HEALTH-Health plan for heart patients to cover entire Goa by Aug 15

Entire Goa would be covered under an ambitious health program of the state government for heart patients by August 15, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said Thursday. STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) program was launched in Goa last year under which patients suffering from heart attack are thrombosed before bringing them to hospital for further treatment to save their lives.

Thrombolysis is a treatment to dissolve dangerous clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow and prevent damage to tissues and organs. Rane told reporters that the lives of more than 260 patients were saved since the STEMI program was launched by the state health department in December last year.

"We have covered almost all parts of Goa except five health centers which would be covered before August 15. Once that happens, Goa will be the first state in the country to have entire coverage for the STEMI program, the minister said. Rane said the concept of STEMI came from the realization that people in rural Goa faced problems in accessing prompt medical care when anyone suffered a heart attack.

"It was becoming difficult to save a life (in rural areas). It was decided that this facility should not be restricted to urban areas where people can access health care but should also reach far-flung areas, he added. Rane said post introduction of the program, medical professionals have been successful in thrombolysis patients before they are brought to hospital for further treatment.

"The program adopted by Goa is recognized internationally and people are interested in knowing about it," the minister said. Rane said the facility would be extended to all primary and community health centers in the state.

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