Aastha Hospice

Aastha Hospice Aastha is a Hospice and Palliative Care Center for those whose illness may no longer be curable. It may be provided at home, hospital or hospice.

It enables them to achieve the best quality of life especially during the final stages of their illness.

24/06/2026

Dr. Sandeep Kumar (Founder Director, AIIMS Bhopal) in conversation with Dr. Abhishek Shukla.

Discussing the tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of 15 young students, Dr. Sandeep Kumar raised a deeply important question — who is truly accountable?

He reflected that while investigations will identify the immediate culprits, the larger responsibility lies with society as a whole. “If a 15 or 20-year-old child dies in such a tragedy, imagine the pain of the parents. Since yesterday, all of us have been disturbed and grieving after seeing this,” he said.

Dr. Kumar emphasized that this is not just about one owner or one institution. It is about a mindset — the dangerous belief that ‘in India, everything goes on like this.’ He shared examples of buildings being used commercially without proper fire exits, safety signs, sprinklers, or emergency drills, despite owners being fully aware of the rules.

He stressed that accountability must be shared — by building owners, coaching centres, electricity departments, development authorities, and even parents who fail to question safety arrangements before sending their children.

“The silence of society is also part of the problem,” he said.

The discussion concluded with a strong call for reform: fire safety education and drills must become compulsory in schools, colleges, and coaching centres. Instead of shifting blame, India must build a culture of accountability, awareness, and prevention.

24/06/2026

Dr. Abhishek Shukla (Geriatrician) explains ventilator removal
A ventilator is started when a patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own or when oxygen supply to the body is critically low. In this case, the patient was brought unconscious, gasping for breath, with no pulse and no blood pressure. He was immediately intubated, placed on a ventilator, and started on life-saving medicines, antibiotics, fluids, and nutrition support.

Further evaluation showed aspiration pneumonia, which was treated aggressively. Over the next few days, the patient improved significantly—his lung infection settled, blood pressure stabilized, oxygenation improved, and medicines like dopamine and vasopressin were stopped. Gradually, ventilator support was reduced from controlled mode to SIMV and then to pressure support mode, where the patient started breathing largely on his own.

Before removing the ventilator, we assess whether the patient is conscious, able to follow commands, maintaining oxygen saturation, and tolerating T-piece breathing trials. This patient successfully maintained 3–4 hours of spontaneous breathing, which confirmed readiness for extubation.

The most important step before extubation is suctioning the tube and mouth to remove secretions and prevent aspiration. Once cleared, the cuff of the endotracheal tube is deflated, and the tube is gently removed. After extubation, oxygen support, nebulization, chest physiotherapy, and spirometry are started.

Successful ventilator removal is not just taking out the tube—it is careful planning, monitoring, and ensuring the patient can sustain breathing independently.

23/06/2026

The tragic fire incident in Aliganj, which claimed the lives of 15 young students and left many others injured, has shaken all of us deeply. It raises a painful but important question: could these young lives have been saved? In today’s time, when we aspire to call ourselves a developed nation, such incidents are preventable if proper fire safety systems are in place.

There are broadly two kinds of fire situations—those in unmanned areas and those in manned spaces. In unmanned places like locked factories, a fire is often noticed only after it has spread dangerously. But in manned areas such as coaching centres, schools, hospitals, or homes, there is often an early chance to detect and control it. This is why safety measures like smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and most importantly, clear fire escape routes are essential. In emergencies, the first priority must always be rapid evacuation. Never waste time collecting belongings or trying to go back inside once you are out.

People often do not die directly from flames, but from suffocation caused by smoke inhalation. That is why one should crawl low to the ground where oxygen is higher and smoke is less dense. Remember life-saving steps like “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if clothes catch fire, and the PASS method while using a fire extinguisher—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Dr. Abhishek Shukla, said t his tragedy teaches us that every student, teacher, and institution must know their fire escape plan. Fire exits should always remain unlocked and unobstructed. Emergencies do not come with warnings; they give us only minutes to act. The Aliganj incident is not just an accident—it is a lifelong lesson in preparedness, awareness, and responsibility.

22/06/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, in conversation with Dr. Nirupama Jaiswal, discussed the emotional stress surrounding NEET results. With results expected soon, many students across India are anxiously waiting, and reports of severe distress and even suicides among aspirants have become increasingly common. Dr. Shukla asked an important question: when students invest years preparing and still face disappointment, how should they cope? Dr. Jaiswal shared a powerful message: “NEET is important, but life is far more important.” She emphasized that no exam, rank, or score can define a person’s worth. Students often feel trapped by thoughts like “I have failed” or “My future is over,” but these thoughts are often the result of extreme emotional stress, not reality. Failure is an event, not an identity. Many successful doctors, officers, and entrepreneurs have faced setbacks before achieving success. One exam cannot decide the course of an entire life.
She strongly advised students to never isolate themselves during difficult times. If negative thoughts arise, speak openly with parents, siblings, friends, teachers, or mental health professionals. Meditation, deep breathing, physical activity, and engaging in hobbies can help break the cycle of stress. If hopelessness becomes overwhelming, professional psychiatric help should be sought without hesitation. The most important message is this: your life matters deeply—not just to you, but to everyone who loves and depends on you. No result is worth losing that.

22/06/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla was in conversation with Dr. Mridul Mehrotra (MBBS, MD - KGMC, Lucknow) Senior Pathologist, on an important and growing issue in modern healthcare—over-diagnostics and unnecessary testing. Dr. Shukla highlighted how patients are often advised to undergo large “health packages” and return with 20–30 page reports filled with tests for zinc, selenium, hormones, vitamins, and many other parameters that may not even be relevant to their illness. This creates confusion because doctors often need only a few focused tests to diagnose and treat the problem effectively.

Dr. Mehrotra, drawing from his 40 years of medical experience, explained that patients should ask themselves a simple question: can 200 or more genuine tests really be performed for ₹999 or less? His answer was a clear no. He introduced the term “sink test”—a humorous but serious expression in medicine, where blood may be collected, the sample practically “goes into the sink,” and a mostly normal report is generated without proper testing. He explained that many patients feel reassured seeing “normal” reports, but if they were truly normal, why would they still feel unwell? This highlights the danger of blindly trusting cheap packages.

Both doctors emphasized that quality diagnostics require expensive machines, proper reagents, expert supervision, and strict sample transport conditions such as maintaining the cold chain. A wrong report can lead to unnecessary lifelong treatment, like thyroid medicines or supplements, based on false results. Their message to the public was clear: trust your doctor, get only the specific tests advised for your condition, and always choose a laboratory where qualified pathology specialists are available. In healthcare, quality and accuracy matter far more than quantity and low cost.

21/06/2026

Kidney stones have become very common nowadays, and many people discover them accidentally during an ultrasound done for some other reason. In an important conversation between Dr. Rohit Kapoor, MCh Urology, and Dr. Abhishek Shukla, Senior Geriatrician, it was explained that not every kidney stone needs immediate surgery, but no stone should be ignored. Stones can form because of low water intake, high salt consumption, fast food habits, hard drinking water, and irregular lifestyles. Even small stones of 4–6 mm may cause trouble if they block urine flow, cause infection, or lead to swelling of the kidney.

A common myth is that medicines can dissolve kidney stones. Dr. Kapoor clarified that there is no medicine that can melt a stone. However, some medicines can help small stones pass naturally, especially if they are located in the lower ureter. For proper evaluation, doctors often advise a CT scan to check the exact size, location, and whether there is any blockage. If the stone is small and not causing major problems, it can be managed with medicines, hydration, and observation. But if there is pain, infection, swelling, or obstruction, treatment may be needed.

Modern treatment for kidney stones has become much easier. Procedures like RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) use a telescope and laser to break the stone without any cuts on the body. Prevention is equally important—drink 2–3 litres of water daily, reduce extra salt, take lemon water, and eat home-cooked food. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can protect your kidneys and prevent serious damage.

20/06/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, in conversation with Dr. Nirupama Jaiswal, discussed Delayed Ej*******on, a condition in which ej*******on occurs much later than expected or may not occur at all despite normal s*xual desire and stimulation. It can affect quality of life, relationships, and psychological well-being, and may have both physical and psychological causes.

Delayed ej*******on can occur due to age-related changes in nerve function, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, and the side effects of some medications, particularly antidepressants. Hormones, including testosterone and other s*x steroids, play an important role in s*xual function, and abnormalities in hormonal levels can contribute to difficulties with ej*******on. Psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, relationship issues, or performance concerns may also be significant contributors.

Management depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause. Evaluation may include assessment of medical history, medications, hormonal status, and psychological factors. Treatment can involve lifestyle modifications, management of underlying illnesses, adjustment of medications when appropriate, counseling or s*x therapy, and treatment of hormonal deficiencies if present. A comprehensive and individualized approach often provides the best outcomes for patients experiencing delayed ej*******on.

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19/06/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla was in conversation with Dr. Sandeep Verma, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology) and Senior GI Surgeon, regarding anorectal disorders, a group of conditions affecting the a**s and re**um that commonly present with pain, bleeding, swelling, discharge, itching, or difficulty during bowel movements.

Some of the most frequently encountered anorectal conditions include A**l Fissure, A**l Fistula, and Hemorrhoids. Although these conditions may produce similar symptoms, their causes, severity, and treatment approaches differ significantly. Accurate diagnosis therefore requires a detailed history, careful clinical examination, and an understanding of the patient’s bowel habits, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.

Effective treatment is not limited to relieving symptoms alone. The key is to identify and address the underlying cause of the problem. Depending on the diagnosis, management may involve lifestyle and dietary modifications, treatment of constipation, medications, endoscopic procedures, or surgery. Understanding why the condition developed in the first place is essential, as failure to address the root cause may lead to recurrence even after successful treatment.

18/06/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, Senior Geriatrician, who regularly manages bed-ridden patients and those requiring subacute care, explained the important procedure of changing a tracheostomy (TT) tube. He emphasized that TT tube changing is not just a routine procedure but can become an emergency at any time, especially when the patient is at home. Many times, the tube may get blocked during the night, and arranging trained medical personnel at odd hours can be difficult and time-consuming. In such situations, if family members are aware of the basic steps of changing the tracheostomy tube, it can prove life-saving and help prevent serious complications. Dr. Shukla stressed that caregivers should remain alert and confident in handling such emergencies, as timely action can make a big difference in saving the patient’s life.

Dr. Shukla also explained the warning signs of TT tube blockage. He mentioned that whenever a wheezing sound is heard from the tracheostomy tube, it often indicates narrowing of the airway due to blockage inside the tube. This blockage commonly occurs because of dried secretions accumulating within the TT tube. He discussed the importance of proper suctioning before removing the tube, as this helps clear secretions and prevents aspiration or breathing difficulty. The procedure of inflating and deflating the TT cuff was also demonstrated and explained in detail. Understanding these essential steps can help family members and caregivers manage tracheostomy patients safely and effectively at home.

17/06/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, Geriatrician, was in conversation with Dr. Mridul Mehrotra, MBBS, MD, regarding Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and the correct way to collect a urine sample for accurate diagnosis. They explained that many patients receive incorrect reports because the urine sample is not collected, stored, or transported properly. A proper urine sample helps doctors identify the infection correctly and start the right treatment at the right time.

Dr. Mehrotra emphasized that a mid-stream early morning urine sample is usually preferred because it is more concentrated and provides better diagnostic information. Before collecting the sample, patients should ensure that a doctor is available to review the report and advise further management. A urine sample should ideally be tested as soon as possible after collection. If a sample is collected at night and sent the next morning, the results may not be reliable. Over time, pus cells and bacteria present in the urine may get destroyed or consumed, causing the report to appear normal even when an infection is actually present. Therefore, timely testing is extremely important.

The doctors also highlighted that a normal routine urine microscopic examination does not always rule out infection. Sometimes bacteria may not be visible on routine microscopy, but a urine culture can still detect them. Urine culture remains the most reliable test for identifying the specific bacteria causing the infection. It should ideally be performed before starting antibiotics. If antibiotics are taken before the sample is collected, the bacteria may be suppressed, which can affect the culture result and make diagnosis difficult. Therefore, patients should always provide the urine sample first and start antibiotics only after proper medical advice.

Address

Aastha Geriatric Hospital & Hospice, B-52 J Park Mahanagar LKO
Lucknow
226006

Telephone

+919415015050

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