In a time when healthcare is evolving rapidly witnessing deeper connections between chronic diseases, particularly cardiac ailments and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, and sedentary habits, healthcare and its infrastructure is pragmatically building on its capabilities redefining healthcare treatment and services. Amongst many advanced healthcare entities is Chennai-based Oxymed Hospital that stands at the forefront of innovation, championing a shift from invasive procedures to non-invasive, regenerative, and holistic healing. With a mission to treat disease at its root through evidence-based, non-invasive approaches Oxymed Hospital, formerly BodyFocus, began its journey in 1996 as a modest wellness center emphasizing weight management, nutrition, and lifestyle modification. With nearly 30 years of pioneering clinical practice, today this full-fledged medical institution is not just treating patients, it is transforming lives.

Redefining Non-Invasive Cardiology

At the heart of Oxymed Hospital’s success lies its hybrid cardiology model, which integrates cutting-edge therapies to treat heart disease without the risks of surgery. India witnesses nearly 0.5 to 1.8 million new cases of heart failure annually, yet approximately 1,328 transplants have taken place since 1994 (the first cardiac transplant in India), mainly due to limited donor availability. Oxymed Hospital focuses on bridging this gap by using noninvasive solutions to enhance heart function and reduce transplant dependency. Since its inception, it has catered to more than 14,000 patients and improved the quality of life of these patients over nearly three decades.

The hospital’s flagship cardiac treatments include EECP (Enhanced External Counter pulsation), a pressure based therapy that stimulates natural bypasses in the heart and improves overall circulation. HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) administers pure oxygen at high pressure to damaged tissues and significantly aids tissue repair, especially in ischemic heart conditions.

For instance, a 60-year-old patient with 100 percent coronary artery blockage and a dangerously low ejection fraction (20 percent) saw a dramatic recovery to 45 percent following Oxymed Hospital’s protocol. In another case, an elderly Omani farmer declared untreatable, after surviving a cardiac arrest and having worsening breathlessness leading to a poor quality of life, returned to farming post-treatment with Oxymed Hospital’s cardiac Rehab programme.

Dr Sama Akber, Managing Director, Oxymed Hospital states, “We specialize in both non-invasive and hybrid treatments for heart patients. Our hybrid approach improves heart pumping capacity and prepares patients for surgeries like angioplasty or bypass. We work with patients who have previously undergone these procedures or those unfit for surgery.

Some require cardiac rehabilitation using EECP (Enhanced External Counter pulsation) and HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) before they can safely have CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting)or PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty). In summary, we combine advanced surgical techniques with innovative methods to achieve the best heart outcomes possible”.

Expanding into Regenerative & Lifestyle Medicine

While non-invasive cardiology remains its hallmark, Oxymed Hospital has expanded into orthopedics, bariatrics, and regenerative therapies to address a broader spectrum of chronic and lifestyle-driven ailments. In bariatric care, Oxymed Hospital takes a holistic approach, combining lifestyle changes with surgical interventions. A notable case involved a Malaysian patient weighing 160 kg with mobility issues. Under the guidance of Dr Tasmia’s bariatric team, the patient underwent lifestyle modification followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, shedding 55 kg and regaining mobility.

Oxymed Hospital provides key advancements in orthopedics treatments which include, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) for early-stage osteoarthritis, helping patients avoid joint replacement, Stem Cell Therapy and SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) injections to regenerate cartilage, promote wound healing, and prevent orthopedic surgeries and 3D Printed Skin and Artificial Collagen, developed in collaboration with biotech firms, to provide customized solutions for trauma and burn victims. Oxymed Hospital is also making significant strides in advanced wound care, distinctly in managing diabetic foot ulcers, radiation-induced ulcers, necrotic tissue infections and gangrene. Its six-seater HBOT chamber is comparable in quality to those at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, and INHS Asvini, Mumbai (Colaba), and is one of Tamil Nadu’s most advanced facilities.

Community Outreach

What truly distinguishes Oxymed Hospital is its commitment to outreach to underprivileged or underserviced areas, especially in rural Tamil Nadu. The hospital has adopted six towns and villages in the North Arcot Ambedkar district, with Ambur being the largest, home to around 150,000 residents. By actively publishing clinical findings in both print and digital media, Oxymed Hospital empowers rural and inter national communities with knowledge about non-invasive and regenerative healthcare options. “Our goal is to intervene early, restore function non-invasively, and avoid ICU dependency. Heart disease is rising due to diabetes, smoking, and stress. We aim to change that narrative through prevention and innovation”, says Dr Sama.

Oxymed Hospital is leading in treating congenital heart disease in young children. Recently, Dr Sama diagnosed a five-month-old baby, weighing only 3 kg, with a large ventricular septal defect. If this defect hadn’t been closed by six months, it could have led to serious complications. Fortunately, the operation was performed in collaboration with a team of experienced cardiac surgeons at no cost. The baby is now healthy.

Future Pathway

As India faces an escalating cardiac and chronic disease burden, Oxymed Hospital stands as a symbol of possibility, proving that modern healthcare can be both effective and minimally invasive. Under the visionary leadership of Dr Akber and a multidisciplinary team, Oxymed Hospital is not merely treating diseases, but it is reshaping the healthcare paradigm. Looking further, by integrating futuristic therapies, technology-driven innovations and patient-centered outreach initiatives, the hospital insights extensive growth of medicine, and a future that values healing over procedures, prevention over cure and regeneration over replacement.

Awards And Recognition:

•Cardiology Society of India, 2023: Recognized for EECP research presented at SGPGIMS, Lucknow.
•Heart Failure Society of India, 2023: Invited presentations high lighting their impact.
•AIIMS Jodhpur, 2024: Received travel grants for research showcased at the Indian Society for Heart Research conclave.
•International Society for Renal Research (ISRR)and Cardiometabolic Congress: Awarded a gold medal at the Chennai conference.
•American College of Cardiology, 2025: Oxymed’s pioneering work received international acclaim.
•Dr Sama Akber’s paper “EECP in Heart Failure” being selected to represent India in the upcoming Heart Failure Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in Minneapolis.