In a ground-breaking move, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, launched the first-of-its-kind comprehensive clinic for the treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in Eastern India. The announcement ceremony, which took place at The Oberoi Grand on March 14, 2024, highlighted the significance of this initiative in advancing the battle against ILD.
The event was graced by Mr Rana Dasgupta, CEO-Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group; Dr Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director Medical Services, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals; Rheumatologist Dr Syamasis Bandyopadhyay; Pulmonologists Dr Asok Sengupta, Dr Subhasish Ghosh, Dr Arindam Mukherjee and Dr Debopam Chatterjee; Critical Care expert Dr Suresh Ramasubban and Dr Asif Iqbal; Allergy and Immunology specialist Dr Saibal Moitra; and Cardiac and Respiratory Critical Care specialist and ECMO physician Dr Arpan Chakraborty.
ILD is a broad group of uncommon conditions that causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Incessant cough and progressively worsening breathlessness are the most common symptoms. ILD can be mildly symptomatic and may improve with simple measures like smoking cessation or may be progressive with ever-worsening symptoms.
Addressing the congregation, Mr Rana Dasgupta, CEO-Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, continues to not only introduce new technologies and provide path-breaking treatment but is also a leader in providing comprehensive care in critical cases. The inauguration of the ILD clinic is a case in point. Misdiagnosis is common in ILD patients. Increased awareness, therefore, is one of the major ways to combat ILD. This comprehensive clinic will go a long way in treating ILD patients as well as managing the critical ones.”
In patients suffering from ILD, parts of the lungs that help oxygen get into the blood and out to the tissues are damaged. Scarring in the lungs also makes it difficult to breathe, resultantly, leading to chronic and distressing cough. When this damage worsens, it can lead to multiple medical complications.
Speaking, therefore, on the importance of a multidisciplinary team in managing ILD patients, Dr Asok Sengupta, Senior Consultant, Department of Pulmonology, said, “The multidisciplinary clinic will be of great relief for ILD patients as we will now be able to minimise the sufferings and in select cases provide a new lease of life.”
The ILD Management Programme, a pivotal facet of the clinic, focuses on symptom relief, disease progression slowing, and enhancing the overall quality of life. The sessions will be held twice a month and attended by skilled Pulmonologists specializing in ILD management.
A notable feature of the ILD clinic is the Multidisciplinary Discussion (MDD) Clinic, which consists of a comprehensive team of experts including Pulmonologists, Critical Care Specialists, Radiologists, Rheumatologists, Rehab Specialists, Pathologists, Thoracic Surgeons and skilled nursing staff. This facilitates a comprehensive diagnosis through dynamic discussions among subspecialists and coming to a conclusion to maximise patient support.
On this note, Dr Arindam Mukherjee, Senior Consultant, Department of Pulmonology, said, “In the realm of respiratory health, precision is paramount. Mislabelling chronic respiratory conditions as ILD burdens patients with despair and deprives them of potentially beneficial treatments. Our ILD programme at Apollo is dedicated to providing precise diagnoses and tailored management plans, ensuring every patient receives the care they need. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and state-of-the-art facilities, we strive to revolutionize lung care, offering hope and healing to those battling interstitial lung diseases.”
The ILD diagnosis and management clinic involves multidisciplinary participation, ensuring precise diagnosis and management decisions in the presence of various specialists. Patients are provided with personalized management advice and directed to follow-up clinics every three to six months.
Also present on the occasion, Dr Syamasis Bandyopadhyay, Senior Consultant, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, said, “Recovery of the patient is the greatest satisfaction and our biggest strength. Quality treatment needs to be universally available.”
The launch of the ILD Multidisciplinary Clinic marks a significant step forward in the fight against these challenging lung conditions. Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, remains committed to providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and the ILD Clinic is a testament to the institute’s dedication to improving patient outcomes.
