Baramulla, Sep 9: Scores of patients across North Kashmir are keenly waiting for the setup of a cardiology department at Government Medical College Baramulla, especially those who require pacemaker implant.
Although, the authorities at the GMC Baramulla are hopeful that the institution will be soon allotted a cathlab which will ensure a dedicated cardiology department that will take care of severe cardiac ailments.
The absence of a intervention cardiologist is believed to be a big hurdle in performing the pacemaker implant procedures. During the year, 2023-24, in the presence of a specialist cardiologist, the institution performed around 30 pacemaker implantation procedures. However, the facility has since come to a standstill after the departure of the former cardiologist, leaving patients in deep distress.
Following the cardiologist’s exit to another institution, GMC Baramulla remained without a specialist for several months, halting all pacemaker-related procedures.
Although a new cardiologist has recently been appointed, however, the intervention cardiology procedures could not be started.
“Since the departure of the consultant cardiology last year, not a single pacemaker has been implanted in GMC Baramulla. There is immediate need of a cardiology consultant besides a cath lab and complete cardiology department,” said Imran Nazir, a civil society member of Baramulla.
The disruption has triggered concern among patients and attendants, many of whom accuse the administration of negligence in ensuring continuity of life-saving procedures.
Muhammad Ashraf, a resident of Baramulla town while expressing his concern over the issue said that the absence of a functional cardiology department at GMC Baramulla not only burdens patients financially but also puts lives at risk, as pacemaker implantation is often an emergency requirement.
“Recently, one of our relative suffered heartattack. He was immediately rushed to the GMC Baramulla but was latter shifted to Srinagar hospital where a pacemaker was implanted on him. We need such facility at our own place so that the patients Golden time is not wasted,” said Ashraf.
The Principal Government Medical College Baramulla, Prof. Dr Majid Jahangir said that “we don’t have a intervention cardiologist available, however, very soon a full cardiology department will be setup at the GMC Baramulla.” “The authorities are mulling to establish a cathlab at GMC Baramulla which will pave way for establishment of a complete cardiology department,” said Principal GMC Baramulla.
