ANANTNAG: The Department of Cardiology at Government Medical College Anantnag has achieved a major milestone in the field of cardiac electrophysiology by successfully performing 114 Electrophysiology Study and Radiofrequency Ablation (EPS/RFA) procedures within just nine to ten months.
The achievement is being viewed as a landmark in advanced cardiac care in South Kashmir, particularly as the programme was launched despite limited infrastructure and expertise in the initial phase.
According to officials, the department began the initiative in a gradual manner, but through innovation and coordinated effort, it soon evolved into a structured and efficient programme. In the absence of a dedicated electrophysiology machine, the department collaborated with industry partners to arrange the required equipment for two days every month. Experienced proctors were also brought in to guide the procedures and ensure safety and quality.
Patients suffering from cardiac rhythm disorders requiring EPS/RFA were systematically enrolled through both the outpatient department and emergency services, allowing the programme to steadily expand and cater to a growing number of patients from across South Kashmir.
Head of the Department of Cardiology, Dr. Syed Maqbool, said the programme started on a small scale but soon gained momentum.
“We started gradually, but with consistent effort and teamwork, the programme expanded rapidly and has now benefited patients from across South Kashmir,” he said.
Dr. Maqbool said the department has recorded a remarkable 95 per cent procedural success rate with zero mortality, reflecting the high standard of care achieved by the institution.
He also highlighted the department’s focus on capacity building, saying that consultants underwent in-house training in a manner similar to fellowship programmes and are now independently performing these procedures with increasing confidence.
Describing the accomplishment as a collective effort, Dr. Maqbool credited consultants, junior residents, technicians, nurses and support staff for the success of the programme.
The Department of Cardiology also expressed gratitude to Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb for her continued support and encouragement, which officials said played a crucial role in the development of the programme.
With 114 advanced electrophysiology procedures completed in less than a year and excellent clinical outcomes, GMC Anantnag has set a new benchmark for cardiac care in the region.
