STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Chattogram

A new cath lab has been installed at the cardiology department of Chattogram Medical College Hospital in a significant boost to the overburdened facility.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum officially inaugurated the unit on Friday.

Physicians, however, indicated that it will take some time before the cath lab becomes fully operational.

The CMCH Cardiology Department currently treats up to 300 patients daily against a 160-bed capacity.

CMCH originally had two cath labs, but one has been non-functional since 2022. The remaining lone operational cath lab used to be left severely strained as it performed an average of eight angiograms and two to three stent procedures daily. It also performed one to two pacemaker implant surgeries weekly.

The functioning lab, which currently has a warranty valid till 2027, experienced a five-day technical fault earlier in September due to excessive use, and doctors feel it has already completed its optimal service lifespan.

Repairing the non-operational cath lab would cost approximately Tk 3 crore, primarily because the supplier’s warranty period has expired, said CMCH sources. As such, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in May decided that one of two unused cath labs from Manikganj Medical College Hospital will be transferred to CMCH as a cost-effective alternative.

Dr Nur Uddin Tarek, associate professor and head of the CMCH Cardiology Department, said, “The addition of another cath lab will enhance our services. However, considering the current volume of patients we receive, at least one more machine is necessary.”

CMCH Director Brig Gen Mohammad Taslim Uddin said, “The new angiogram machine will benefit cardiac patients in Chattogram by significantly enhancing services and reducing long waiting times.”