Injection Worth Rs 50,000 Now Free, Availability Guaranteed In Every District
The Health Department has directed all centers to maintain adequate supplies of this drug and maintain cold chain management.
Lucknow: This is revolutionary news for millions of heart patients in Uttar Pradesh. In a historic decision, the state government has announced that the extremely expensive life-saving injection used to treat heart attacks will now be made available completely free of charge at all government health centers.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the mortality rate due to lack of timely treatment across the state. Expensive drugs now within reach of every poor person. Thrombolytic agents such as tenecteplase or streptokinase injections are used to treat heart attacks.
Their market price ranges from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. This drug works by dissolving clots formed in blood vessels immediately after a heart attack, restoring blood flow to the heart.
This cost was often difficult for people living below the poverty line and middle-class families to afford. In many cases, patients lost their lives due to the time taken to raise funds.
This government initiative ensures that money will no longer be a barrier to saving lives.
Facilities will reach every corner of the state
This scheme is not limited to the capital or major cities. The government has given clear instructions that this life-saving drug should be available 24 hours a day in all district hospitals, medical colleges, and major community health centers (CHCs) in the state. This comprehensive coverage will greatly benefit people living in rural and remote areas, where private healthcare services are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
It has been ensured that trained health workers and specialist doctors are present at all these centers to fully utilize the 'golden hour' (the first hour after a heart attack).
The 'golden hour' will save lives
The concept of the 'golden hour' is crucial in the treatment of heart attacks. According to experts, administering a clot-dissolving injection (tenecteplase/streptokinase) within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack increases the patient's chances of survival significantly and minimizes heart damage.
Previously, patients in rural areas had to travel to medical colleges in major cities for the injection, often missing the 'golden hour'. Now, its availability at the CHC level will save travel time and allow treatment to begin immediately.
The Health Department has directed all centers to maintain adequate supplies of this drug and maintain cold chain management.
Implementation of the Scheme and Preparations of the Health Department
The Health Department has made war-level preparations to ensure the success of this ambitious scheme:
Training: Doctors and paramedical staff posted in district hospitals and CHCs are receiving special training on the safe and effective use of this injection.
Drug Availability: The central procurement system has been strengthened to ensure uninterrupted supply of the drug.
Awareness Campaign: A massive campaign is being launched to educate the public so that they can immediately reach the nearest government hospital if they notice symptoms of a heart attack and avoid wasting time.
A Precedent for Other States
This decision by Uttar Pradesh is being seen as a model in the field of healthcare. While state governments are grappling with health budget challenges, Uttar Pradesh has taken this major step, proving that public health is its top priority.
Cardiology experts are emphasizing that if other states also adopt similar initiatives, the mortality rate due to heart disease across the country could be significantly reduced.
Public Reaction: A New Ray of Hope
The people of the state have expressed relief and happiness over this decision.
Reported by: Nityanand Mishra
