Patients visiting Civil Hospital in Jalandhar can now undergo Echocardiography (ECHO) tests at no cost, saving them thousands of rupees that would otherwise be spent at private diagnostic centers for this critical heart examination.
Free Service Under Expert Supervision
The newly introduced facility is managed under the guidance of Dr. Abhinav Shoor, a consultant physician, along with his team. This initiative is expected to greatly benefit individuals suffering from heart disease, stroke, and cancer by enabling timely diagnosis and treatment without financial strain.
What is Echocardiography?
Echocardiography is a non-invasive ultrasound test that offers detailed insights into the structure and function of the heart. It assists doctors in evaluating cardiac health, identifying abnormalities, and formulating appropriate treatment strategies.
Current Usage and Benefits
Hospital officials report that three to four patients currently undergo free ECHO tests each day. The service is especially valuable for those recovering from heart attacks, stroke patients, and individuals receiving care at the hospital’s Cancer Day Care Centre.
Supporting Government Health Initiatives
The introduction of this service strengthens the Punjab Government's healthcare efforts under Mission Amrit and the Punjab Stroke Programme. Under Mission Amrit, patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) receive prompt thrombolytic therapy to dissolve blood clots blocking coronary arteries, restoring blood flow and improving survival rates. Similarly, the Punjab Stroke Programme offers timely thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke patients, helping restore brain blood supply, reducing long-term disability, and enhancing recovery outcomes.
A key feature of both programs is the free provision of Tenecteplase injection, a clot-dissolving medication that costs around Rs 40,000 in the private sector. Officials emphasize that this ensures life-saving treatment is not delayed due to financial constraints.
Advanced Referral Options
Dr. Shoor noted that the Punjab Stroke Programme also facilitates the referral of eligible stroke patients to Christian Medical College in Ludhiana for mechanical thrombectomy. This advanced procedure, which can cost approximately Rs 5 lakh in private facilities, is provided free of charge under the program.
Appeal to the Public
Dr. Namita Ghai, Medical Superintendent at Jalandhar Civil Hospital, stated that the facility was established through the efforts of Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Dr. Hitender Kaur, Director Health Services, to bring advanced healthcare services to government hospitals. She urged the public to take advantage of these high-quality, free services.
