Sushruta
An artist’s impression of the great medicine man Sushruta, the father of surgery. (the term and concept ‘Doctor’ did not exist then) Sushruta lived in the 8th century B.C. and has authored the Sushruta Samahita Sushruta’s Compendium on Medicine.

2600 years ago he and health scientists of his time conducted complicated surgeries like cesareans, cataract, artificial limbs, fractures, urinary stones and even plastic surgery and brain surgery. Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India. Over 125 surgical equipment were used. Deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, etiology, embryology, digestion, metabolism, genetics and immunity is also found in many texts.

Don’t Ignore

• Don’t ever ignore blood in the sputum.
  This may be indicative of the onset of TB.
• Don’t ever ignore weakness in one half of the body during early hours of the day.
  Paralysis is common during this part of the day.
• Don’t ever ignore a fall in an older person.
  It may lead to the end of their independence.
• Don’t ever ignore painless appearances of blood in the urine.
  This may be indicative of early cancer of the bladder.
• Don’t ever ignore a lump in the breast.
  This may be suggestive of breast cancer.
• Don’t ever ignore a persistent change in digestive and bowel habits.
  This may suggest cancer.
• Don’t ever ignore a swelling or sore throat that does not get better.
  This may suggest cancer or diabetes.

Kidney Problems 30 Years Ago
30 years ago, people with kidney failure had little hope of survival. Thousands Canadians suffered from kidney–related disorders, such as kidney stones and bladder cancer.
20 years ago, dialysis patients had to spend up to 36 hours each week connected to a machine in order to stay alive. Only half of kidney transplants were successful.
10 years ago, a new more convenient form of dialysis was developed. Dialysis treatments were reduced to approximately 12 hours a week.

Today, kidney transplants are 85% successful and the preferred treatment for many patients. Kidney stones are preventable and curable. A drug which treats and prevents bladder cancer has been developed.

Trivia in India
In India it costs less to have sex with a prostitute than it does to buy a condom.
In India, a cure for allergy and headache costs less than a cup of tea. Half of drug prescriptions for diarrhea originate in North India.
Two thirds of anti obesity drug prescriptions in India are for women.
53% of Indians are willing to pay Rs.100 for a Viagra pill while only 17% are willing to pay Rs. 500.
An estimated 1,049 Indians died of tobacco related diseases in 1998 which is two–thirds of the total of such deaths in SE Asia.
10.82% of Mumbai’s nursing homes do not have an in–house pathology laboratory.
Only 35% of births in India are attended by skilled health personnel.