As Karnataka grapples with a disturbing rise in heart attack-related deaths—especially in Hassan, where 23 people have died in just over a month—residents across the state are rushing for cardiac screenings. But the state’s fragile healthcare infrastructure is failing to keep up.
Bidar’s Cath Lab lies idle amid emergency
At the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS), a newly-inaugurated state-of-the-art Cath Lab remains non-functional, two-and-a-half months after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah opened it. While poor patients hoped for relief from costly private treatments, the lab has remained locked, allegedly due to staffing issues and possible influence from private hospitals, of which there are five in Bidar.
Despite hiring 10 contract-based staff in April, most have refused to join, citing low pay and lack of permanent positions. Locals accuse BRIMS and authorities of indifference, demanding immediate action to operationalize the facility meant to serve underprivileged patients.
Chikkamagaluru: No heart specialists in government hospitals
Meanwhile, Chikkamagaluru district faces a full-blown cardiology vacuum. The only government cardiologist is on unauthorised leave, and no sanctioned posts exist for cardiologists in taluk hospitals. District Health Officer Dr Ashwath Babu confirmed the issue and said a replacement may be posted soon through ongoing transfer counselling.
With young and middle-aged individuals among the dead, the crisis has triggered fear and frustration. Locals and activists are urging the government to prioritise public cardiac care and resist private sector pressure.