The Cardiology Department of the Superspeciality Hospital at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has emerged as a national center of excellence, showcasing exceptional growth in clinical services, academic training, and public trust. From modest beginnings, the department now stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusive cardiac care in Jammu & Kashmir.
From 100 to Over 2,000 Angiographies: A Journey of Growth
In 2012, the department performed just 100 coronary angiographies. By 2024, this number surged to 2,008, with 720 already conducted in the first four months of 2025. Coronary angioplasties have similarly grown from 25 in 2012 to an impressive 1,422 in 2024—testament to the increasing patient load and the team’s clinical expertise.
Device-based cardiac therapies have also seen exponential growth. Permanent pacemaker implantations jumped from just 10 in 2012 to 422 in 2024. In the same year alone, the department performed over 400 temporary pacemaker placements and continues to deliver advanced care with procedures like implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertions, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP).

24x7 Primary PCI: Life-Saving Emergency Care

The department runs a round-the-clock Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) program, which has significantly reduced mortality in acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) cases. With door-to-balloon times that meet global benchmarks, this program is saving thousands of lives annually—particularly among underprivileged patients.

Advancing Electrophysiology and Complex Interventions

A regional pioneer in cardiac electrophysiology, the department now performs both traditional and advanced 3D electroanatomical mapping-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures for arrhythmia management, including atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations.
The interventional team has also adopted cutting-edge modalities such as:
Image-guided complex PCI
Orbital atherectomy for calcified coronary lesions
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC)
ASD/VSD closures
Coarctation of aorta interventions

Soaring Outpatient & Inpatient Volumes

Outpatient visits rose to 27,332 in 2023, and inpatient admissions have more than quadrupled since 2018. These rising numbers reflect the department’s reputation as a high-volume, trusted referral center for advanced heart care.

Free World-Class Cardiac Care Under Ayushman Bharat

All interventional procedures, including complex angioplasties, pacemaker insertions, and AF ablations, are offered entirely free of charge under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The department ranks among the top three cardiac centers in India for highest volume of free procedures under the scheme—proving that affordability need not come at the cost of excellence.

A Hub for Education, Research, and Training

The department also plays a pivotal academic role. It runs a Post-Doctoral DrNB Cardiology training program and has applied for DM Cardiology accreditation. Trainees from the department are now serving as skilled interventional cardiologists across India.
Other academic highlights include:
Regular publication in reputed journals
Active participation in national and international cardiology conferences
Hosting of CMEs, workshops, and collaborative research projects

A Model for Inclusive, Compassionate Healthcare

From performing just 100 procedures in 2012 to becoming a nationally recognized, high-complexity cardiac care center, GMC Srinagar’s Cardiology Department has redefined what public healthcare can achieve.
It now serves as a replicable model—proving that with vision, compassion, public support, and medical excellence, government-run institutions can deliver world-class outcomes to every citizen, regardless of income.