In a crucial move to enhance emergency heart care in the rural areas across seven districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to launch the groundbreaking ‘Heartline’ program in Kalaburagi this Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Ajay Singh, chairman of the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), highlighted a pressing concern: one in every five heart attack patients is now aged below 40. He pointed out that the alarming increase in heart attack fatalities is closely linked to sedentary lifestyles, chronic stress, and unhealthy dietary habits.
Dr. Singh provided stark statistics regarding cardiac patients, revealing that over the last three years, the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research reported 1,004 heart-related deaths, with a significant 477 of these occurring in individuals under the age of 45.
The ‘Heartline’ initiative is designed to tackle these challenges head-on by utilizing tele-ECG technology for early detection of heart attacks. Its core objective is to reduce deaths from STEMI, a highly critical form of cardiac arrest.
The program will operate on an efficient ‘spoke-and-hub’ model. Designated Community Health Centers (CHCs) within the Kalyana Karnataka region will be equipped to administer crucial clot-busting treatments during the vital ‘golden hour’ immediately following a heart attack. Patients will then be promptly referred to the specialized Jayadeva Hospital for advanced medical attention.
This comprehensive ‘Heartline’ program is a collaborative effort, jointly spearheaded by the KKRDB, the Health and Family Welfare Department, and the Medical Education Department.
To ensure rapid response, a total of 32 advanced ambulances will be deployed. These vehicles are staffed by skilled medical personnel and equipped with state-of-the-art Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, enabling advanced diagnostics and interventions on-site.
The distribution of these 32 dedicated emergency medical service ambulances includes nine for Kalaburagi district, five each for Raichur and Koppal, four each for Bidar and Ballari, three for Vijayanagar, and two for Yadgir. The KKRDB procured these ambulances at a cost of ₹9.64 crore and has already handed them over to the respective taluk hospitals. This acquisition significantly boosts the district’s ambulance fleet, bringing the total number to 81, including the 49 existing vehicles with the Health Department. Dr. Singh also noted that the KKRDB has invested approximately ₹2,000 crore under its Arogya Avishkara Scheme over the past two years, underscoring its commitment to public health.
KKRDB Secretary Nalini Atul and Deputy Secretary Manjunath Swamy were also present at the press conference, highlighting the collective leadership behind this crucial healthcare advancement.