Launch Overview

On September 4, 2026, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road announced the launch of its Comprehensive Gastrosciences Department – 360° Gut Care, a single‑point integrated pathway that brings together Medical Gastroenterology, Surgical Gastroenterology, GI Oncology and Robotic Surgery. The announcement was made in Bengaluru through a press release issued on September 5, 2026.

Context and Rationale

The release notes that gastrointestinal health has become a central component of India’s lifestyle disease burden, citing rising incidences of fatty liver disease, non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and gastrointestinal malignancies. The hospital positions the new department as a response to the need for care that spans early screening, diagnosis, surgical intervention, oncology treatment and long‑term management.

Key Participants

The inauguration was graced by chief guests Dr. Rajani M, Director of Health & Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, and Mr. Sridhar, a noted Sandalwood actor and dance choreographer. Hospital GI specialists, clinical leadership and support staff were also present. The ceremony featured an introduction of the clinical team, felicitation of doctors and staff, traditional lamp lighting, remarks from the dignitaries and a high‑tea reception.

Statements from Hospital Leaders

  • Dr. Veerendra Sandur, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, explained that the program targets lifestyle‑related metabolic disorders and cancers, providing a single access point for patients throughout their gastrointestinal journey. He acknowledged the Radiology and Anaesthesia teams for enabling complex diagnostics and interventions.
  • Dr. Rajani M highlighted the gut‑brain connection, praised Karnataka’s achievement of being the second‑highest state in India for solid‑organ transplantation, and emphasized that liver transplants are an integral part of the 360‑degree approach.
  • Mr. Sridhar shared a personal anecdote about his family’s decade‑long care under Dr. Sandur, recalling a complex GI surgery for his mother‑in‑law that left a lasting impression of the team’s compassion.
  • Dr. Girish S P, Consultant – General & GI Surgery, described the department’s robotic surgery programme, stating that enhanced visualisation allows surgeons to operate with greater precision than unaided eyesight.
  • Mr. Mohan Hariharan, Cluster Director – Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road and Jayanagar, affirmed the hospital’s commitment to comprehensive gut care, noting support from ICU, interventional radiology and blood‑bank teams, and confirming that a liver‑transplant approval was received from the government on September 3, 2026.

CME Session

Prior to the launch, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session was held, featuring talks on the evolving landscape of gastroenterology and GI oncology, advances in managing GI bleeding, comprehensive care for abdominal wall hernia, and the application of advanced robotic surgery.

Additional Information

For further details, readers are directed to the hospital’s website: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/kanakapuraroad/.