Mandya's Hrudaya Vaishalya Scheme Achieves Milestone with 31,000 Free ECG Screenings
In a significant boost to rural healthcare, Deputy Commissioner Kumara announced on Thursday that the Hrudaya Vaishalya scheme has achieved remarkable success across Mandya district. Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to safeguard the cardiac health of rural residents by providing accessible heart check-ups.
Impressive Screening Numbers Highlight Growing Impact
During a progress review meeting on national programmes at the DC's office, Kumara revealed that since the programme's inception, a total of 31,000 people have received free ECG screenings. The year 2025 alone has seen 9,000 individuals undergo heart check-ups, underscoring the scheme's expanding reach and effectiveness in addressing cardiac care gaps in rural areas.
The initiative specifically targets the rising incidence of heart-related ailments among villagers, who often delay or avoid timely screenings due to the logistical challenges of traveling to urban medical centres. By bringing diagnostic services closer to home, Hrudaya Vaishalya removes this critical barrier to preventive healthcare.
Model Inspired by Success in Dakshina Kannada
Drawing from his prior experience in Dakshina Kannada, where he facilitated over 1.5 lakh free ECG screenings by securing 200 ECG machines through corporate partnerships, Kumara adapted this proven model for Mandya district. He personally named the project Hrudaya Vaishalya, a term that reflects its dual focus on cardiac care (Hrudaya) and compassion (Vaishalya).
Currently, 35 out of 120 primary health centres are operational in the first phase of the scheme. Medical staff and doctors at these centres have received specialised training to operate ECG machines efficiently and manage screenings with precision, ensuring quality service delivery at the grassroots level.
Addressing a Critical Health Challenge
District health data reveals a sobering reality: approximately 170 people die from heart attacks annually in Mandya. The Hrudaya Vaishalya scheme is making tangible strides against this statistic, with 5% of those screened identified as high-risk and promptly referred to cardiac hospitals for advanced treatment and intervention.
This proactive approach not only aids in early detection but also helps mitigate potential cardiac emergencies, saving lives and reducing the burden on tertiary healthcare facilities.
Call to Action for Continued Community Engagement
In his announcement, Deputy Commissioner Kumara urged residents to actively avail themselves of these free screenings to safeguard their heart health and prevent future cardiac crises. He emphasized that community participation is key to the scheme's sustained success and its long-term impact on public health outcomes in rural Mandya.
The Hrudaya Vaishalya scheme stands as a testament to innovative public health strategies that bridge urban-rural healthcare disparities, offering a replicable model for other regions grappling with similar challenges in cardiac care accessibility.
