Internal & Geriatric Medicine

At the Department of Internal Medicine, we offer a wide range of specialised medical services designed to meet the unique needs of our patients. Whether it is routine checkups to monitor your health or life-saving procedures during emergencies, our goal is to ensure the highest standard of medical support in every situation. Each of these services is performed with the utmost precision, ensuring comfort and safety for our patients while focusing on optimal recovery and well-being.

• Arterial blood gas analysis: This test involves drawing a small amount of blood from the wrist (radial artery) to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This is a vital test for people with lung and metabolic conditions as it helps doctors assess the health of the lungs, as well as provides information on acid-base balance.
• Ryle’s tube insertion: When patients are unable to eat or drink by mouth, a soft flexible feeding tube is gently inserted through the nose into the stomach. This tube enables the supplementation of nutrients or the draining of stomach contents.
• Pleural paracentesis (thoracocentesis): This procedure uses an ultrasound to guide a needle into the chest cavity to remove excess fluid around the lungs.
• Abdominal paracentesis:Abdominal paracentesis, also known as ascitic tap, is an ultrasound-guided medical procedure that involves inserting a needle/tube into the abdominal cavity to remove excess fluid. This procedure is commonly done in patients with liver cirrhosis.
• Lumbar puncture: This diagnostic procedure, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to collect or drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the spinal cord, for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes and to measure CSF pressure by inserting a needle into the lower back. The collected fluid is tested for any abnormalities. A spinal tap also aids in relieving pressure around the brain.
• Endotracheal intubation: In emergencies where patients are unable to breathe on their own, a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea) to assist in breathing. This procedure also ensures that the airway stays open and can be connected to a ventilator if necessary.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation): CPR is a life-saving procedure, involving chest compressions and rescue breaths administered to unresponsive patients who have stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating to restore normal breathing and heartbeat.
• Defibrillation: A procedure that involves administering an electrical shock to restore the normal heartbeat in patients whose hearts have stopped beating naturally (cardiac arrest).
• Temporary pacemaker insertion: A pacemaker is a medical device used to regulate the patient’s heartbeat. The pacemaker can be temporary (inserted till recovery) or permanent (inserted throughout life).
• Central venous catheterisation: Central venous catheterisation involves inserting a thin flexible tube into a large vein usually in the neck, chest, or groin. This procedure is often used to administer medications or fluids in cases of shock.
• Arterial line insertion: During arterial line insertion, a thin tube is placed in an artery (often in the wrist) to continuously monitor blood pressure and take blood samples for arterial blood gas analysis. This procedure is important for patients in critical conditions, allowing for real-time monitoring and accurate treatment decisions.
• Preventive healthcare services (executive health checkups) including physical examinations and investigations 
  In today’s fast-paced and highly stressful lifestyle, it is essential to take care of your health. Our preventive healthcare services include a thorough physical examination and various tests to evaluate overall health. These checkups help to detect any issues early and allow lifestyle modifications to improve well-being.

The Department of Internal Medicine (General Medicine) provides treatment for a wide range of medical conditions including, but not limited to the following:

• Diabetes: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively use the insulin it produces. If untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including damage to vital organs. Currently 7.5 crore adults in India are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and this number is expected to increase to 12.5 crore by 2045. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis and early treatment are essential to prevent diabetes-related complications, such as organ damage.
• Hypertension: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that arises when there is consistent elevated pressure in the blood vessels. This elevation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which may lead to stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Early detection and control of hypertension can be life-saving.
• Dyslipidaemia: Dyslipidaemia is a condition referring to abnormal levels of lipids, such as triglycerides or cholesterol, in the blood. It can be hereditary and caused by genetic or lifestyle factors. Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further cardiovascular issues.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia, an infection of the lung tissue or lower respiratory tract, is often caused by bacteria, viruses, or food aspiration. Early antibiotic treatment combined with chest physiotherapy improves recovery.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD, a progressive lung disease, is a condition often arising due to long-term exposure to harmful pollutants or chemicals, resulting in breathing difficulties and exhaustion. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life and manage symptoms, like breathlessness and fatigue.
• Obesity: Obesity has become increasingly common over the past few decades and is linked with increased incidence of cardiac and metabolic conditions. Identifying the exact cause of obesity is essential to provide effective treatment options tailored to an individual.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is characterised by weak bones, making them fragile and more prone to fracture, particularly in post-menopausal females and the elderly. Patients with osteoporosis show decreased bone mineral density and bone mass or altered bone structure and strength. Early diagnosis is essential to minimise the risk of fractures from minor falls.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia, which refers to early-stage bone density loss, is characterised by decreased bone mineral density. This condition can lead to osteoporosis if untreated. Patients with osteopenia are not at significant risk for fractures. Without investigation of the cause and immediate commencement of treatment, osteopenia will progress to osteoporosis.
• Vitamin deficiency: Vitamin deficiency occurs when the body lacks essential vitamins due to inadequate dietary intake (primary deficiency) or underlying disorders, such as malabsorption (secondary deficiency). Common symptoms include hair loss and confusion. Identifying and treating the root cause is essential to restoring health.
• Perioperative medicine: Optimising patients for surgery: Perioperative medicine involves management of a patient’s medical conditions before and after surgery, which is critical for ensuring a safe procedure and smooth recovery. This includes optimising heart function and addressing other health concerns to enhance surgical outcomes.
• Persistent fever: If a fever persists despite medications, it may indicate an underlying infection or medical condition. Thorough evaluation and investigations are needed to identify the source and cause of the fever.

1. Geriatrics Clinic

Our Vision

Our vision is to deliver preventive gerontology services and comprehensive care for elderly individuals, addressing mobility, joint, and memory issues, and urinary complaints. With a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in Orthopaedics, Urology, and Nutrition, we aim to enhance the quality of life and independence of seniors through specialised geriatric and preventive assessments managed by expert doctors.

This clinic supports patients in achieving their goals with dignity and respect.

Conditions We Treat

• Frailty: Frailty is a clinical condition characterised by a decline in strength, endurance, and physiological function, making older adults more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes, such as falls, hospitalisations, and a reduced ability to recover from illness. Identifying frailty early is crucial for implementing interventions that can improve the quality of life and prevent further decline.
• Nutrition/weight loss concerns: Nutrition and weight loss concerns in older adults often stem from poor dietary intake, difficulty in food absorption, or underlying health conditions. Malnutrition can exacerbate existing illnesses and weaken the immune system. Addressing these issues through a balanced diet and tailored nutritional plans is essential for maintaining health and preventing further complications.
• Depression: Depression, a commonly-known mental health disorder, is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and loss of interest in activities. In older adults, it can often go undiagnosed, contributing to a decline in overall health. Early detection and appropriate treatment, including therapy and medication, can significantly improve mental well-being.
• Chronic diseases and conditions: Chronic diseases refer to long-term conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, that require continuous management. These conditions can have a significant impact on daily functioning and quality of life. Early diagnosis and consistent management are key to minimising complications and improving outcomes.
• Decline in functioning: A decline in physical and cognitive functioning is common with ageing and can result from a variety of factors, including chronic diseases, malnutrition, and lack of physical activity. This decline can impair an individual's ability to perform daily activities. Identifying and addressing the underlying causes can help slow the progression and maintain independence.
• Fall prevention: Falls are a major cause of injury in older adults. Fall prevention refers to strategies aimed at minimising the risk of falls. Factors contributing to falls include muscle weakness, poor balance, and environmental hazards. Implementing fall prevention measures, such as exercise programmes and home modifications, is crucial for reducing injury risks.
• Dementia: Dementia refers to a condition which presents symptoms affecting memory, social abilities, and thinking capabilities, thus interfering with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. Management of symptoms through early diagnosis along with supportive care can help in improving the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
• Medication issues (polypharmacy): Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by an individual, often common in older adults with several chronic conditions. While medications are necessary for managing diseases, polypharmacy can elevate the risk of adverse drug interactions and side effects. Regular medication reviews are essential to minimise risks and ensure appropriate treatment.

High-quality infrastructure has been developed based on rigorous planning to ensure that the patients receive nothing but the finest care. Our outpatient consulting rooms are well-equipped for comprehensive examinations, facilitating accurate assessments by our medical professionals. We offer superior laboratory and advanced radiology services available 24/7, ensuring prompt and accurate diagnosis to support timely treatment decisions.

The hospital features extensive space dedicated to physical medicine and rehabilitation, designed for ease of accessibility for differently-abled patients. Our senior patients can take advantage of the exceptional services of our Physical Therapy Department, which focuses on optimising balance and mobility to meet their increasing demands.