Srinagar, Aug 3 (JKNS): Cardiology department of Superspeciality Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, has shown a remarkable growth, procedural innovation, academic advancement, and public trust, evolving into a nationally recognized center of excellence in patient care, training, and research.
From just 100 coronary angiographies in 2012, the department has scaled up to 2,008 procedures in 2024, with 720 already performed in the first four months of 2025.
Coronary angioplasties have also surged from 25 in 2012 to 1,422 in 2024, a reflection of both rising patient volume and procedural expertise.
Device-based cardiac therapies have grown exponentially. Permanent pacemaker implantations increased from 10 in 2012 to 422 in 2024.
The department also routinely performs implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertions, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantations, temporary pacemaker (TPM) placements, and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP).
Notably, over 400 temporary pacemaker procedures were performed in 2024 alone, underscoring the robustness of the department’s emergency protocols.
The department has developed a 24×7 Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) program for the emergency management of acute myocardial infarction (MI).
With door-to-balloon times that rival global standards, the program has saved thousands of lives, especially among economically disadvantaged populations.
A pioneer in cardiac electrophysiology in the region, the department now routinely performs both conventional and 3D electroanatomical mapping-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures, including atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations. These advancements have made the department a regional referral center for complex arrhythmia management.
The interventional team has successfully adopted advanced modalities such as image-guided complex PCI, orbital atherectomy for heavily calcified coronary lesions, and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
Additionally, the department performs a wide range of structural and congenital heart interventions, including percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC), atrial and ventricular septal defect (ASD/VSD) closures, and coarctation of the aorta (COA) interventions.
Outpatient visits rose to 27,332 in 2023, and inpatient admissions have more than quadrupled since 2018. These figures reflect the department’s growing reputation as a high-volume, high-trust referral center for comprehensive cardiac care in the region.
In a healthcare landscape where advanced cardiac interventions are often inaccessible due to cost, the department has broken barriers by offering all procedures completely free of charge under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme.
Whether it is a complex angioplasty, a pacemaker, or an AF ablation, financial constraints never stand between patients and lifesaving treatment.
The department proudly ranks among the top three cardiac centers nationally for the highest volume of procedures performed entirely free under Ayushman Bharat, highlighting its commitment to equity and accessibility.
In addition to its clinical excellence, the Cardiology Department has emerged as a key academic hub. It runs a Post Doctoral Cardiology Training Program (DrNB) Cardiology and have applied for DM Cardiology producing skilled interventional cardiologists who now serve across India.
The department has consistently contributed to the scientific community through research publications in reputed national and international journals. It has been regularly hosting CME programs, workshops, and collaborative research projects, enriching academic culture in the region. (JKNS)
