Srinagar, Dec 25: Doctors at the Associated Hospital Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara have successfully performed a permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implant on a 65-year-old female patient.
The surgery, a first-of-its-kind in the hospital addresses the patient, grappling with multiple episodes of syncope holter suggestive of tachy brady syndrome with more than 3-second pauses, found a lifeline close to home.
The significance of this medical feat extends beyond the operating theatre, as it introduces a new era of healthcare accessibility for the border district of Kupwara.
An official at the hospital highlighted the historical significance, stating, “This is a first-of-its-kind facility among the new Medical Colleges and will prove to be a boon to the health sector of the border district Kupwara.”
‘Previously, residents of Kupwara, particularly senior citizens, had to endure the challenges of travelling to Srinagar or outside the state for pacemaker implants. This pioneering procedure, led by Dr. Shafiq Zaragar and supported by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, which include Rouf Ahmad, Prince Ahmad, Manzoor Ahmad and Javid Ahmad has now brought advanced cardiac care closer to home,” said Abid Mir, a local of Handwara.
The Medical Superintendent of Associated Hospital emphasized the rarity of such operations in Kashmir and revealed plans to equip the Medicine department with advanced surgical tools.
The development aims to enhance the cardiac care infrastructure and provide top-notch facilities for heart patients within the institution.
In a heartening gesture, the family of the patient expressed their gratitude as the dual pacemaker surgery was conducted free of cost under the Golden Card initiative. A relative remarked that, without the Golden Card, the possibility of affording such a critical surgery would have been bleak due to the substantial financial burden.
Deputy Medical Superintendent Associated Hospital GMC Handwara Dr Aijaz told Rising Kashmir, that an elderly female aged 65 years was admitted to the associated district hospital GMC Handwara with multiple episodes of syncope with heart suggestive of tachy brady syndrome.
Dr. Shafiq (cardiologist) along with a team of doctors was provided with all logistics.
