Karnataka doctor started a unique ‘grama vastavya’ for cardiologists

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By Chetana Belagere

January 13, 2023

“It is my inner calling and inspired by my own findings of how people in rural Karnataka are at a disadvantageous position, in terms of access to cardiology care,” he said.

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Dr Kamath talked about how his foundation, Cardiology At Doorstep, was started in 2018 to provide ECG (electrocardiography) machines.

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WhatsApp groups formed by Dr Kamath have more than 5,000 members across the country now.

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Dr Kamath roped in gram panchayats and anganwadis to bridge the gap through an earlier initiative.

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The “grama vastavya” project was started last week at Kalasa and Horanadu villages in Karnataka, and it has seen great response, says the doctor.

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In many villages, the network already formed by him has ensured that several doctors in these places will maintain a list of patients who require cardiac care.

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“A team of 10, including four to five cardiologists and others who are senior residents and junior resident doctors, will visit the selected villages.”

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Dr Kamath also explained that the health and wellness centres (HWC) set up by the Karnataka Health department have helped the CAD team reach more people.

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Dr Kamath stated that it would be great if more cardiologists from across the state joined the “grama vastavya” initiative.

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Dr Kamath’s current focus is on villages in North Karnataka, with the hope of covering Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Madikeri districts in the coming months.

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