One of India’s leading healthcare providers, Manipal Hospitals, unveiled the Hridoye Jurey Kolkata program, a significant step toward creating a heart-healthy metropolis. The occasion was planned as a lead-up to September 29th, which is recognized as World Heart Day worldwide each year. Leading cardiac doctors from all Manipal Hospitals units in Kolkata participated in the lively sessions, sharing their unique experiences in cardiovascular health and cutting-edge operations that are revolutionizing the conversation in medicine about patient outcomes.

The event was attended by Mr. Barun Chanda, Dr. Prakash Kumar Hazra, Director & HoD, Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Dr. Rabin Chakraborty, Senior Vice Chairman & Head of Cardiology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Senior Vice Chairman & Head of Cardiac Surgery, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals), and Mr.Ayanabh Deb Gupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals (East).

At the ceremony, two innovative awareness efforts were also introduced. “One Scan Can Save a Life” is a campaign that will see QR code-equipped signs placed at traffic signals. Citizens can instantly reach MARS (Manipal Ambulance Response Service) by scanning the code. This promotes both emergency services that are available around the clock and educational video lessons that teach people how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Procedure). As part of the project, traffic lights at significant intersections in the Bidhan Nagar Police Commissionerate’s jurisdiction will display hearts rather than the customary round forms from September 25 through September 30 at night. It is anticipated that Kolkata residents will always be conscious of heart health thanks to the distinctive traffic signals.

The goal of the “Hridoye Jurey Kolkata” initiative is to guarantee that at least 3% of Indians are capable of performing CPR. Community members such as Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), schoolchildren, staff, and principals, security guards, police officers, human resources directors, and corporate employees were all trained in CPR by Manipal Hospitals. The ‘Heart Smart Kolkata’ effort seeks to create a database of CPR-trained individuals around the city.

The two-panel discussions that followed, “Heart Problems in Women” and “Cardiac Surgery: Myths Vs. Facts” featured eminent cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from Manipal Hospitals who shared insightful commentary.

The World Heart Day campaign would increase Kolkata residents’ awareness of heart health issues. Furthermore, teaching regular people CPR skills is very essential.

Priyanka Dutta