Heart diseases in Garo Hills above national average 

Tura, Aug 26: The Catheterization (Cath) Lab at Tura Civil Hospital has achieved a major milestone by successfully performing 50 surgeries within three months of its operation, saving numerous lives in the Garo Hills region.

The lab, which is the only facility of its kind in Garo Hills, conducted its first surgery on May 22, 2024, when a 76-year-old woman from Selsella, West Garo Hills received a heart pacemaker, completely free of charge.

Dr. Abraham Jacob Ruram, the sole cardiologist operating the Cath Lab in Garo Hills currently, has single-handedly carried out all 50 procedures. The oldest patient he has performed angioplasty on during these 3 months is a 86-year-old woman who had 90 percent stenosis.

Patients from as far as Baghmara and Williamnagar, besides other parts of Garo Hills have been coming to Tura Civil Hospital to avail the life-saving treatment.

The lab was inaugurated in March 2024 by former MP of Tura, Agatha Sangma, and since then, all surgeries have been completed without any complications or mortality. The availability of the Cath Lab has made a significant difference in the detection and treatment of heart diseases in the region.

Previously, cardiac cases in Garo Hills were often undiagnosed due to a lack of proper equipment and awareness. “Before the Cath Lab, many people mistook heart attacks for gastritis and relied on over-the-counter medication,” Dr. Ruram explained to Hub News. He noted that previously cardiac cases were not detected due to lack of trained manpower and machines, especially the ECG, the main instrument to detect heart health.

Another notable discovery due to the Cath Lab has been the prevalence of heart diseases in Garo Hills, which is higher than the national average. It is believed that more cases of heart–related cases will come forward as awareness grows.

Factors such as unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption are believed to contribute to the high incidence of heart disease in the region.

One of the lab’s significant advantages is its affordability. While a pacemaker typically costs between Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs, patients at Tura Civil Hospital can receive the device for as little as Rs. 20,000 to 40,000 with a health smartcard. The Government of Meghalaya is currently supplying the necessary support required to ensure these costs remain low.

At the same time, Dr. Ruram informed that the Cath Lab is a sophisticated machine, who maintenance is equally important to ensure its continued operations. The machine, procured from US-based General Electric (GE), is currently being maintained by a technician from Guwahati, ensuring the lab remains fully functional, he added.

Further, the Cath Lab is set to expand its services. Starting next month, it will begin treating congenital heart defects in children using a closed device procedure. The process to procure the required equipment is expected to be completed next month.

The Cath Lab team is also preparing to launch heart screening programmes in remote areas, hoping to detect more cases that require urgent care and saving more lives.

Also Read: Bihari Mahila Social Welfare Society provides aid to Tura’s underprivileged women and children

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