DK district eyes improved cardiac care with proposed Cath Lab at Wenlock Hospital

Team Udayavani, Feb 3, 2024, 9:58 AM IST

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In a bid to enhance cardiac healthcare services, the district administration is contemplating the establishment of a cutting-edge Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) at Dakshina Kannada District Wenlock Hospital.

The initiative, supported by District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who also serves as the state’s health minister, aims to address the increasing number of heart-related cases in the region.

Wenlock Hospital currently accommodates numerous patients seeking treatment for heart diseases. While the hospital boasts a cardiology department and specialists, the absence of a cath lab limits the extent of available treatments to outpatient care only. Patients in need of further interventions are often referred to private hospitals affiliated with the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka Yojana.

Responding to this concern, the district’s Arogya Raksha Samiti has advocated for the establishment of a cath lab at Wenlock Hospital. This move aims to provide comprehensive treatment within the hospital premises, reducing reliance on external healthcare facilities.

What’s a Cath Lab?

The Cath Lab is a facility dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac ailments. Procedures such as coronary angiograms for detecting blood vessel blockages and angioplasty (stent placement) are conducted in this specialized unit.

Additionally, the lab is equipped to deliver emergency treatments related to heart attacks, operating on an ICU model that functions 24 hours a day. The team includes cardiologists, radiology technicians, and nurses working collaboratively to ensure efficient care.

The Wenlock Hospital, being managed with assistance from KMC Hospital, has already constructed a fully equipped surgical block, with designated space on the ground floor reserved for the proposed cath lab.