Mangaluru: In a significant milestone for public healthcare in coastal Karnataka, the Cath Lab at Government Wenlock District Hospital has successfully completed 1,000 cardiac procedures within just eight months of its launch in collaboration with KMC Mangaluru.

The state-of-the-art cardiac facility, inaugurated on September 21, 2025, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, has quickly emerged as a lifeline for patients requiring advanced cardiac care across coastal Karnataka and neighbouring regions.

Affordable cardiac care for all

Before the Cath Lab became operational, patients suffering from cardiac emergencies often had to travel to distant cities or seek expensive treatment at private hospitals. The establishment of the facility was aimed at ensuring that quality cardiac care is available to all sections of society, regardless of financial status.

The Cath Lab is jointly operated by doctors from Government Wenlock District Hospital and cardiac specialists from KMC Mangaluru. This collaboration has enabled patients to access advanced cardiac procedures at affordable costs while significantly reducing treatment delays during emergencies.

Economically weaker sections have particularly benefited from the initiative. Coronary angiography is provided free of cost to Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries, while government healthcare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat have further widened access to life-saving cardiac treatment.

Wide range of specialised procedures

According to a release, the Cath Lab offers a comprehensive range of specialised cardiac procedures and emergency interventions. These include coronary angiography, primary angioplasty, elective angioplasty, complex coronary interventions and treatment for chronic total occlusion (CTO).

The facility also provides treatment for acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, temporary pacemaker implantation, emergency coronary interventions and several other critical cardiac care services.

The availability of these procedures at a government hospital has substantially improved access to advanced heart care for people from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and neighbouring districts.

Strengthening public healthcare

The completion of 1,000 cardiac procedures within a short span of eight months highlights the growing success of the public-private partnership model in strengthening specialised healthcare services in government hospitals.

Medical experts believe that the initiative has not only reduced the financial burden on patients but has also ensured timely treatment during cardiac emergencies, where every minute can make a difference.

The milestone is also seen as an indication of increasing public trust in government healthcare institutions and the effectiveness of collaborative healthcare models in delivering advanced medical services.

As the Cath Lab continues to expand its services, it is expected to play an even greater role in improving cardiac healthcare outcomes in coastal Karnataka and ensuring that advanced treatment remains accessible and affordable to the public.