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.

Red fm /Meitra Super Hero 2025

Red FM / Meitra / Angels – Super Hero 2025: A Celebration of Courage and Life-Saving Skills

In a world where emergencies can strike at any moment, the ability to act swiftly and confidently can make the difference between life and death. With this vision in mind, Red FM, Meitra Hospital, and Angels joined forces to create a unique initiative—Super Hero 2025.

This program was not just about training; it was about awakening the hero within ordinary people and celebrating those who have already stepped up in critical moments to save lives.

A Journey Across 10 Campuses

Over the past month, the campaign team traveled through ten college campuses across Kozhikode. Each visit was more than a training session—it was an empowering experience. Students were introduced to hands-on life-saving skills, from CPR techniques to emergency response drills, with the message loud and clear: “You too can be a hero.”

The response was overwhelming. With nearly 2,500 students trained, the campaign created ripples of confidence and preparedness across the youth community. These young participants walked away not only with new skills but also with a newfound sense of responsibility toward society.

Celebrating Real-Life Heroes

Parallel to the campus training, the Red FM team carried the mission to the airwaves, reaching thousands of listeners. Through this platform, 10 real-life heroes were identified—individuals who had gone beyond fear, hesitation, and uncertainty to save lives in their own communities.

Their stories were living proof that you don’t need a cape to be a superhero; you just need courage and compassion. Recognizing these heroes became a cornerstone of the campaign, inspiring many more to believe in their own potential.

The Grand Finale: A Night of Inspiration

The campaign culminated in a grand finale that was equal parts celebration and inspiration. The atmosphere was electrifying as DySP Umesh, Dr. Venugopalan P. P., and Dr. Mohammed A. A. presented awards to the superheroes of 2025.

Adding a splash of entertainment and color, the Sahasam movie team—Gowri, Ramzan, and Jiji—brought vibrancy to the stage, reminding everyone that awareness and celebration can go hand-in-hand.

The event was flawlessly conducted by the energetic Red FM crew—RJ Manu, Abhinav, Arya Sree, and Neha, whose enthusiasm kept the audience engaged and inspired throughout the evening.

Behind the Scenes: The Pillars of Support

No initiative of this scale can succeed without strong support behind the scenes. A special appreciation goes out to the Meitra BD team, Deepak and Praveen, whose tireless efforts made the program possible.

Most importantly, the campaign stood tall because of the Angels EMCT volunteers. Their selfless dedication to spreading lifesaving knowledge and supporting logistics on the ground was the real backbone of this movement.

Super Hero 2025: More Than a Program

When the last award was given and the last applause faded, one truth remained—Super Hero 2025 was not just an event, it was a movement.

It was a movement that reminded us that heroes walk among us. They are students who step up in emergencies, radio listeners who get inspired to learn CPR, community members who rush to help a stranger, and volunteers who dedicate time to make others stronger.

Together, Red FM, Meitra, and Angels created something larger than life: a call to action for society to stand ready, united, and fearless.

Because in the end, anyone can be a hero when a life is at stake.

Rural Emergency Care- Challenges

 

hashtag

#RuralHealthcare hashtag#IMA hashtag#HealthcareChallenges hashtag#GoldenHourCare hashtag#Kerala

Strengthening Rural Emergency Care – Challenges & Solutions

Emergency care is often defined by time. In critical situations, the golden hour can make the difference between life and death. But for many living in rural and remote regions, accessing timely, high-quality emergency medical services remains a significant challenge.

This reality was at the heart of an insightful panel discussion organised by IMA CGP Kozhikode on “Remote Rural Emergency Care in Kerala – Challenges and Solutions”, which I had the privilege to moderate.

A Gathering of Diverse Expertise

The session began with a warm introduction by my classmate Dr. T. P. Rajagopal and was formally opened by Dr. Sankar Mahadevan (IMA President), Dr. Baby Supriya (Assistant Director, CGP), and Dr. Jithin G. R. (Secretary, CGP).

Our panel brought together professionals with rich and varied experience in emergency medicine and critical care:

• Dr. Mahesh B. – Intensivist

• Dr. Ahammed – MD, Relief Hospital Kondotty

• Dr. Muhamed – In-charge, ED, Meitra Hospital

• Dr. Jijin – Emergency Physician, Manjeri Remote Centre

• Dr. Lovena – Coordinator, Remote Emergency Program

• Dr. Irin – Emergency Physician, Kondotty Centre

The audience included senior IMA leaders, postgraduate students, and general practitioners—an ideal mix for a well-rounded exchange of ideas.

Key Challenges Discussed

The discussion was both frank and thought-provoking, touching on critical gaps that hinder rural emergency care:

1. Complex Case Management – Remote hospitals often lack specialist support and advanced equipment, making stabilisation difficult.

2. Referral & Transport Bottlenecks – Inadequate availability of D-level ambulances delays critical transfers.

3. Financial Barriers – High costs can prevent patients from accessing the care they need.

4. Mortality & Morbidity Patterns – Delayed intervention often results in worse outcomes.

5. Standards for Early Stabilisation – The need for clear, uniform protocols to optimise golden hour care.

6. Unethical Transport Practices – Case diversion by ambulance operators and patient families’ fear of corporate hospital billing.

Wisdom from Senior Physicians

Senior experts like Dr. Madavan Nambair, Dr. Yousaf Ali, and Dr. T. P. Rajagopal enriched the discussion with real-world insights and practical recommendations based on decades of clinical experience.

A Step Towards Sustainable Solutions

The dialogue reinforced the importance of building a coordinated rural emergency network that ensures:

• Adequate training for doctors, nurses, and first responders

• Affordable and ethical ambulance services

• Transparent communication with patient families

• Partnerships between rural and tertiary care hospitals

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

This programme was designed and supported by Meitra Hospital, with special thanks to BD Head Mr. Praveen Nair for his unwavering commitment to community healthcare.

The event was more than just a meeting—it was a collective pledge to strengthen rural emergency care in Kerala, ensuring that geography never dictates the quality of a patient’s chance at survival.

Lung Ultrasound Explained (Point of Care, Bedside, Clinical)

Honoured to be part of a life-saving legacy.

Honoured to be part of a life-saving legacy.

My association with the American Heart Association (AHA) began in 2005—as an ACLS provider, instructor, RTC coordinator, ITC coordinator, and regional faculty. Over the years, this journey has been immensely fulfilling.

In 2019, I had the privilege of being part of a historic moment—training 28,564 school children in hands-only CPR within 8 hours, setting a Guinness World Record. I was also instrumental in establishing the first ASLS training centre in Calicut.

With unwavering support from leaders like Dr. Sachin Menon and many dedicated AHA faculty, we’ve achieved several milestones together. Recently, I played a role in facilitating Aster MIMS to become the first hospital in India to receive AHA accreditation for stroke and STEMI clinical pathways as part of a pilot project.

Today, I am deeply honoured to receive a special appreciation from AHA leadership. I dedicate this recognition to my incredible team and to all the lifesavers who continue to inspire and make a difference every day.

#AHA #LifeSupportTraining #EmergencyMedicine #CPR #StrokeCare #STEMI #LifeSavers #Teamwork #Leadership #GuinnessWorldRecord #MedicalEducation #Gratitude

Congratulations Neethu and Kamal

A Proud Milestone in the Journey of Two Young Emergency Physicians

Dr. Neethu and Dr. Kamal Dev—our daughter and son-in-law—began their professional journey soon after graduating from Calicut Medical College in 2018. They joined the Emergency Medicine Department at Aster MIMS as GDMOs, where they also pursued structured training in core EM competencies.

With dedication and focus, they successfully cleared the MRCEM track. In 2023, their aspirations took them to the UK, joining Devon NHS Trust, Exeter, under BAPIO sponsorship. Later that year, they transitioned to Hillingdon Hospital, London, as Registrars in Emergency Medicine.

Today, we proudly share that they have completed all requirements and earned their Fellowship (FRCEM) from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, UK.

A proud and privileged moment for our family—witnessing their hard work, consistency, and growth translate into this achievement.

Hearty congratulations, Dr. Neethu and Dr. Kamal!

Your journey is an inspiration to many young EM doctors in India and beyond.

Dr Alex Antony UK

Dear Venu sir..Farewell to my mentor, a true pioneer in emergency medicine. Your vision, dedication, and unwavering passion have shaped not only the field but also the lives of countless professionals, including mine. You led by example—with integrity, wisdom, and compassion—instilling in us the values that define great healers. Your legacy will live on in every emergency room, every decision we make, and every life we touch. As you embark on this new journey, I respectfully thank you deeply for your guidance and inspiration. You leave behind not just accomplishments, but a lasting impact. Wishing you joy and fulfillment ahead.

Thxs a lot sir and good luck in Urr new journey..