Tag: Healthcare

Business

Molbio Diagnostics Files DRHP with SEBI: Plans ₹200 Crore Fresh Issue, Major Expansion Ahead

allycaralgoa

Molbio Diagnostics Limited, a Goa-based leader in point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The IPO will include a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹200 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 1.25 crore equity shares by existing shareholders.

According to the DRHP, Molbio plans to utilize the net proceeds as follows:

  • ₹99.3 crore for infrastructure development including a state-of-the-art R&D facility, Center of Excellence, and office space.
  • ₹73.5 crore for purchase of plant, machinery, and equipment for its Goa and Visakhapatnam manufacturing units.
  • The remainder for general corporate purposes.

Molbio’s patented Truenat platform is recognized globally in over 100 countries as a breakthrough in rapid molecular diagnostics. Being portable and battery-operated, Truenat enables decentralized testing and provides results within an hour, making it crucial for diseases like tuberculosis, COVID-19, HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B & C.

  • Incorporated in 2000, Molbio operates five manufacturing facilities across India — two in Goa, one in Visakhapatnam, and two in Bengaluru.
  • The Machohalli (Bengaluru) unit, operated by its subsidiary Prognosys Medical Systems, manufactures radiology products including ultraportable X-rays and C-arm systems.
  • As of March 31, 2025, the company’s annual installed capacity was 3,600 devices and 3.9 crore test kits.

In FY25, Molbio Diagnostics reported:

  • Revenue from operations: ₹1,020 crore (22% YoY growth)
  • Profit After Tax: ₹138.5 crore

The company’s promoters include Sriram Natarajan, Chandrasekhar Bhaskaran Nair, Sangeetha Sriram, Shiva Sriram, Sowmya Sriram, and Exxora Trading LLP.

The book-running lead managers for the IPO are Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, IIFL Capital Services, Jefferies India, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors.

With robust financials, a globally recognized platform, and plans for significant expansion, Molbio Diagnostics’ IPO is poised to be a landmark event in India’s healthcare and diagnostics sector.

Health

Augmented Reality Revolutionises Joint Replacement Surgery in Goa with Pixee Technology

Tanisha Cardozo

In a transformative leap for orthopaedic care, Goa has successfully completed 50 joint replacement surgeries using Pixee, a revolutionary Augmented Reality (AR) surgical platform developed in France and introduced in India by global medtech leader Meril.

Spearheaded by Dr. Ameya Velingker and his team at Bone and Joint Care, this achievement marks Goa’s entry into the future of surgical innovation.

Pixee is an AR-assisted surgical platform that provides real-time 3D anatomical visualisation during joint replacement procedures. It helps surgeons view exact internal anatomy and make highly precise incisions and alignments, reducing human error and improving the overall outcome of the surgery.

Using smart glasses and tracking systems, Pixee overlays real-time digital guides on the surgeon’s field of view. This ensures:

  • Accurate bone alignment
  • Minimal tissue damage
  • Shorter surgery duration
  • Reduced post-op complications
  • Faster recovery for patients

“Integrating Pixee AR technology into our surgical practice has been a game-changer,” said Dr. Ameya Velingker.
“We’re now able to visualise patient anatomy in real time, make ultra-precise incisions, and complete procedures more efficiently. This means less blood loss, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes for our patients.”

While the spotlight is currently on orthopaedics, AR is poised to transform multiple medical fields. Its applications in neurosurgery, oncology, and cardiology are expanding rapidly. Whether it’s guiding a brain surgeon through a delicate procedure or helping an oncologist localise a tumour, AR’s potential to improve safety and precision is unmatched.

This milestone places Goa at the forefront of healthcare innovation in India. Patients no longer need to travel to metropolitan cities for state-of-the-art care. With AR-powered procedures now available locally, Bone and Joint Care is reshaping how surgeries are experienced in the region.

As Bone and Joint Care continues to pioneer advancements in AR-assisted surgery, the future of minimally invasive, precise, and patient-focused care becomes a reality. This is just the beginning of how technology like Pixee is reshaping the surgical landscape — one joint at a time.

EduConnect

World’s Richest Woman Launches Free-Tuition Medical School for Underserved Communities

allycaralgoa

In a landmark step for healthcare and education, Alice Walton, a member of the Walton family and the world’s richest woman, has launched a new medical school aimed at serving underserved communities.

The medical school will cover full tuition for its first five graduating classes, lifting the financial burden off aspiring doctors who want to pursue medicine but lack the resources.

Walton, who is best known for her philanthropic initiatives in healthcare and education, emphasized that the school’s mission goes beyond academics. It seeks to train doctors who are not only skilled but also compassionate and committed to serving communities that often lack access to quality healthcare.

This initiative comes at a critical time when rising tuition costs and student debt deter many from entering the medical profession. By removing these barriers, Walton hopes to inspire a new generation of physicians who will dedicate their careers to improving lives where medical care is most needed.

Her vision aligns with a growing movement to reform medical education, focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and service-driven healthcare.

For underserved communities, this project represents hope, opportunity, and a healthier future.

International

Nepal’s Supreme Court Ends Tax on Sanitary Pads in Historic Menstrual Equity Ruling

Tanisha Cardozo

Kathmandu, July 31, 2025 — In a historic decision, Nepal’s Supreme Court has ruled to eliminate the tax on sanitary pads, nearly four years after a legal petition was filed by two students from the Kathmandu School of Law.

The court’s ruling is a significant milestone in Nepal’s journey toward menstrual equity and women’s health rights. The decision was handed down by a bench comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Mahesh Sharma Poudel in response to a writ petition filed in 2021 by Shreena Nepal and Abhyuday Bhetwal.

Their argument was clear: Menstrual products are essential goods, not luxury items, and should not be taxed as such. At the time of filing, imported sanitary pads were subject to an 18% tax — 5% customs duty and 13% VAT — a rate that applied even to raw materials used for local production.

The court had instructed the petitioners to obtain responses from four key ministries — Finance, Women and Children, Law and Justice, and Health. Despite minor reforms over the years, including reduced import duties in 2022–23, the petitioners and health advocates pushed for full tax exemption.

The ruling is expected to result in:

  • Lower product prices: A pack of pads priced at Rs60 could now cost Rs50.
  • Boost to local industry: Encouraging domestic production and possibly exports.
  • Expanded access: Helping reduce school dropout rates and workplace absenteeism due to poor menstrual hygiene.
  • Global alignment: Joining countries like India, Colombia, and Scotland in taking bold action against period poverty.

According to the Department of Customs, Nepal imported over 213 million sanitary pads last year, generating Rs251.2 million in tax revenue. Activists argue that this figure pales in comparison to the potential social benefits of tax exemption.

This decision represents more than a legal victory — it’s a statement about dignity, health, and equality for women and girls in Nepal.

Health

Manipal Hospital Goa conducts the “WOW-MOM” Maternity Photo Contest to Celebrate Motherhood

allycaralgoa

Goa, 14th May 2025, – Manipal Hospital Goa has recently conducted a special initiative celebrating motherhood, the WOW MOM Maternity Photo Contest for expectant mothers. This unique event was graced by Mr. Hariprasad MV – Head of Marketing, Manipal Hospital Goa, along with Dr. Mohammed Afzal Siddiqui, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Kinjal Avdhut Kothari, Consultant – OBG, Dr. Deepak Murty, Consultant – ENT, and Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Goa.

This unique event, which was open to all mothers-to-be, was designed to honor and celebrate the journey of pregnancy while offering substantial rewards and incentives. The contest accepted submissions leading up to its culmination on May 9, 2025, where three winners received exciting prizes and all participants were assured a discount on maternity services.

This unique contest brought together expecting mothers and captured the beauty, strength, and emotion of pregnancy through professionally styled maternity photos. This celebration aims to create a memorable experience for participants while supporting them with significant discounts and gifts to ease the financial aspects of childbirth.

On this occasion, Mr Hariprasad MV – Head of Marketing, Manipal Hospital Goa, stated, “At Manipal Hospital Goa, we believe the arrival of a child is a symphony of hope and joy. Our WOW MOM Contest was our way of conducting that orchestra, celebrating each expectant mother’s unique melody and ensuring their journey into parenthood begins with a harmonious and supported first note.”

The event began with a warm welcome by the MC, setting the tone for the celebration, followed by a soothing violin performance as the opening act. The MC then delivered a speech introducing the WOW MOM Contest and its purpose. A special women and child care video was showcased, adding an emotional touch to the evening. Spot prizes were distributed to keep the audience engaged, leading up to the announcement of the Top 10 finalists. The Top 2 finalists were then invited to share their journeys and experiences, after which the final winners were revealed.

Winners of the WOW MOM Maternity Photo Contest were selected based on creativity, emotional appeal, and overall presentation.

The Top 3 finalists were Leisan Sharma, Tanya Sharma, and Jaswinder Kaur. The first prize included a Rs 40,000 discount on delivery at Manipal Hospital and a Rs 10,000 gift voucher. The second prize winner received a Rs 30,000 discount and a Rs 5,000 gift voucher. The third prize was a Rs 20,000 discount and a Rs 5,000 gift voucher.

In addition, every participant was eligible for a flat 10% discount on delivery packages at the hospital, ensuring that all mothers-to-be who took part walked away with something valuable.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, wrapping up a memorable and meaningful celebration of motherhood. The echoes of laughter and pride from the WOW MOM Maternity Photo Contest will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts of the participating mothers. Mr Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Goa, also extended heartfelt gratitude to all the expectant mothers for their enthusiastic participation and trust, acknowledging them as the true inspiration behind the event.

This thoughtful initiative created more than just beautiful photographs; it forged positive memories and provided valuable support, ensuring that the journey into motherhood is met with both celebration and practical assistance.