Patna: Experts at the 4th annual conference of the Bihar Interventional Council (BIC-2026), held under the aegis of the CSI Bihar chapter, called on people to prioritize their health and take full advantage of government healthcare schemes. They also emphasized the need to enhance cardiac health awareness in Bihar, proposing the integration of basic heart health education into school curricula.
The two-day conference, which concluded in Patna on Sunday, brought together leading medical experts from across India and Nepal to discuss advancements in interventional cardiology and strategies for improving patient outcomes.
Delivering the Dr Prabhat Kumar Memorial Oration, veteran interventional cardiologist Dr Vijay Trehan traced the evolution of interventional cardiology in India and urged people to view healthcare as an investment rather than an expense. While acknowledging that interventional cardiology procedures are often more expensive than open-heart surgeries, Dr Trehan noted that their lower risk and better outcomes justify the cost. “Less traumatic to the body but more traumatic to the pocket. People must invest in health insurance, while economically weaker sections should avail themselves of government healthcare schemes,” he said.
Dr Trehan added that Bihar currently has an adequate number of interventional cardiologists to meet patient needs and encouraged greater acceptance of newer interventional procedures. Highlighting the need for improved health literacy, he proposed introducing basic cardiac health education at the school level through interactive activities such as quizzes and skits. He stressed that awareness of heart attack symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention could significantly improve outcomes, as timely recognition of symptoms is crucial for effective treatment.
Organizing secretary Dr Shamshad Alam said the conference aimed to disseminate knowledge about the latest developments in cardiac intervention and provide a platform for skill enhancement. Scientific sessions focused on emerging technologies such as wireless and leadless pacemakers for treating heart blockages. Experts noted that these devices offer greater convenience by eliminating internal wires and reducing long-term complications such as endocarditis.
Other discussions covered conduction system pacing for arrhythmia prevention and advanced carotid artery stenting techniques for managing blockages in arteries supplying blood to the brain.
During the valedictory function, CSI Bihar chapter president Dr Sanjeev Kumar and secretary Dr Ashok Kumar honored members of the organizing team. Dr Shamshad Alam and organizing chairman Dr Pramod Kumar were recognized for their efforts in successfully conducting the conference.
