Media Release
Bengaluru, Jun 18: The Department of Cardiology at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences started in 1984, and was one of the first in Karnataka state to introduce Interventional cardiology in 1995. Over a period of time, this department has grown and has made a difference to several hundred thousands of deserving and underprivileged patients.
Over 20 years ago, a special cardiology poor patient’s fund was initiated at the institution to enable more needy patients to avail complete cardiac treatment. As part of this initiative, the Cardiology department, under the able leadership of prof Dr Kiron Varghese, is presently conducting a special free camp for 25 angioplasties and 100 angiograms over the next one month, from June 10 to July 15. The focus is on younger patients below 55 years, and who are breadwinners from the economically weaker sections.
At the inauguration of this initiative that was held on June 18, at St Johns Medical College Hospital, Ramalinga Reddy, minister for transport and muzrai, Govt of Karnataka was the chief guest.
Fr Tony A J, assoc director finance, St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, welcomed the gathering. He emphasised on the need to create awareness among the public about timely identification and early treatment of heart attacks.
Dr Kiron Varghese explained that this was the second such initiative. The first free angioplasty camp last year benefitted 23 people, but this time, in addition to 25 angioplasties, they have also introduced 100 free angiograms upon the feedback from the first camp. Top quality, imported, drug coated stents would be used in the angioplasties.
He thanked all those who contributed and supported this drive. It is a notable fact that Dr Kiron Varghese, in 2014, performed an angioplasty on a patient aged 108 yrs.which is documented as the oldest person to undergo an angioplasty, and the gentleman is still alive and healthy today.
Dr Jesudoss Rajamanickam, director of St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru who presided over the function assured the minister of continued people friendly initiatives by the institution and reiterated that the mission of St John’s is to reach out to the underserved.
Ramalinga Reddy complimented the institution for its inclusive and affordable quality health care over the last 50 years to all sections of society. Given that there is an increase in younger adults having heart attacks, this camp will serve to help such individuals and their families to cope with this catastrophic event that can incur heavy expenditure and loss of life.
The minister also visited the Cath lab and interacted with the first few beneficiaries and the Cardiology team, led by Dr Srilakshmi, prof and head of Cardiology. He also visited the upcoming St John’s Geriatric Centre with the executives of the institution. Dr Arvind Kasthuri, chief of Medical Services and Lead, St John’s Geriatric Centre, explained about the four pillars of the geriatric centre – service, training, research and community engagement, through which, elderly populations across the state and country would benefit, being the first of its kind in India.