Hi-tech Cath lab inaugurated at Kilpauk Hospital

The single plane digital subtraction angiogram Cath lab, which was inaugurated at the Institution, was also launched in Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Madurai Government Hospital, and the Government Hospitals in Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Trichy, Vellore and Chengalpattu in the recent past, said Health Minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar, after inaugurating the Cath lab on Wednesday.

He also said that hospitals such as Stanley Hospital and Coimbatore Government Hospital also have the bio plane digital subtraction angiogram Cath labs.

“Over the last six months, nearly 2,000 people who had heart attacks underwent angiogram free of cost in Government Hospitals across Tamil Nadu. Persons who cannot afford treatment tend to benefit vastly from these labs. Besides, the equipment helps in the treatment of aneurysm rupture, mitral valve and the like,” he added.

The minister also added that the Fraction Flow Reserve Machine (FFRM) will be launched in KMC at Rs 7 lakh soon.

Meanwhile, awareness programmes and steps taken by the government for persons with leprosy have helped reduce the burden of the disease from 118 per 10,000 to 0.46 per 10,000 populations, which is less than the National average of 0.6, said Dr C Vijaya Baskar at a Leprosy Awareness programme held at Stella Maris College on Wednesday.

Stating that the campaign will be held till February 13 across the state, he said, “We are also taking steps towards providing free Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Leprosy medicines at all Primary Health Centres, Government Hospitals and Medical College Hospitals. Leprosy can be identified at an early stage and if the treatment is continued for six to 12 months, it can help cure the one with leprosy completely. Awareness in this aspect has been increasing.” It may be noted that last year, 4,019 leprosy patients received treatment, 7,096 patients got special footwear, 9,420 received special self-help kits and 7,593 patients received a monthly amount of Rs 1,500. Besides, 78 people got Rs 8,000 for after surgery care.