Deralakatte, Mangaluru: The Yenepoya Medical College Hospital (YMCH), in collaboration with the District Health and Family Welfare Department, Dakshina Kannada, celebrated the Valedictory Ceremony of World Heart Day 2025 on October 15. The event marked the culmination of a month-long cardiac screening and awareness campaign and a CPR training programme aimed at promoting heart health and emergency preparedness among the public.

Event Overview and Dignitaries Present

The valedictory function was presided over by Dr Habib Rahaman A.A., Medical Superintendent, YMCH, and graced by Dr M. Vijayakumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), as the Chief Guest.

The Guests of Honour included:

  • Dr H.R. Thimmaiah, District Health and Family Welfare Officer
  • Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, District Surveillance Officer
  • Dr K.S. Gangadhara Somayaji, Registrar, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
  • Dr M.S. Moosabba, Principal, Yenepoya Medical College
  • Dr Prashanth R.M., Professor, Cardiology, YMCH
  • Dr Abhay Nirgude, Dean, Faculty of Medicine

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Abhay Nirgude, followed by the keynote address delivered by Dr Nagaraj Shet, Assistant Medical Superintendent.

Keynote Address: Yenepoya’s Commitment to Cardiac Health

In his address, Dr Nagaraj Shet highlighted Yenepoya’s unwavering commitment to affordable and quality cardiac care. He announced that comprehensive cardiac screening services are available throughout the year at a nominal cost of ₹1,500.

He noted that since the establishment of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) eight years ago, the hospital has successfully completed over 13,000 cardiac procedures, including more than 4,000 angioplasties, with 80–85% of these procedures conducted completely cashless under government and semi-government insurance schemes.

He also shared that the hospital’s Heart Failure Clinic, operational every Saturday, lays the foundation for an upcoming Heart Transplant Programme at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital.

Chief Guest’s Remarks: Robotic Cardiac Surgery Initiative

Addressing the gathering, Dr M. Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), lauded the hospital’s pioneering role in cardiac care and announced a major advancement—Yenepoya Medical College Hospital has become the first in Dakshina Kannada to initiate Robotic Cardiac Surgery.

He revealed that SSI Mantra has provided their second-level robotic system free of cost, recognising Yenepoya’s dedication to offering cashless cardiac treatment. Dr Vijayakumar further assured that robotic cardiac surgeries for BPL patients would continue to remain cashless, underscoring Yenepoya’s mission to deliver equitable healthcare.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Health Initiatives

Dr H.R. Thimmaiah, District Health Officer, stressed the importance of cardiac awareness and CPR training for frontline health workers and the general public. He commended Yenepoya’s recent organ donation initiative, conducted in partnership with the Government of Karnataka, and praised the hospital’s compassionate, cashless treatment of a renal cell carcinoma case earlier this year.

Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, District Surveillance Officer, spoke on the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility through door-to-door health services, especially for vulnerable populations.

Presidential Address: Strengthening Health Collaborations

In his presidential address, Dr Habib Rahaman A.A., Medical Superintendent, YMCH, expressed gratitude to the district administration for its continued support. He urged for stronger referral linkages, particularly with Wenlock District Hospital, to facilitate cashless cardiac surgeries and ensure advanced cardiac care reaches more patients in need.

Recognitions and Closing Ceremony

As part of the valedictory event, certificates of participation were symbolically presented to Mrs Jayanthi Shetty and Mr Naseer Kukkaje for successfully completing the CPR training session.

The programme was emceed by Ms Sushmitha P.B., and attended by Heads of Departments, Consultants, Section Heads, Yen Mithras, and staff members.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Mukhtar Abdullah, Assistant Medical Superintendent, YMCH, acknowledging the collective efforts of all partners in promoting cardiac awareness, prevention, and preparedness.

A Continuing Mission of Cardiac Care

The month-long campaign reaffirmed Yenepoya Medical College Hospital’s leadership in cardiac health education and community outreach. Through initiatives such as cashless angioplasty, CPR training, and cardiac screening, Yenepoya continues to embody its mission of providing accessible, compassionate, and advanced healthcare to all sections of society.