Empowering Young Doctors: Launch of PULSE at Almas Hospital, Kottakkal

Empowering Young Doctors: Launch of PULSE at Almas Hospital, Kottakkal

I had the honor of being invited as the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony of the Young Doctors Network – Pulse, hosted by one of Kerala’s most reputed healthcare institutions, Almas Hospital, Kottakkal.

Almas Hospital has an inspiring journey of growth under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kabeer, the Chairman, who began with a small clinic in Kottakkal and nurtured it into a 400+ bedded hospital with modern facilities. What makes Almas remarkable is its unwavering commitment to ethical medical practice—standing tall outside the grip of global corporate networks and consciously distancing itself from unethical ambulance-linked practices.

As I step into my second innings with a focus on rural emergency medicine, I reflected on my own journey. Having left anesthesia in 2006, my mission has been to develop emergency medical care systems—a dream that is now a reality across most urban hospitals in India. But today, the need is to extend this empowerment into rural healthcare systems, where early recognition, stabilization, and timely referral can save countless lives.

The Pulse initiative aims to empower young doctors with the skills to manage medical and surgical emergencies and, most importantly, to make timely referrals with the right stabilization measures. In my inaugural address, I recalled the tragic death of Dr. Vandana Das, an intern who was fatally stabbed by a psychotic patient in a district hospital casualty a few years ago. Despite being referred and intubated, she succumbed to a pneumothorax during transport. This devastating incident highlights how critical decisions and timely interventions could prevent avoidable loss of life.

I emphasized the importance of “Ten Critical Skills Training” and red-flag-based training modules to equip young doctors in rural settings. Such training not only enhances their confidence but also strengthens the safety net for patients across our healthcare system.

The event witnessed the participation of over 75 young doctors, brimming with enthusiasm and dedication. A special highlight was the recognition and honoring of three pioneers of modern medicine in Kottakkal—Dr. Balachandran, Dr. Poolakundan Mohammed, and Dr. Murali Menon. This gesture filled the session with a profound sense of positivity and respect for the legacy of medical service in the region.

My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Suhas Pola, CEO of Almas Hospital, and his dedicated team for organizing such a meaningful and well-executed event. It was not just a gathering but the beginning of a movement to empower the next generation of doctors with the vision and tools to reshape emergency care in rural India.