PM lauds Mangaluru doctor’s initiative to install ECG machines at Jan Aushadhi centre

Dr Padmanabha Kamath, Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiology, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru took part in the interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a part of Jan Aushadhi Divas or Generic Medicine Day, held at a ground near community health centre in Brahmavar in Udupi.

Expressing happiness after interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Kamath said “I am delighted and happy. Prime Minister has understood the whole concept of how the Jan Aushadhi scheme is becoming a Jan Upyogi scheme.”

In his tweet, Dr Kamath said “Today was the day.. and I spoke my heart out at the Janaushadhi diwas award function interacting with our beloved PM.”

During his interaction, Dr Kamath said “I have been the part of Jan Aushadhi abhiyan for the last three years. When I noticed people in rural areas were losing their lives due to delay in diagnosis, we under the initiative of Cardiology at Doorstep (CAD) started Kayakalpa to install ECG machines in Jan Aushadhi centres. These centres in rural areas remain open till late night. Through the ECG machines, several heart attacks have been diagnosed and thus helped in saving lives. The ECG machines have been installed 20 Jan Aushadhi centres in six districts in Karnataka. I am also part of the theme "Jan Aushadhi -- Seva Bhi, Rozgar Bhi,” he said.

He explained how he helped a youth to set up a Jan Aushadhi centre in Mangaluru where in ECG machine has been installed. “People were wondering why I was associated with the Jan Aushadhi and installing ECG machines, in the beginning. Over a period of time, people who were critical are silent.”

Lauding Dr Kamath for installing ECG machines in Jan Aushadhi centres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “your innovative thinking has helped many. It shows your service oriented mindset. I am happy to interact with you.”

Dr Kamath said “initially I was told to speak for one and a half minute. Later, I was given three and a half minute to speak.”
The tweet of Narendra Modi said “Dr Kamath from Mangaluru emphasised on two things: His own work to help solve heart-related ailments. How the Jan Aushadhi scheme is fast becoming a Jan Upyogi scheme and giving a life of dignity to many people.”