STEMI programme helps save heart patient’s life week after its launch

The STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) programme under Amrit Mission, launched by the Punjab government on July 1 this year, has proved to be a life-saver for patients of serious heart attacks. In a remarkable instance, a patient’s life was saved at the Civil Hospital under the expert care of a team of specialist doctors.

Under the STEMI programme, patients of serious heart attacks are administered an injection called Tenioctylase, which is provided free of cost by the government at civil hospitals and sub-divisional hospitals. This injection, available at a high cost in the market, provides great relief to patients by dissolving blood clots and restoring blood flow to the heart.

Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur said that the patient’s ECG report was examined under the supervision of a specialist doctor, and the injection was administered in a timely manner, saving the patient’s life. The patient was then referred to Government Medical College, Amritsar, where Dr Parminder Singh, DM Cardiology, is providing further treatment.

District Family Welfare Officer-cum-Nodal Officer, STEMI Programme, Dr Neelam Bhagat said that a team of specialist doctors has been formed at the district level to recommend this injection after examining the ECG and other reports of the patient in emergency situations. “With the help of this injection, the lives of many serious heart attack patients can be saved,” she added.

The STEMI programme under Amrit Mission has been launched in 23 districts of Punjab, and the successful treatment of the patient at the Civil Hospital here is a testament to the programme’s effectiveness, said Dr Kirandeep Kaur.

Amritsar