The new 100- bed Bangalore Regenerative Advanced Institute of Neurosciences (BRAINS) received a Rs. 50 crore funding from Atria Power led by Sunder Raju. The facility which is set up within the existing Sparsh Hospital is led by the well-known neurosurgeon Dr. N. K. Venkataramana.
BRAINS focus is on neurosurgery, neurology, neuro critical care, stem cell-regenerative medicine, neuro nutrition and neuro emergency.
“This is the first private sector specialty tertiary neuro-spine care hospital chain in India. We invested about Rs. 50 crore and would take the total to Rs. 100 crore. Our effort is to install state-of-the-art technology, to make treatment accessible to all. It will have a Trust for poor patients and will not leave any one turned out”, Dr. Venkataramana told Pharmabiz.
“The new hospital with 5 existing full-fledged operation theatres is not all about treating patients alone. The expert team will look at brain science. The facility will set a gold standard in neuro spinal care covering prevention, awareness, advocacy, acute and chronic conditions, regeneration, rehabilitation, research and training,” he added.
The facility will also look at creating awareness about brain health and its vitality. It will address the myths about the neurological illnesses. Post surgery will ensure that disability is reduced to the bare minimum combining regenerative and rehabilitative medicine,” said Dr. Venkataramana.
Another additional focus will be neuro nutrition which is a trend. “Right nutrition for the brain makes humans healthy. When protein powders for muscle building are in vogue, brain-mind also needs healthy food which varies for different ages, illnesses and mental status besides critical care. We will be coming out with a special formula for different needs like Parkinson’s Disease , stroke and student community . In order to rebuild immunity, there is need for right kind of nutrition. Additionally we will look to complement music therapy for brain recovery”, he explained.
“India is way behind in adoption of neurosciences technology compared to the western world and is a biggest drawback. The rupee devaluation and high import duty on medical devices make affordable care a big challenge. In terms of expertise, India is equal to any global counterpart. Specific to neuro surgery, we need to pick the right tools for a lot of the tailor made therapies. At BRAINS, we will ensure what is best and proven will be made available here,” he said.
On the breakeven efforts for any hospital initiative, Dr. Venkataramana said that the aim of the new facility to begin with was to bring in value over valuation. Any hospital needs to make the required investments which is then optimised with the best of skills, infrastructure and proven technology adoption. Going forward, to maximise revenue generation is possible on with indigenisation of technology which can only drive affordability.