In a significant boost to healthcare services in the remote and aspirational district of Chamba, the state government has approved the establishment of a dedicated Cardiology Department at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba.
The approval was granted on June 12 along with the creation of one post of Assistant Professor (Super-Speciality) in Cardiology. The decision is expected to provide much-needed relief to patients suffering from heart and cardiovascular ailments, who have long faced difficulties in accessing specialised cardiac care within the district.
Welcoming the move, college Principal Dr Pankaj Gupta said the approval marked a major milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Chamba, an aspirational district characterised by difficult terrain and scattered rural settlements, has so far lacked specialised cardiology services. Patients requiring cardiac consultations and treatment were often referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, or to hospitals in Pathankot and Jalandhar, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly during emergencies.
“The establishment of a Cardiology Department will significantly improve access to specialised healthcare services within the district. With a dedicated cardiologist being appointed at the medical college, patients will be able to receive expert consultations, timely diagnosis, follow-up care and management of cardiac conditions closer to their homes,” Dr Gupta said.
He added that the move would reduce both the financial burden and travel-related hardships faced by patients and their families.
College spokesperson Dr Manik Sehgal said the initiative would strengthen referral services and enhance the medical college’s capacity to handle complex cardiac cases. “In the long term, the department is expected to pave the way for advanced cardiac diagnostic and treatment facilities in Chamba,” he said.
Healthcare experts have welcomed the decision, noting that timely access to cardiology services is crucial in reducing mortality and complications associated with heart diseases.
Residents of the district have also expressed satisfaction over the government’s decision, describing it as a long-awaited step towards improving healthcare accessibility in Chamba.
The approval is being viewed as part of the state government’s broader efforts to bridge healthcare gaps in remote regions and ensure that specialised medical services reach people living in far-flung areas of Himachal.
