VIJAYAWADA:
Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to check the number of deaths due to heart attacks, especially in rural areas, by providing medical care within the first hour of the attack.
Principal secretary (Health) M.T. Krishna Babu said for the purpose, they are taking up a pilot project to further strengthen the Aarogyasri network hospitals, particularly in rural areas, with support from private hospitals in the state.
The senior official underlined that AP has 38 lakh patients suffering from heart-related ailments. The annual death rate due to the disease is 32 percent.
Krishna Babu said as part of the pilot project, the government will be setting up cath labs in Kurnool and Kakinada at government hospitals at a cost of ₹120 crore in first phase.
