Insights

Nurses who worked during the Covid-19 pandemic will be prioritised during the Himachal Pradesh government’s recruitment drive, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said.

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the chief minister, during an interaction with faculty members of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla and Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialty in Chamiyana on Monday evening, said that the state government is trying to fill vacant posts in the health department.

“The state government is trying to fill various vacant posts in the health department, and trying to introduce the use of modern technologies. The vacancies for doctors are being filled up now. During the recruitment of nurses, those who worked during the pandemic will be given priority,” the statement quoted Sukhu as saying.

The chief minister said that along with paramedical staff, technicians are also being recruited. “We are ensuring that the doctor-patient and nurse-patient ratios are as per the international standards, so that they can get a better work environment,” he said.

Sukhu said the state’s premium health institutions have now become mere referral health institutions, and hence there is a need for their comprehensive improvement.

The current government has given priority to improvement in the field of health and education, and Rs 1,350 crore is being spent on medical technology, he added. PTI

The Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors (LCC) in Tamil Nadu has formally appealed to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to intervene in addressing persistent staffing shortages and significant salary disparities faced by government doctors in the state.

In a representation submitted to Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, LCC President Perumal Pillai underscored Tamil Nadu’s notable achievements in public health. He emphasized that many of these accomplishments are closely aligned with WHO-recommended frameworks and goals. With a population exceeding 80 million, Tamil Nadu has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, having already achieved a maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 39 per one lakh live births—a target the WHO has set for 2030, which the state met a decade in advance.

The LCC also commended Tamil Nadu’s efforts in strengthening rural health infrastructure and in the effective management of non-communicable diseases. However, it stressed that these gains have come at a steep cost to government doctors, who are burdened with excessive workloads due to chronic understaffing in public hospitals. “Not only doctors, but the public are also affected by this crisis,” the committee stated in the letter.

Highlighting stark pay disparities, the LCC pointed out that government doctors in Tamil Nadu are among the lowest paid in the country. They cited a ₹40,000 difference in monthly salaries between MBBS doctors in Tamil Nadu and their counterparts in other states. Despite recommendations from the National Medical Commission and a directive from the High Court supporting Government Order 354—which mandates revisions in doctors’ pay—the state government has failed to implement the necessary changes, the committee alleged.

The LCC also raised alarming concerns regarding the health and life expectancy of government doctors in the state. Based on their data, doctors in Tamil Nadu have a life expectancy of only 55–59 years, compared to 69–72 years for the general population—a disparity that, according to the committee, marks the lowest life expectancy among government doctors in any Indian state.

In light of these critical concerns, the LCC has urged the WHO to press the Tamil Nadu government to ensure timely recruitment in public hospitals and to implement salary parity as mandated by existing government orders and national-level recommendations. Maktoob Media

China, Qatar, Switzerland and others pledged over $170 million for the World Health Organization at its assembly on Tuesday, the agency said, and countries also accepted higher fees to help offset the expected loss of the US, the top donor.

“In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said in a statement on new donations covering 2025-2028.

A WHO list showed that host Switzerland gave $40 million; Sweden gave $13.5 million; Angola gave $8 million; Qatar gave $6 million; while other pledges came from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and ELMA Philanthropies.

It did not include an earlier $500 million pledge from China since the WHO said calculations are ongoing.

“These efforts deliver a strong signal of China’s support to WHO during this reform process,” said Dr. Lei Haichao, China’s health minister. A spokesperson for China’s diplomatic mission said this pledge included both mandatory fees and voluntary donations and support for other projects.

Even before the current financial crisis, the WHO had been seeking to overhaul its funding model to make it less dependent on donations from a few big economies. Washington had provided 18% of its funding.

US President Donald Trump, who has criticized the body for its handling of Covid-19, announced his intention to withdraw on Day One of his presidency on January 20 – a move that takes a year to implement. On Tuesday, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the organization as “moribund”.

The WHO has already revised down its 2026-2027 budget by a fifth to $4.2 billion and cut management posts.

The new budget, formally adopted on Tuesday by the assembly which is seeking to address the funding crisis, will increase countries’ mandatory fees by 20% over the next two years and make China the new top state donor.

“Our common goal must be to initiate prompt reforms to safeguard the organisation,” said Björn Kümmel, head of Unit Global Health in Germany’s health ministry. Reuters