Dr. A. Mahalingam - Transforming Healthcare with Vision, Strategy, and Compassion

Dr. A. Mahalingam
"Transforming Healthcare with Vision, Strategy, and Compassion"

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. A. Mahalingam, popularly known as ‘Mahali’ in medical and academic circles, is a distinguished healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare and academics. Trained under the esteemed Padma Bhushan Late Dr. S.S. Badrinath, Founder of Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Chennai, Dr. Mahalingam served directly under his mentor for over 25 years at Sankara Nethralaya, contributing significantly to the hospital’s excellence in patient care, research, and academic training. His career spans across NGOs, corporate healthcare settings, and healthcare academics, making him a widely respected figure in the healthcare sector both in India and internationally.

Dr. Mahalingam played a pivotal role in several developmental initiatives at Sankara Nethralaya during his tenure. Under the guidance of Dr. S.S. Badrinath, he was instrumental in establishing The Sankara Nethralaya Academy — a benchmark institution for healthcare training and education. He also introduced the Exclusive Refractive Surgery Wing and pioneered the concept of Day Care Ambulatory Services at Sankara Nethralaya, setting new standards in patient convenience and operational efficiency. These initiatives have enhanced patient care delivery and strengthened Sankara Nethralaya’s position as a center of excellence in eye care.

Dr. Mahalingam holds an impressive academic background with qualifications from reputed institutions such as Medical Research Foundation ( Sankara Nethralaya),BITS Pilani, LIBA, IGNOU. His academic credentials include an MBA in Hospital Management from Alagappa University, a Doctorate in Hospital Management, a PG Diploma in Operations Management from IGNOU, a B.S in Ophthalmic Allied Health from BITS Pilani, and a Diploma in Training & Development from the Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD). He has also earned certifications in Healthcare Quality Management and ISO Quality Systems from prestigious institutions, further strengthening his expertise in healthcare administration and quality enhancement.

Currently, Dr. Mahalingam serves as the Managing Director of TwinTech Healthcare Services and is the Founder & President of the Association for Healthcare Management Professionals - India (AHMP-India), which has over 1000 members, including leading doctors and healthcare experts. His expertise lies in hospital operations, strategic management, quality improvement, and patient care enhancement. Dr. Mahalingam has played a key role in driving organizational growth, improving healthcare delivery, and strengthening healthcare systems through innovative strategies and patient-centric approaches. He has successfully led healthcare organizations in achieving operational efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and accreditation from national and international bodies.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mahalingam has held key leadership positions. At Sankara Nethralaya, he was instrumental in implementing quality systems and operational efficiencies that led to NABH and NABL accreditations. He later served as Chief Operating Officer at Deepam Group of Hospitals and Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, a 1000-bed medical college hospital. He also contributed as a Strategic Management Consultant at MMS Eye Hospital, guiding them in developing sustainable healthcare models and improving overall patient care standards.

Dr. Mahalingam’s contributions to healthcare have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He received the Man of the Year Award for Best Performance from Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation. He was conferred the Social Service Award by popular orator Shri Suki Sivam and Shri Lena Thamizhil Vanan, Editor of Kalkandu (Tamil Magazine), for his distinguished social service, organized by Nambikai Vaasal Trust in 2018. He was honored with the Helping Hand Award from Dr. Stefan Weckbach, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, for his role in spreading education and building strong paramedical skills through innovative programs, awarded by The Lion’s Club of Central Madras in December 2012. He received the Special Recognition Award from Brig. K.C. Behera, Commandant of the Military Hospital, for his outstanding patient care during the 62nd Independence Day celebrations in 2009. Dr. Mahalingam was also awarded the Certificate of Appreciation from Dr. Prema Padmanabhan, Medical Director of Sankara Nethralaya, for coordinating the highest number of eye donation awareness programs and public pledges.

In June 2012, he was honored with the Eye Care Outstanding Performance Award and a cash prize from Padmashri Nalli Kuppusamy Chettiar and Dr. S.S. Badrinath. He was also recognized as the Best Outgoing Candidate by Shri N. Ram, Chairman of The Hindu, for the Executive Diploma in Healthcare Management conducted by LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration), which was presented by Dr. S.S. Badrinath and Fr. P. Christie, Director of LIBA. He received a memento from the Chennai Mayor, Shri Saidai Duraisamy, for his excellence in healthcare at the Chennai Science Festival in 2012. He was also appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Faculty at Saveetha Dental College and was honored as the Best Candidate by Dr. Saroja (Mrs. Prof. Narsing A. Rao, MD, Los Angeles) in 1991. Dr. Mahalingam was further honored by Lion Shri G.V. Raman, Chartered Accountant and District Governor of Lions Club International, for his contributions to eye care and social service.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Mahalingam is a prolific writer and thought leader. His published works include articles on surgical instrument care, needle stick injury prevention, aging-related eye changes, and post-operative eye care, which have appeared in leading scientific journals and national newspapers. He has also authored articles on Allied Health Courses in major publications, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing healthcare education and improving patient care standards.

Dr. Mahalingam holds key memberships and leadership roles in national and international healthcare organizations. He is a National Council Member of the Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD), a Life Member of the National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM) and the Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (SPER), and an Honorary Director of C-STAR (Commonwealth Science and Technology Academy for Research, Chennai). He is also a member of the Association for Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), contributing to strategic healthcare initiatives and promoting excellence in patient care.

His mentor, Founder of Sankara Nethralaya - Padma Bhusan Dr. S.S. Badrinath, once remarked, "Dear Shri Mahali, since you are already a super star, I would love to call you as super duper. It only carries a good meaning, and in American terms, it means a man who is capable of achieving his goals. Hearty Congratulations for this award." This recognition from Dr. Badrinath( Dated 11th Aug 2011) reflects the profound impact Dr. Mahalingam has had in the field of healthcare.

With a rare combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep compassion for patient care, Dr. Mahalingam has established himself as a leading figure in the healthcare industry. His ability to align healthcare strategies with patient care excellence has made a lasting impact on the healthcare ecosystem in India and beyond. His legacy is marked not only by professional milestones but also by the countless lives he has touched through his unwavering dedication to healthcare and social service.

eMail of Mahalingam A - mahali@mahali.in and WahtsApp is +91 9710485295

 

Doctors warn of diabetes-related eye problems - Ophthalmologist Rajiv Raman of Sankara Nethralaya

 

Doctors warn of diabetes-related eye problems

 

CHENNAI: One in every 25 people above the age of 40 with diabetes have vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy – one of the most common complications of uncontrolled diabetes -- doctors said here on Saturday, sharing their observations from a 50-month study on Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in India. Senior doctors are now pushing for the government to use human resources and technology such as artificial intelligence for early screening of eye complications due to diabetes.

“In a country which has a high incidence of diabetes, this can be disastrous. We will have an epidemic of blindness if we fail to do early diagnosis and treatment,” said senior consultant and ophthalmologist Rajiv Raman of Sankara Nethralaya.

The multi-centre study, ORNATE, doctors said has given India-centric evidence on diabetes and diabetic retinopathy care in India that can offer strong evidence for health policies, he said. A group of senior doctors have now recommended systematic screening programmes for people above 40 years for early diagnosis of diabetes and its complications across all states. “Kerala has already made a policy decision to screen people with diabetes. We want other states to take it up too,” he said.

Instead of waiting for people with diabetes to come to hospitals for annual screening, doctors suggest screening be taken to primary health centres or be done at people's doorsteps. “It may be difficult to mass screen all diabetics for retinopathy every year. But health workers can assess risk using simple questions and also draw blood samples so labs can look for some biomarkers. Those at risk should undergo tests,” he said.

 

During the study, scientists used commercially available fundus cameras to take pictures of the eye and use AI to diagnose the disease. “Parallelly, we used a three-grade screening to verify the results. The healthcare worker confirmed the diagnosis, which is verified by a doctor in one of the four tertiary care hospitals such as LV Prasad Eye hospital or Sankara Nethralaya,” Raman said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/doctors-warn-of-diabetes-related-eye-problems/articleshow/90328677.cms

Social Service Award to A Mahalingam

Social Service Award to A Mahalingam

Popular orator, scholar and motivational speaker Shri Suki Sivam  to confer honours for distinguished Social Service Award to : Mr A Mahalingam An eminent healthcare professional, social worker and educationist, Organized by Nambikai Vaasal Trust on 30.12.2018 at Salem.

Nambikai Vasal Trust the well known Salem based social welfare and service organization is celebrating its 6^th successful year of service to society, especially the disabled. A function will be held on 30^th December 2018 at Salem to mark the same.

The function is being organized to thank well wishers, donors, supporters and the media for their great support, generous contribution and encouragement which has enabled the Trust to succeed in its endeavours and fulfill its social objectives. The Trust will also be honouring several eminent men and women from different walks of life who have served the society and the needy.

Mr A.Mahalingam, eminent healthcare professional, social worker and educationist who after a long and eventful service in the various divisions of well known ophthalmic care, research, community service and academic institution Sankara Nethralaya, started the TwinTech Healthcare Academy at Chennai, which imparts expert training in Management and all aspects of healthcare dispensing, is among those being honoured on the occasion for his dedicated service to society. Popular orator, scholar and motivational speaker Shri SukiSivam will address the audience and confer the awards.

Smt M S Subbulakshmi

First Musician to Receive Padma Bhushan

Smt M S Subbulakshmi

Smt M S Subbulakshmi was the first musician to get Padma Bhushan (1954) and Padma Vibhushan (1975). She was also the first musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay award for Public Service in 1974. 

MS Subbulakshmi was a legendary Carnatic musician. She was popularly known as Nightingale of India and was famous for rendering of Bhajans. MS Subbulakshmi was born in the temple city of Madurai on September 16, 1916.

She began her Carnatic classical music training under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and then Hindustani classical training under Pandit Narayan Rao Vyas. She also acted in a few Tamil films in her youth. MS Subbulakshmi was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1998.

A Mahalingam, Sankara Nethralaya  and team is with MS Subbulakshmi Amma and his husband Kalki" Thiagaraja Sadasivam mama

Eye Hospital gets new equipment - Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation, Chennai

Eye Hospital gets new equipment

The Rotary Club Chapters of Fremont and Bay Area, the U. S. and Guindy dedicated the sponsorship of an equipment for Mobile Eye Surgical unit ( MESU) and the operational cost of performing cataract surgeries in them to the Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, at an event held in the city on Monday.

The grant to the tune of  $85,000  was provided under the Rotary`s Sight Now Program. The surgical equipment will be installed in one of the two buses that function as the MESU and go to inaccessible rural areas for cataract surgeries.

Ref : The Hindu dated May 8,2018, Page 3

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by : Mahalingam A, mahali@mahali.in / 9710485295

Students from the ESO rise magnificently to a knowledge exposition challenge of global proportions!

Students from the ESO rise magnificently to a knowledge exposition challenge of global proportions!

FORCE (Future Ocular Research Creativity Event)was a competition that had every element that goes to make a high profile knowledge evaluation exercise, the sponsor was among the biggest names in contact lens and visual aids and it was a national competition which would propel the winner into the highly charged world of European optometry. Students of the Elite School of Optometry known for their capacity to pull up their socks in short notice and prove their mettle, rose admirably to the occasion, reiterating beyond all doubt that they are indeed a ‘Force’ to reckon with in their field!

We take pleasure in sharing a spirited,step by step, first person account of the competition and how Jude Remedios Menezes the star performer from the ESO made his way to the European Finals at Budapest, Hungary.

The National round of the cooper vision force presentation was held on 2th of March, 2018 at the Orchid Hotel in Mumbai. A team of 5 Members, namely, Akshara, P Gaurav, PoojaNandagopal, VivekSuganthan R and Jude R Menezes represented the Elite School of Optometry at this prestigious, First of its Kind National Contest. This team was accompanied by its mentor and guide, Dr Rajeshwari M – The contact Lens stalwart faculty from ESO.

This Contest required from the participating students, a presentation of a Research Study, Case Report or a Review article to be judged by a team of three well renowned clinicians in the field.

In the preparatory stages, Dr JameelRizwana, Dr Viswanathan, Ms Rinu Thomas and Mr Asif Iqbal played a significant role in addition to the core Guidance from Dr Rajeswari in mentoring of the participating students who worked hard to streamline their presentation slides and skills within the time constraints that this contest had demanded.

After a week of intense study and practice the team was flown to Mumbai in the early hours of the day of the presentation and delivered their best.

Gaurav presented his research results on the “Impact of introducing Comfilcon A spherical soft contact lens at a tertiary eye care centre- A retrospective Review( 2015-2018)”, Akshara presented a Case Series on “ comparison of subjects with RGP and soft torric contact lenses”, Vivek and Pooja teamed up to present a review on “Toric Soft Lens Stabilization: Is it Stabalized? ” and finally Jude presented  a review on the “Success of the soft contact lens market: How new techniques, Tests and Instruments can help?”.

The results couldn’t have been more in consistence with the quality of the presentation, with the Elite School stealing bragging rights with the best presentations of the Day.

Jude’s Presentation made him the country winner and won him a ticket to Budapest, Hungary to compete for the title ‘European FORCE winner- 2018’ at the International Cooper vision Future Ocular Research Creativity Event(FORCE).

All in all, right from the very start, the trip proved to be a memorable experience for the students and provided them with a rare exposure to presentation at a professional level, boosting their self-confidence and enhancing their exposure to the soft contact lens industry.

The students and their mentors take this opportunity to thank the management of SankaraNethralaya for this rare opportunity of participating in a high level competition and for their constant encouragement and support

The Sankara Nethralaya family expresses its hearties congratulations to the ESO team consisting of the participating students and their mentors for keeping the SN flag flying high and conveys its very best wishes to Jude Remedios Menezes in his single minded pursuit towards winning the  ‘European Force winner – 2018’

 Ref :

http://omlog.org/2018/04/students-from-the-eso-rise-magnificently-to-a-knowledge-exposition-challenge-of-global-proportions.html

----------------------------------

Mahalingam A, Managing Director, TwinTech Academy Business Management Solutions, Chennai , Mobile : 9710485295 / mahali@mahali.in / www.chennaitwintech.com / www.mahali.in