Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), in collaboration with The Varachha Cooperative Bank Limited, organized ‘Health Conclave 2025’ on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Sahkar Bhavan in Sarthana. The event brought together medical experts from diverse fields who provided in-depth guidance on physical, mental, and social health.
As per agency report, the program began with a welcome address by SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi. Varachha Cooperative Bank director Kanji Bhalala delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle for long-term well-being.
The conclave featured multiple expert sessions covering critical health topics. Dr. Usha Mania highlighted that a balanced diet and regular yoga can help women overcome menstrual-related issues and advised periodic screening for PCOS and PCOD. Dr. Mukul Chokshi expressed concern over the alarming rise in suicide cases after the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the daily average had nearly doubled. He suggested various methods to manage mental stress effectively.
Orthopedic specialist Dr. Bharat Jeevani discussed knee osteoarthritis, explaining that it is closely linked to age, weight, and lifestyle. He recommended diet control, light exercise, and yoga for relief. Cardiologist Dr. Nilesh Purushottam warned that Indians are at a higher risk of heart attacks nearly a decade earlier than people in other countries due to poor lifestyle habits, advising people not to ignore unusual nighttime chest pains.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Shilpa Nilesh explained that cataracts are often detected only after 90 percent of the eye is affected and recommended regular eye check-ups after the age of 35. Gynecologist Dr. Ravindra Korat shared that the ideal age for pregnancy is between 20 and 30 years, adding that delayed marriages and career priorities are leading to increasing infertility issues among couples.
Neurologist Dr. Ayush Golakiya spoke about stroke symptoms and treatment, stressing that the first 4 hours and 30 minutes after a stroke are critical for medical intervention. He advised the public to recognize the ‘BEFAST’ indicators — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time — for timely action.
The program was moderated by Dr. Jagdish Vaghasia, chairman of SGCCI’s Industrial Workers’ Health Committee, while Dr. Parul Vadgama, chairperson of the Chamber’s Public Health Committee, outlined the objectives of the conclave.
The event was attended by SGCCI honorary treasurer CA Mitesh Modi, Exhibition Committee chairman Kiran Thummar, and numerous members. The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks by Nikhil Vaghasia, followed by an interactive Q&A session where the speakers addressed audience queries.
