Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 24: Despite establishing a well-equipped cardiac care unit including a cath lab to provide free and low-cost treatment for poor and middle-class heart patients, the Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru is still awaiting final government approval to begin operations.

Even though several medical college hospitals, multi-specialty hospitals, and clinics operate in the district, heart disease diagnosis and treatment remain out of reach for many underprivileged patients. The demand for a cardiac unit at Wenlock has persisted for decades, especially now with a noticeable increase in deaths caused by heart attacks.

In 2023, during the Health Protection Committee meeting at Wenlock, former deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan directed the establishment of a cath lab for advanced cardiac diagnostics and treatment. District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao later reiterated the same.

Cardiac unit built in new surgical block

A fully equipped cardiac surgical unit has been set up on the ground floor of Wenlock’s new surgical block, at a cost of approximately Rs 5 crore. Under the guidance of Dr Narasimha Pai, the unit includes a cath lab, recovery area, store, changing room, wash area, console room, and radiation area.

KMC has deployed two cardiologists, with two more expected, bringing the total to seven personnel. Additionally, 12 nurses and 4 technicians have been appointed, with their salaries funded by KMC itself.

Procedures such as angiogram, angioplasty, stent placement, pacemaker insertion, brain angiograms, and paediatric cardiac surgeries (ASD and VSD repairs) will be offered here. However, medical equipment and medications must be supplied by the government.

The central government has fixed Rs 24,000 as the cost for heart graft surgery. Angioplasty has a code under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, making it free for BPL patients and subsidised for APL patients. Since angiogram lacks a code, charges may apply. The cost of free treatments will be reimbursed through the AB-ARK scheme.

Fire clearance still pending

Although the cardiac surgical unit is ready, the hospital is still waiting for clearance from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, which has yet to complete its inspection. Only after receiving fire clearance can the hospital be listed under the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), making it eligible to claim reimbursement for free treatments under Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka.

Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Shivaprakash D S said, “A well-equipped cardiac surgery unit has been set up for the benefit of the poor and middle class. Doctors and staff are in place, and operations will commence soon.”

Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean of KMC Mangaluru, added, “We established the cath lab at Wenlock six months ago for the benefit of common citizens who cannot afford large hospitals. We have appointed specialists, technicians, and nurses, and are bearing their salaries. We are only awaiting government approval and supply of medicines and equipment to begin services.”