Free heart attack detection tests for those below the poverty line, says Health Minister
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K. Muraleedharan | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said here that the test for early detection of heart attacks will be made free for people below the poverty line.
He was inaugurating the World Heart Day celebrations organised by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology on Tuesday (September 29, 2026).
The aim is at ensuring effective cardiac screening for ordinary people. The Troponin T test, which identifies heart attacks quickly by detecting the levels of the protein troponin that is released into the blood when heart muscles are damaged, will be made free for the BPL category as tests like ECG may not always indicate a heart attack immediately, he said.
Mr. Muraleedharan said that medical camps conducted by private hospitals may not always be accessible or affordable to the ordinary citizens. The government will encourage medical camps for the lowest strata of society. As early detection of diseases are important, people should try to attend the medical camps conducted in their locality, he added.
He said that the government will ensure the availability of medicines but that none will be allowed to take commissions for procuring medicines.
A series of programmes were organised by SCTIMST, aimed at promoting awareness on cardiovascular health, healthy lifestyle, and awareness of emergency cardiac care were organised on the occasion of World Heart Day.
Basic Life Support training was organised for school students so that they are equipped with essential skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies. A healthy lifestyle quiz was also organised for school students
A cardiology exhibition titled, “Know Your Heart”, provided a valuable learning opportunity for the public with displays of cardiac specimens, anatomical models, medical hardware and cardiac devices used for modern cardiac care.
Sanjay Behari, director of SCTIMST, presided. G. Venugopal, chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi; K.K. Narayanan Namboodiri, Professor and Head of Cardiology, H. V. Easwar, Professor of Neurosurgery and Medical Superintendent, among others, were present.
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