In a significant boost to public healthcare infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) was officially opened at the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in Lucknow on Wednesday. This new facility is set to dramatically cut down waiting periods for critical heart procedures, offering timely intervention to patients.
Government's Push for Advanced Cardiac Infrastructure
The new lab was inaugurated by the state's Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio. During the ceremony, he reiterated the government's firm commitment to strengthening advanced cardiac care within the public health system. Pathak didn't just stop at the inauguration; he laid out a clear roadmap for further expansion of cardiac services at the institute.
He announced that the procurement process is actively underway for additional critical equipment. This includes one more cath lab, two TMT (Treadmill Test) machines, three advanced echocardiography machines, and one IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) system. Once these acquisitions are complete, RMLIMS will be fully equipped with a modern, comprehensive suite of cardiac diagnostic and interventional tools.
Tangible Benefits for Patient Care
The newly inaugurated cath lab itself is fitted with the latest imaging and interventional technologies. Professor Sudarshan K Vijay, a faculty member in the cardiology department, explained the direct impact on patient services. He stated that the facility will significantly reduce waiting times for essential cardiac procedures while enhancing the overall capacity and operational efficiency of the department.
"At present, we have two cath labs. Earlier, we were able to perform 20–25 cardiac procedures per day. With this addition, we will now be able to carry out 30–35 procedures daily," Professor Vijay said. This increase in throughput is a direct response to a growing patient load.
Rising Trust and Patient Numbers
Professor C M Singh, the Director of RMLIMS, pointed to official data that underscores the institute's growing reputation. The figures show a steady rise in the number of patients seeking cardiac care at the institute over the past year, reflecting increasing public trust.
During this period, a staggering 57,132 patients were examined in the cardiology outpatient department. Furthermore, 6,392 patients