Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Rishad Seecheran, says the Government’s goal is to ensure that any patient presenting with cardiac events at a public hospital receives medical intervention within 90 minutes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 38th Annual Caribbean Cardiology Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wednesday evening, he noted that achieving this goal will require enhancements and possible expansion of ambulance services, particularly in rural areas.
These services, he explained, are designed to ensure that citizens experiencing a myocardial infarction (heart attack) can receive prompt, life-saving care in the shortest possible time.
“Ninety minutes from presentation at hospital for a patient to be able to access cardiac intervention at our public healthcare facilities. But to achieve this, we will need to improve and perhaps expand ambulance services in our rural areas. These specialised services will be essential to ensure that citizens experiencing a myocardial infarction will receive prompt life-saving interventions within the shortest space of time.”
Often referred to as the “golden hour” in cardiology, the first 60 minutes is critical in minimising heart muscle damage and improving survival rates for patients experiencing heart attacks.
Dr. Seecheran said the Ministry is also investing in early detection and management of heart disease through stronger primary healthcare systems, as well as ramping up training for healthcare professionals.
“At the Ministry of Health, we are actively strengthening our primary healthcare systems to be able to detect and manage hypertension and diabetes early. Expanding access to life-saving cardiac interventions through our public health system, as well as investing in local and international training for our healthcare professionals.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Seecheran confirmed that plans are underway for the financing and construction of a Cath Lab (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory) at the San Fernando General Hospital.
“It is now Government policy to establish, equip, and bring into operation Cardiac Catheterization labs across this country. Dr. Bodoe and myself, we recently went to Tobago with the intention of assessing the readiness of the Scarborough General Hospital Cath Lab. Plans are also underway for the financing and construction of a Cath Lab at the San Fernando General Hospital. The Port of Spain Central Block will also have a Cath Lab. And we will be looking at the Eastern Regional Health Authority with an intention of placing a Cath Lab there.”
The Minister said this is to improve survival rates, minimise long-term cardiac damage, enhance overall outcomes, and decrease both morbidity and mortality.