Historic cardiac milestone achieved at STNM Hospital

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: In a remarkable advancement for cardiac care in the Northeast, senior cardiologists from Sikkim and New Delhi have set a new benchmark in electrophysiology services.

Dr. D. P. Rai, Chief Cardiologist at STNM Hospital, in collaboration with Dr.Avinash Verma, Chief Electrophysiologist at BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital, successfully performed a record 30 consecutive cardiac procedures over two days, April 24-25, at STNM Hospital here.

The procedures, comprising Electrophysiological Studies (EPS) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), were conducted in a single operation theatre setting at the STNM Hospital. All 30 cases were completed successfully, and patients are reported to be stable and recovering well, it was informed.

This achievement is being regarded as historic, as no prior record from any center has documented such a high number of consecutive EPS and RFA procedures performed within a limited timeframe in one operation theatre. The feat highlights not only clinical expertise but also exceptional coordination, endurance, and teamwork, it was informed.

Electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency ablation are highly specialized cardiac procedures used to diagnose and treat complex heart rhythm disorders. These interventions require advanced infrastructure and a well-trained, dedicated team. Such services have traditionally been limited in the Northeast and North Bengal regions, often requiring patients to travel to metropolitan centers like Delhi, where the average cost of treatment can reach approximately Rs 5 lakh per procedure.

Over the past six years, the duo of Dr DP Rai and Dr.Avinash Verma has consistently worked to bring these advanced cardiac services closer to patients in Sikkim, successfully performing over 200 such procedures. Their efforts have significantly reduced the financial burden on patients and prevented the outflow of healthcare expenditure from the state.

Expressing gratitude, despite lots of hindrance and challenges, Dr. Rai acknowledged the unwavering support of the Cath-Lab operation theatre staff, nurses, matron, technicians, ground staff, and CCSD of the STNM Hospital. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay and Health Minister GT Dhungel, and the trust placed by patients from Sikkim and neighboring regions.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering advanced, affordable cardiac care locally. It is a small yet meaningful part of our broader contribution to strengthening healthcare services in Sikkim,” Dr. Rai stated.

Beyond electrophysiology, Dr. Rai emphasized that such procedures represent only a small fraction of his overall clinical work, which includes a wide range of complex cardiac interventions, critical care management, and consultations for patients from across India and abroad.

This achievement marks a significant step forward in positioning Sikkim as an emerging center for advanced cardiac care in the region.