Patna: The Bihar govt will assess the prevalence of heart diseases through a proposed door-to-door awareness campaign and review existing healthcare facilities to strengthen cardiac care across the state, health minister Nishant Kumar said on Saturday. He said efforts would also be made to expand treatment facilities across all regions.Inaugurating the 32nd annual conference of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI), Bihar chapter, CARDICON 2026, Nishant expressed concern over rising cases of heart attacks, heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest, particularly among young people. He stressed early diagnosis, preventive care, a healthy lifestyle and public awareness.The minister said hospitals would be assessed for available facilities and steps taken to improve cardiac care infrastructure. He also highlighted financial assistance for needy patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.CSI Bihar chapter president and AIIMS Patna head of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), Dr Sanjeev Kumar, proposed a ‘Cardiology Commission of Bihar’ to coordinate the development of cardiac healthcare. It would oversee medical education, modern equipment, hospital infrastructure and monitoring of healthcare facilities, while helping economically weaker sections access advanced treatment.The two-day conference, themed ‘From Prevention to Intervention’, brings together cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from across the country to discuss advances in cardiovascular care.The inaugural ceremony was attended by AIIMS Patna executive director Dr Raju Agrawal, IGIC director Dr Sunil Kumar, senior physician Dr Kamlesh Thakur, Ruban Memorial Hospital managing director Dr Satyajeet Kumar Singh and PMCH medical superintendent Dr Rajiva Kumar Singh, among others. Organising secretary Dr Vipin Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.
