Cardiology services at the Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Tanda are expected to return to normalcy with the joining of three cardiology specialists in the department.
Principal Dr Milap Sharma said on Sunday that the availability of three cardiologists would significantly improve patient care and help restore normal functioning of the Cardiology Department. Cardiology services had been affected in recent weeks due to a shortage of specialists, causing inconvenience to patients seeking cardiac consultations, investigations and treatment.
He said that Dr Soni Kumar and Dr LN Lakhan joined the institution two days ago, while senior cardiologist Dr Naresh Rana, who had earlier been shifted from Tanda, was also present at the Out-Patient Department (OPD) and examined patients. The new specialists reviewed the functioning of the department and interacted with doctors and patients during their visit.
The development comes at a time when a separate medical inquiry is underway into alleged irregularities concerning the use and implantation of cardiac stents and balloons in the department. A team of senior doctors has been examining various aspects of the department’s functioning following complaints and concerns raised over certain procedures.
The restoration of specialist services is expected to provide major relief to hundreds of cardiac patients visiting the medical college and hospital from Kangra and other neighbouring districts, including Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti. The institution remains one of the few government medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh equipped with a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (Cath Lab), making it a key referral centre for advanced cardiac treatment in the state.
Recently, a team of senior doctors reportedly seized cardiac stents and balloons valued at nearly rupees one crore that were allegedly stored without authorisation in a cupboard within the department. The matter has since been referred to the Himachal Pradesh Government for further investigation. The inspection was carried out following directions issued by the state government amid concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Cardiology Department.
Hospital authorities have assured patients that all necessary measures were being taken to strengthen services and maintain transparency in the department while ensuring that cardiac care remained unaffected.
