Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 7: The Government Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) in Jammu is set to enhance its cardiac care services with a new state-of-the-art Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab). The installation of the Lab, which cost approximately Rs 12 crore, has been completed, and it is expected to become operational soon. The Hospital administration is currently awaiting licensing approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
According to official sources, the decision to install a new Cath Lab was made around six months ago after the existing lab became non-functional, causing significant inconvenience to patients. The absence of a functional Cath Lab had limited the ability of cardiologists at SSH to perform essential cardiac procedures, resulting in delayed treatment for numerous patients. With the installation process now complete, the new lab promises to significantly upgrade the Hospital’s cardiac care capabilities once the AERB grants its approval.
The newly installed Cath Lab is equipped with the latest technology, enabling the Cardiology Department of SSH, which operates under Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, to perform a wide range of high-end cardiac procedures. These advanced procedures include ROTA-ablation, Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), and Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE). Additionally, the Lab will facilitate procedures such as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) closures, which were not possible earlier.
In the previous lab, doctors were limited to performing only routine cardiac procedures such as coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, and the installation of temporary and permanent pacemakers. However, the new lab will also enable more complex interventions like Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Pacemaker (CRTP) and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy with Defibrillator (CRTD). These advancements are expected to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cardiac patients in the region.
Principal of GMC Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, expressed optimism about the lab becoming operational soon. He confirmed that the application for licensing had been submitted to AERB and that the approval process is underway. Dr Gupta emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating that it would enable the Hospital to offer comprehensive cardiac care services, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced treatments.
Dr Gupta said that the new Cath Lab at SSH Jammu is anticipated to be a game-changer for cardiac care in the region, ensuring timely and advanced medical interventions for patients.
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