Jammu, March 26, 2025 – A new state-of-the-art Catheterisation Laboratory was inaugurated at the Super Specialty Hospital in Jammu on March 25, 2025, marking a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure for the region. The facility was formally launched by the Honourable Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, in the presence of key dignitaries, including MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta and Secretary to Government, Health and Medical Education Department, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah.
The cutting-edge Cath Lab, established at a cost of ₹12.5 crore, is equipped with advanced imaging technology designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister Sakeena Itoo emphasized the transformative impact of the facility, stating, “This state-of-the-art Cath Lab will revolutionize cardiac care in Jammu and Kashmir, providing timely and precise interventions for patients with heart conditions. It’s a testament to our commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality.”
The new facility will support a wide range of diagnostic and interventional procedures, including coronary angiography, angioplasty, stent placement, and pacemaker implantation. It is expected to significantly reduce the burden on patients who previously had to seek advanced cardiac treatment outside the Union Territory, often at exorbitant costs in private hospitals. “With this Cath Lab, we aim to ensure that life-saving cardiac care is available locally, especially for those who cannot afford to travel,” the Minister added.
Dr. Rehana Khursheed, Medical Superintendent of SSH Jammu, highlighted the operational readiness of the facility, noting that it will cater primarily to emergency cardiac cases. “This is a game-changer for us. The advanced technology here will allow our cardiologists to perform complex procedures with greater efficiency and accuracy,” she said. The event also saw the presence of Principal Government Medical College Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, and Head of the Cardiology Department, Dr. Sushil Sharma, who expressed optimism about the enhanced capabilities the Cath Lab brings to the hospital.
The inauguration comes at a time when cardiovascular diseases are on the rise in J&K, driven by factors such as lifestyle changes and stress. The government’s move to bolster healthcare infrastructure aligns with broader efforts to make specialized medical services more accessible. According to officials, the Cath Lab’s establishment is part of a larger vision to upgrade facilities across district hospitals in the Union Territory, as outlined in the recent budget by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The ceremony concluded with the Minister reiterating the government’s dedication to a patient-centric approach. “Our goal is to ensure that every citizen of J&K has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. This Cath Lab is a step in that direction,” she affirmed. With this development, SSH Jammu is poised to become a key hub for cardiac care, offering hope and relief to countless patients in the region.