In a heartening display of dedication to patient well-being, Narayana Health, Howrah, exemplified its commitment to comprehensive care as it extended support beyond conventional hospital boundaries to aid a critically ill patient residing 500 km away from Kolkata in Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal.
The saga began when a 63-year-old male, resident of Balurghat experienced sudden chest pain and breathlessness, signalling a potentially life-threatening situation. Rushed to a local physician by his family members, the initial diagnosis revealed myocardial infarction (Heart Attack), necessitating urgent medical intervention or surgery something which was beyond the local facility’s capabilities.
Faced with this dire circumstance, the family reached out to Narayana Health, Howrah, seeking specialized care for their loved one. Despite the considerable distance and logistical challenges, Narayana Health’s dedicated team swiftly mobilized.
With meticulous planning and a focus on patient safety, Narayana Hospital, Howrah, orchestrated the deployment of a specialized medical team to Balurghat. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and oxygen support, along with a proficient paramedical and nursing staff, a train ambulance was arranged for the patient’s swift transfer.
A train ambulance is a specially equipped medical transport vehicle designed to provide emergency medical care and transportation for patients over long distances via train tracks. Train ambulances offer a cost-effective and efficient means of transporting patients over extended distances, especially in regions where access to specialized medical care may be limited or where road transportation options are not feasible.
Upon arrival at Sealdah Station, the patient, accompanied by Narayana Hospital’s medical team and family, was seamlessly transitioned to a cardiac ambulance awaiting to move him to Narayana Hospital, Howrah. Swift diagnosis at the hospital revealed a critical 90% blockage in the patient’s heart, necessitating immediate intervention.
The collective efforts of Narayana Health’s multidisciplinary team, characterized by presence of mind, prompt action, and decisive decision-making, proved instrumental in averting a potentially fatal outcome. Such collaborative endeavours underscore the pivotal role played by seamless coordination in safeguarding lives.
“Our commitment to delivering exceptional medical care extends beyond the confines of our hospital walls,” remarked Mr. Tapani Ghosh, Facility Director of Narayana Hospital, Howrah & Chunavati. “I am immensely proud of our team’s unwavering dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for every patient, from the moment they seek our assistance to their journey to recovery.”
Mr. Soumen (Name changed), the patient at the center of this remarkable story, now finds himself under vigilant supervision at Narayana Hospital, Howrah. He has already undergone angioplasty at the hospital and is recovering well.