Salient R&d Achievements in Last 3 Years and Its Societal Importance
IQRAA International Hospital and Research Centre, a non-governmental organization hospital, serves a substantial volume of both outpatient and inpatient cases, catering to all communities across Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad districts, and neighboring states. Its diverse patient registry encompasses vulnerable populations and individuals from various demographics. Notably, Iqraa played a pivotal role in treating the Nipah 2023 index case and operated as a COVID hospital under a public-private partnership model. Iqraa is also recognized for conducting the nation’s lowest-cost kidney transplants through its dedicated Kidney Research Centre. This positions Iqraa as a vital hub for public health research, contributing significantly to societal outcomes through its innovative approaches and interventions
1: COVID 19
a) Improved Mental Health Support and Vaccination Uptake
The R&D activities undertaken at Iqraa International Hospital and Research Centre in the context of COVID-19 and psychology have led to significant societal outcomes, including improved mental health support and increased vaccination uptake among vulnerable populations. Through studies such as
“Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Among Community-Dwelling Patients With Severe Mental Illness,” the hospital has identified key factors influencing vaccine acceptance among individuals with mental health conditions, thereby informing targeted interventions to enhance vaccination rates and protect this marginalized group from COVID-19. By addressing vaccine hesitancy and providing tailored mental health support, Iqraa International Hospital contributes to societal resilience against the pandemic and promotes holistic well-being.
b) Enhanced Psychological Resilience Among Healthcare Workers
Another societal outcome resulting from the R&D activities at Iqraa International Hospital and Research Centre is the promotion of enhanced psychological resilience among healthcare workers facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through studies such as
“Prevalence of Psychological Morbidities Among Hospital Staff in a Tertiary Care Private Hospital in India Amidst the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the hospital has identified the prevalence of psychological distress among frontline healthcare workers and developed targeted interventions to mitigate stress, anxiety, and burnout. By prioritizing the mental health of healthcare workers, Iqraa International Hospital fosters a supportive work environment, improves job satisfaction, and ensures the continuity of essential healthcare services during crises, thereby benefiting society as a whole.
c) Informed Decision-Making and Healthcare Practices
The R&D activities conducted at Iqraa International Hospital and Research Centre regarding COVID-19 and its management, such as “COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Patients With Psychiatric Disorders” and “Knowledge on Hydroxychloroquine Prescription and Attitude Toward its Use in COVID-19: A Survey-Based Study among Doctors,” have contributed to informed decision-making and evidence-based healthcare practices. By investigating vaccine hesitancy among psychiatric patients and evaluating the attitudes of healthcare professionals toward treatment options, the hospital generates valuable insights that inform public health policies, clinical guidelines, and patient care protocols. This fosters trust in healthcare systems, promotes adherence to recommended interventions, and ultimately enhances the effectiveness of pandemic response efforts, benefiting society by reducing transmission rates and mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
2: Advancements in Infectious Disease Management: Nipah Virus
The R&D efforts undertaken at Iqraa International Hospital and Research Centre in investigating the Nipah virus in 2023 have yielded significant societal outcomes. Through the proposed sero-surveillance studies, the development of compassionate use protocols for experimental treatments like M102.4 in Nipah infection, and the identification of risk factors for person-to-person transmission, the hospital is expected to enhance public health preparedness, facilitate early detection and containment of outbreaks, and inform evidence-based interventions to mitigate disease spread.
During September 2023, there was a Nipah outbreak reported from Kozhikode district of Kerala. The index case, a 45-year-old male, was initially treated at IQRAA Community Clinic, Thottilpalam, from where he was referred for further treatment to IQRAA International
Hospital and Research Center, Calicut. The patient was later diagnosed as the index case of Nipah infection by NIV Pune based on the nasopharyngeal sample that was stored at the molecular lab in the IQRAA hospital. During the hospital stay of the patient, there were many cases of high- and low-risk exposures among the healthcare workers and bystanders. A healthcare worker at the hospital was later diagnosed with Nipah infection, and he subsequently developed late-onset Nipah encephalitis. IQRAA was able to contain the infection with its early diagnosis, protocols, and interventions acquired and learned from its exposure and R&D efforts in previous clinical and management experience in the COVID-19 pandemic condition.
3: Reduction of Healthcare Complications and Costs in kidney transplant patients
Through the R&D activities focused on kidney transplantation at Iqraa International Hospital and Research Centre, significant societal outcomes have been achieved in terms of reducing the clinical and economic burden associated with kidney transplant recipients. The years 2022 and 2023 have been remarkable years that have carried out prospective comparative studies on the prevalence of malnutrition in dialysis patients using both the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and GLIM criteria. The hospital has initiated studies to identify and address key risk factors contributing to UTIs post-transplantation, which will subsequently result in healthcare complications and costs associated with kidney transplantation. This research can contribute to the development of targeted interventions and protocols aimed at preventing and managing UTIs more effectively, thereby reducing healthcare complications and associated costs for both patients and healthcare systems. Additionally, by optimizing nutritional support strategies based on rigorous assessment criteria, Iqraa International Hospital has improved patient outcomes and minimized the economic burden of post-transplant complications, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Studies of this kind will uphold IQRAA’s and IRC’s mission to reach vulnerable populations with the highest quality healthcare and contribute to strengthening the nation’s public health.