Cross Border Healthcare start-up Hospals raises Rs. 250 million from Inflection Point Ventures, 9Unicorns, Wavemaker & Kunal Shah as part of Pre-Series AHospals connects thousands of patients from all over the world to the best hospitals, clinics & hotels in India, Turkey, UAE & Thailand, to avail the most suitable medical treatments and accommodation in their budget.Hospals offers international health coverage to subscribers across Africa & Asia, enabling them to get cashless treatments in India & other countries. The company has grown 6x in last 6 months as more international patients move to their high quality, tech driven experience, post covidJan 2022, Delhi: Hospals, a cross border health benefits & travel platform that enables international patients to access healthcare across India, UAE, Turkey & Thailand, announced part raise of its Pre-Serie A investment from Inflection Point Ventures, 9Unicorns, Singapore based Wavemaker and prominent angels like Kunal Shah, Sanjeev Mishra and Razorpay founders. Existing investor Venture Catalysts has also participated in the current round. The funds raised will be used for expanding geographically to reach $900 mn in GMV, serving 1.5 million subscribers& patients to get quality medical& cosmetic treatments across the world. The start-up has already served over 22000 patients from 38 countries get medical advice, telec-onsults and surgical treatments across over a hundred hospitals in its network. Its health benefits membership, called Hospals Assured, enables subscribers from Africa/Asia to get unlimited doctor tele-consults and free surgical treatments upto $15,000 across Indian hospitals. "Creating access to healthcare is the core mission at Hospals says Suneel Kapur, cofounder and Chief Business officer at Hospals." Our solutions combine advisory in surgical, travel and financial needs of patients across the world, including India, where 12 million patients travel each year to metro cities for better healthcare. All these patients need expert guidance to find the best surgeons and hospitals, among thousands of options. Over the coming years, we're creating a network of over 50,000 Hospals Health Consultants who will use our technology to guide and facilitate patients near them, with one stop solution” . Vinay Bansal, Founder& CEO, Inflection Point Ventures says, “Healthcare expenses which include treatment costs and travelling expenditure can be daunting for a family. Hospals can ease of the stress as they connect you with the best doctors and surgeons in their respective disciplines. They also provide translation & residential assistance close to the hospitals. Hospals sits at the crossroads of healthtech and fintech, where it is helping patients avail treatment from the best medical professionals using technology. Healthcare as a market opportunity is booming and with growth in insuretech, we are very bullish on Hospals and healthcare in general.” Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-Founder of 9Unicorns and Venture Catalysts, said, “India is one of the largest and fastest growing market for medical tourism on the back of affordability and accessibility of high-quality healthcare treatments. Hospals has been at the centre of expanding this market. We at Venture Catalysts arehappy to have been its early backer and are now reinvesting in its growth story alongwith our commitments from 9Unicorns. Hospals has reinvented itself to cater to the rising demand from this sector by facilitating end to end services including providing medical loans to the patients. We are optimistic that Hospals would emerge as the most significant player in thecross-borderhealthcare segment.” Hospals was founded by Danish Ahmed. Obaidullah and Suneel Kapur. Suneel had earlier worked as the Group Sales head for Fortis Hospitals and Chief Marketing Officer at Radiant Group, recently acquired by Max Healthcare. Through his career he was instrumental in serving over a million patients from 120 countries for cancer, transplants, cardiac and other diseases. Hospals uses its proprietary recommendation engine to find the best surgeons& cosmetic clinics for patients depending on their location, treatment & budget. Its network of over 400 Hospals Health Consultants across 30 countries provides local counselling and support to ensure a seamless experience for the patient. “Hospals started with a single vision to provide Universal Health Coverage. Through Hospals Assured, International Telehealth and our concierge travel services, Hospals is enabling people across Asia & Africa to access world class healthcare. We’re rapidly expanding our network of hospitals and collecting data points across the spectrum to help patients find the best surgeons and clinics across Asia. We’re solving problems in accommodation, remittances and medicine delivery across the border. We’ll soon launch fintech services like medical loans & crowdfunding to help patients finance their treatments beyond insurance coverage, so that each human has access to the best healthcare globally” says Danish Ahmed, who Co-Founded Hospals after quitting his role as Vice President at Paytm. Danish had earlier founded Yebhi.com (sold to Flipkart) and Shopsity (acquired by Paytm) before launching Hospals. The company had raised 10 crores in earlier investments from Venture Catalysts, Spiral Ventures and Innoven. Medical tourism is a $78 billion industry globally and was growing at 25% CAGR before covid brought international travel to a halt. With millions of patients waiting for surgeries since the past 2 years and thousands of medical travel companies shutting operations during Covid, Hospals is rapidly scaling its operations to service this backlog.

With its inception in the early decades of the 20th century, neurological surgery was accompanied by overwhelmingly high mortality and neurological diseases morbidity. However, with time there has been the intrusion of newer techniques and technologies. Thus, neurological surgery had a massive journey from the early years of the last century to the recent date. In the second and the third decade, the indirect diagnosis of brain tumors and vascular pathologies was possible. The credit for this goes to the introduction of pneumoencephalography, ventriculography and angiography. Surgeons were restricted to crude and conventional diagnostic and operative techniques, and there was the absence of skilled neuro-anesthesia back at that time. The lack of microsurgical instruments and profound knowledge of the professionals about controlling and maintaining the intracranial pressure during surgery resulted in a hostile atmosphere. Sophistication in delineating brain lesions happened in the early 1970s with the advent of Computed Tomography Scan. To manage the raised intracranial pressure during surgery, surgeons welcomed the cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures for hydrocephalus. However, the most profound and extensive leap happened in the 1990s. Both the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the high magnification surgical microscope came into existence aiding humanity in the surgical resection of brain tumors. Side by side, colossal progression took place in neuro-anesthesia techniques and the management of intracranial pressure. All the combined efforts led to surgeons operating on a relaxed brain and safely resectioning the brain tumor and managing the vascular lesions. The surgical microscope enhanced the magnification, which resulted in a better understanding of microsurgical anatomy. The increased rate of mortality and morbidity was further reduced to an extreme level with radiation treatment and chemotherapy developed in the 1950s and 1960s. They acted as adjuvant therapy to combat the brain tumors. The possibilities of central nervous system infections and brain abscesses are also brought under control with the broad-spectrum antibiotics and steroids. Surgeons had taken recourse to the endovascular procedures to treat vascular diseases in the brain in the two concluding decades of the former century. The 21st century opened new doors in molecular biology and genetics, combined with the boom in information technology. The advancement of computer technology has hailed newer changes. Several computer-based applications like neuro-imaging, neuro-navigation, intraoperative neuro-monitoring have become a part of standard neurosurgical practice. Medical personas use a 64-slice CT scan having the capacity of 3D imaging to treat vascular reconstructions during aneurysm surgery. Also, this advanced feature aids in brain tumour surgery by providing a profound anatomicopathological demonstration. The metabolic neuro-imaging assists the surgeons to distinguish the brain tumours from infections and metastasis. The doctors use Intraoperative MRI imaging to resect brain tumours such as pituitary adenomas and gliomas with optimum safety. Functional neuro-imaging, on the other hand, extends help in studying epilepsy surgery. For patients suffering from spinal cord injuries and degenerative neurological ailments, the modern technique of neuromodulation with stem cells to restore the function of neurological functionalities is in use in the present state. The results whatsoever are not anything outstanding, yet they come with some rays of hope for the patients. The further incorporation of stereotaxy has given access to robotics in neurosurgery. However, in neurosurgery, it had been around two decades since robots are being used. Still, the current robotic system's restrictions and limitations have kept the maximum usage of robotics in oblivion from humankind. Behind the opulent progressions and advancement there lies a challenge for the neurosurgeons hailing from the 21st century. The last century has witnessed some extraordinary and remarkable changes in the domain of neuroscience. So, the present-day neurosurgeons have to assimilate those progressions and then incorporate them into the contemporary paradigms. The advancement in computer technology is hoped to help the researchers probe deeper into the subject by creating large, central databases of neurological diseases. These central databases will then end up becoming perfect reference models for investigation, therapeutics and research. Surgeries have evolved to a greater level wherein real-time images can be accessed, thus helping a surgeon maintain accuracy. This can be achieved with the help of Intraoperative image guidance. For pituitary surgery, image guidance navigation technique keeps on enlightening the surgeons with anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus and relationship of tumours with the carotid arteries. But, the only drawback associated with it is that the equipment comes in a high price range. Further, the operating room personnel has to undergo rigorous training to use the equipment effectively. With the assistance of the linear accelerators and sophisticated systems providing visualization and guidance, surgeons can perform stereotactic radiosurgery. It can treat primary and metastatic lesions and arteriovenous malfunctions. The surgeons are introduced to effective treatment of radioresistant neoplasms through the linear accelerators and visualization systems. Furthermore, there have taken remarkable advancement in molecular biology and genetics, which can alter the treatment procedure of a brain tumour or a degenerative neurological disease. With the help of genetic microarray, doctors can easily detect the type of brain tumour. Also, it will suggest the therapies targeting the relevant molecular particles. Foetal neurosurgery has been conducted in an experimental setting, though it will take some more time to incorporate it into routine clinical practice. Worldwide acceptance is still not achieved. But, if the genetic abnormalities in the utero are detected early enough, it will provide the mothers with a chance to come to some acknowledged decision about the future of their pregnancy. The 21st century will witness the advantage of nano-technology that would allow the doctors to infuse chemotherapeutic agents directly into the tumour bed. The neuroscience has hailed nano-technology applications such as nanoimaging with nano-particles and quantum dots, nano repair, and nanomanipulation. The modern-day advancements are walking towards making surgeries minimally invasive. Neurosurgeons have to amalgamate both the IT progressions and advancement in molecular biology and genetics in the current medical scenario. The clinical neurology will keep on making decisions regarding surgery, while with the aid of technology, surgeons can achieve precision, perfection and sophisticated techniques. Furthermore, a Neurosurgeon will have to collaborate with neurologists, neuroradiologists, and psychologists to treat a patient since many neurological diseases have turned multimodal.

The prostate gland, an organ, is shaped like a walnut-sized gland in men that produces the prostate fluid that transports and nourishes sperm throughout the reproductive system. Prostate cancer, due to its advanced stage, is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Most prostate cancers develop slowly over time and are confined to the prostate glands, where they can cause less severe damage if left alone. However, when these cancers spread to other body areas, they can be very dangerous. Most men will experience some symptoms of prostate cancer at some point in their lives. These may include unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain, unintentional diarrhea or constipation, blood in urine or semen, fever, and legs' swelling. One test commonly used is called the digital rectal exam. This test consists of a small, lighted camera affixed to a thin inner tube that allows a man's prostate to be seen. Other tests that may be performed to determine whether or not you have prostate cancer include a bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, CT scan or ultrasound. All of these tests will help your doctor to determine whether or not cancer is present in the area of your body in which you are experiencing the symptoms. Abnormal cells may grow in areas of your body that are not usually affected by tumors. Although most abnormal cells will not cause harm to your health, you should consult with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual growths in any of these areas. Prostate cancer can be treated depending on the type of cancer that is present in your body. If there is just one tumor present or located very close to another or adjacent organs, surgery will be required. If your cancer has spread (metastasized), hormone therapy will probably be prescribed, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Surgery or radiation therapy is more effective in cases where the spread of cancer has not yet reached the lymph nodes or other areas where it may potentially spread. If your doctor believes that your cancer has spread significantly, then he may suggest that you have an operation known as a prostatectomy. If a man develops prostate cancer while still young, he runs the risk of living just several years without learning of his cancer or being able to cure it once it has developed. Because prostate cancer often affects men who are in their forties and beyond, many men live with prostate cancer for their entire lives. Prostate-cancer patients are considered high risk because they have a family history of this disease, have sexual intercourse with a woman who has it and have the disease itself; and often because they have certain risk factors associated with prostate cancer and are unaware of them. Anytime a tumor is present in the body, it can pose a danger. This is especially true when it has spread to areas surrounding the lymph nodes in your chest, such as the lungs, liver, or bones. Even if you do not have a tumor, it is still essential to regularly see your doctor ensure that any symptoms you might be experiencing are not related to something else. Symptoms should include blood in the urine or stool, persistent coughing that does not go away and weight loss. It's estimated that most men will need prostate cancer treatment at some point in their lives. With all the various screening methods currently available, it's easy to get lost and confused about the best way to go. Screening for prostate cancer can be tricky but can be one of the most important decisions you make regarding your health. Most medical organizations recommend men over their age of 50 to share their thoughts with their physicians on prostate cancer screenings' pros and cons. The dialogue should include an assessment of your lifestyle and your riskiest risks. If you are a Black man, have a family member with the disease, or are experiencing an early age onset, you may want to start the conversations earlier. Most experts recommend that men begin discussing these screenings with their physicians as soon as possible because symptoms and treatments become more readily apparent as we age. Early detection is the best way to avoid the devastating consequences that this disease can leave you with. One of the newest and potentially most successful prostate cells to be developed is "biologic therapy." This treatment involves identifying the genetic molecules that cause the disease and then actively fighting off these cells so they can no longer attack healthy prostate cells. This therapy is producing T-cells which are new versions of the T-cells that are always present in our bodies. These new T-cells are then genetically programmed to attack prostate cells. One of the latest PSA tests is called the Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSAT). This test measures the levels of the PSA hormone. Several newer tests combine PSA with a digital blood cell panel. Blood tests for PSA can now be taken at home rather than in the doctor's office. A home test will not only save you the cost of travel to the lab, but it will also save you time. There is no more need to drive to the lab and come back in a short time, so this option allows you to test for PSA whenever you wish. Some of the latest medications used for treating prostate cancer include transthoracic, doxorubicin, and two newer drugs known as the platinum/ palladium (PPA) inhibitors. Transthoracic is an injectable medication that is used to treat the cancer cells within the prostate. It is commonly used for moderate to severe pain caused by enlarged prostates. The downside of this drug is that it can lead to increased risk of infection and bleeding, which may increase the risk of death. If you suffer from frequent infections or prolonged bleeding, you should inform your doctor about these concerns. Another new treatment for prostate cancer involves molecular biology and genetic engineering to change the genetic material of the body. This technique is called targeted drug delivery. Targeted treatments using gene changes have shown promise in developing new drugs that are more effective and may one day allow men with the disease to live longer and better lives. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine whether this technology holds promise in the future. As mentioned earlier, this type's treatment can involve the introduction of hormonal therapies and other surgical procedures. Unfortunately, many men who are considered high risk have been told that they cannot undergo this procedure because of the severe side effects such surgery can cause. This is not necessarily true. Prostate cancer is not like other organs in that it is surrounded by blood. Doctors have developed some ground-breaking tests to determine if gene changes will affect the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate. Most of these tests are currently in pre-clinical development. Scientists and doctors are working feverishly to test these new drugs before they are available for general use. Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer are the most critical aspect of surviving this severe disease.