Delay in launch of Cath lab at Chandigarh's GMSH-16

Chandigarh: Amid a high demand for a catheterisation lab at the Government Multi Specialty Hospital, sector 16 (GMSH-16), but the plan to launch one has not been implemented despite UT health secretary Yashpal Garg directing Infosys to start the laboratory in public.  

Infosys Limited is an Indian multinational information technology company that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. 

Having a cath lab at the hospital has suffered many setbacks since the launch has been delayed several times. Although the UT health secretary resumed the process of the catheterisation laboratory launch at GMSH-16, it is yet to be established. 

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The tender for the catheterization laboratory was floated in 2020, but the project came to a halt many times. Earlier, the government announced that the cath lab will be established in PPP mode. However, when GMSH-16 took up the issue again in January, the lab still didn't come up, even in PPP mode. 

In response, an official in the UT health department said, “If GMCH could start the system after utilising services of a government doctor and then send doctors for training to AIIMS Delhi, why is there a need to have the PPP model? Doctors from GMCH or PGI can be asked to join or train the staff."

While speaking about the current status of the cath lab installation, UT Director of health services Dr Suman Singh informed TOI, “Establishment of the laboratory is in progress."

At GMCH-16, a 25-bedded cath lab with advanced technology and equipment situated in the emergency block of the hospital is expected to come up soon.

A cath lab is a specialised medical facility that utilises imaging technology to perform minimally invasive procedures, primarily in cardiology. By incorporating robotic technology into the cath lab, precision and efficiency during these procedures can be significantly enhanced.

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