Pics by: Meghraj
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 28: On the occasion of World Heart Day, Adarsha Hospital organized a free heart checkup camp and awareness programme on Sunday, September 28 at Adarsha Hospital Udupi premises.
The programme was inaugurated by Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency along with other dignitaries. In his inaugural address, Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “Today heart attack has become one of the major killer diseases. Every day I receive many requests asking to grant monetary assistance for ill health among which heart related diseases are the highest. Adarsha hospital believes prevention is better than cure and is working towards bringing awareness among the public and involvement in regular checkups. Cardiac arrest is an uninvited guest; it can happen to anyone at any time. Following the doctor's advice and getting health checks regularly are the key concepts in preventing cardiac arrest. I wish all the success for the initiative of Adarsha hospital in organizing such health camps for the public and wish to see Adarsha medical college come up very soon in Udupi”.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr H Ashok, district surgeon Udupi said “’Don’t miss a beat’ is the theme for the world heart day celebrations of 2025. Cardiac diseases are the largest killer. Sudden cardiac death due to the covid vaccine is a myth. After covid people have become lazy and have almost forgotten the importance of physical exercise. Eating junk food, fast food, sleeplessness, smoking, alcohol consumption, are the few of the important reasons for cardiac arrest. 30 minutes of physical activity can reduce the risks of cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is causing much more deaths than cancer and chronic diseases. It is our responsibility to maintain healthy habits”.
Dr Suhas G C, director Adarsha hospital Udupi said, “Smoking, alcohol consumption and consuming junk food are the key reasons for the cardiac arrest. Follow the doctor's advice and keep regular health checkups”.
Dr Srikanth Krishna, cardiologist, of Adarsha hospital Udupi said, “As per the surveys 80% of cardiac arrests can be avoided. 36% of cardiac arrests can be avoided just by stopping the habit of smoking. 18% by inculcating healthy food habits. Regular health check-ups can avoid many cardiac arrests. The cardiac arrest that we are experiencing today is not the result of one day, it might have developed in our body from many years. But unfortunately, we wake up after the cardiac arrest only and not ahead of it. Small steps towards prevention initiated today will result in a good healthy lifestyle in the future”.
As part of the camp, participating patients received free consultations from cardiologists, along with complimentary tests such as blood sugar level, lipid profile, and ECG. Based on medical advice, ECHO and TMT tests are provided free of cost. Additionally, patients undergoing angiogram tests receive a 20% discount, while angioplasty treatments will be offered at a 10% concession.
Extending the initiative further, from September 29 to October 11, 2025, Adarsha Hospital will continue to offer free blood sugar, lipid profile, and ECG tests, while angiogram and angioplasty procedures will remain available at the same discounted rates.
Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director Adarsha Hospital welcomed the gathering. Anushree Acharya compered the program, and Prakash D K, assistant manager delivered the vote of thanks. The program was attended by Dr Basavaraj Hubballi, district health and family welfare officer Vimala Chandrashekar, CEO Adarsha hospital and others.