For most people, EMIs are an efficient way to purchase electronic goods, cars or homes. Now, patients have the option of purchasing heart devices through EMI.
For many patients, raising a large amount of cash at short notice can be a problem. Through the EMI scheme, they can undergo treatment and pay the money back later. Venkateswaralu, a Xerox shop owner from Seven Wells, is one of the beneficiaries of the EMI scheme. This 60-year-old experienced heart palpitations and fainted when he was brought in to a private hospital. Through Medtronic’s EMI scheme, he was able to afford the surgery and underwent an angioplasty.
Mr. Venkateswaralu was sanctioned a loan of Rs. 2.63 lakh, with a monthly EMI of around Rs. 6,000. “The total cost of treatment was over Rs. 3 lakh, which I could not afford at the time. For someone like me who does not fall in the BPL category, the EMI scheme made a huge difference,” he said.
According to a representative from Medtronic, the scheme – Healthy Heart For All – is available for implantable pacemakers, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, heart valves and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. “Affordability is one of the key barriers that stop patients from getting the right treatment, especially in a country like India. With this scheme, we hope to help more people obtain the right treatment,” he said.
Simple steps can
save a life
What happens if you witness an accident on the road? First, stay calm and call 108 for an ambulance. But until the ambulance arrives, there are steps you can take to administer first aid.
V. Soundappan, senior consultant neurosurgeon at Fortis Malar Hospital, says it is essential to ensure that the person is able to breathe. “Do not crowd around the victim. Do not give them water. And do not lift the person with just their arms or legs. Injured persons should be lifted like a log — their head, neck, shoulders and hips should be in a completely straight line and at least three people should help lift them,” he adds.
Dr. Soundappan says about 20 per cent of head injuries have associated spine injuries, so it is crucial to not aggravate the spine. “Make sure the person is lying flat. If the victim is vomiting, turn her to one side as a whole. The spine should be straight,” he says.
In case of seizures, do not put sharp objects or keys in the victim's mouth. It is much better to just loosen their clothes and ensure they can breathe, he adds.
If the person is bleeding, apply pressure on the wound, and if possible, tie a bandage around it. In case of a scalp wound, make sure to apply pressure on both sides of the wound.
“The main thing to ensure is that the brain receives blood supply and oxygen. Chances of morbidity and mortality increase if the brain does not get oxygen,” says Dr. Soundappan.
The golden hour is important. Patients should be taken to the nearest tertiary care centre within the first hour for best possible outcomes.
Most importantly, “If you’re a motorist on the road,” Dr. Soundappan says, “just make sure you give way to the ambulance.”
(Reporting by
Kavita Kishore and
Zubeda Hamid)
