Avinash Azad
The Super Specialty Hospital (SSH) in Jammu, the lifeline for heart-related emergencies in the region, is grappling with a dire crisis as its lone Cath Lab has been rendered non-functional. This critical equipment, instrumental in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular emergencies, has been out of service after suffering multiple breakdowns, leaving the region’s healthcare infrastructure under severe strain during the peak winter season.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality in Jammu & Kashmir, accounting for 29.6% of deaths, according to the Global Health Research Institute. Alarming trends reveal that a significant proportion of these deaths—25%—occur among individuals aged between 25 and 69 years. The harsh winter exacerbates these vulnerabilities, with cold weather and sedentary lifestyles leading to an uptick in heart attacks. Despite these staggering statistics, the SSH’s Cath Lab has not been replaced, forcing patients to rely on private healthcare facilities for urgent interventions.
Private hospitals in the region, although offering treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, are accused of overcharging patients beyond the scheme’s limits. “While some services are free under Ayushman Bharat, hidden charges in private hospitals burden families during emergencies,” said a patient’s relative, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The absence of a functional Cath Lab at the hospital has disproportionately affected rural and low-income patients, many of whom rely on public healthcare for affordable treatments.
Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head of the Cardiology Department, acknowledged the inconvenience caused to patients but assured that efforts are underway to install a new Cath Lab. “The replacement process is in progress, and patients are being referred to private hospitals for free treatment under the government scheme. We hope to restore services soon,” Dr. Sharma said.
Dean and Principal of Government Medical College Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, shared a similar update, stating, “I recently reviewed the progress. Work on installing the new Cath Lab is proceeding at full speed, and we aim to resume services by January 26.”
The absence of alternative Cath Labs in Jammu has exposed the fragility of the region’s healthcare system. Experts and patients alike emphasize the need for redundancy in critical medical facilities. “There should be more than one Cath Lab to ensure uninterrupted services even during breakdowns,” Dr. Sharma suggested.
The healthcare crisis coincides with a public advisory from the Head of Cardiology at GMC Srinagar, warning about increased heart attack risks during winters. The advisory highlights that cold weather constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and heightens the workload on the heart.
It also points to air pollution as a significant contributor to cardiovascular stress. As the installation of a new Cath Lab remains underway, the healthcare system’s resilience is under scrutiny. The situation underscores the urgent need for robust planning and investment in public healthcare infrastructure, especially in regions as vulnerable as Jammu & Kashmir. The ongoing crisis serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to prioritize healthcare reforms, ensuring no lives are lost due to systemic failures.
