KOLKATA: Marking a proactive step toward public health and preventive medicine, the Department of Cardiology at the South Eastern Railway Central Hospital, Garden Reach, Kolkata, commemorated World Heart Day 2026 with immense enthusiasm and professional fervor. Centered around the global theme “Don’t Miss A Beat,” the event underscored the critical need for early cardiovascular awareness in an era where heart ailments frequently manifest without warning.
A Call for Holistic Wellness
Setting the tone for the proceedings, Dr. Bijay Narayan Jha, Additional Chief Health Director (Cardiology), addressed the gathered fraternity of senior medical professionals, nursing officers, technical staff, and hospital personnel. He urged everyone to prioritize personal cardiac hygiene as the foundational step toward effective healthcare delivery.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. K. Sreekumar, Medical Director of the S.E. Railway Central Hospital, drew attention to the rising incidence of lifestyle-related ailments. He eloquently outlined the four pillars of cardiovascular defense:
- Regular Walking: Sustained physical activity to maintain vascular resilience.
- Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich intake prioritizing wholesomeness over processed foods.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensuring complete physiological rest.
- Stress Control: Managing psychological triggers that silently burden the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Sreekumar stressed that because heart disease often hides in plain sight, remaining vigilant against early clinical symptoms is vital to saving lives.
Free Cardiac Screening Camp
Translating institutional responsibility into direct action, the department hosted a dedicated humanitarian initiative under Dr. Jha’s supervision. A Free Cardiology Check-up Camp was organized at the CV Clinic exclusively for private ayas (caretakers) and patient attendants.
- Over 25 support staff and attendants underwent comprehensive clinical screenings.
- Assessments included blood pressure (BP) measurement, electrocardiograms (ECG), blood sugar tests, and individualized medical counseling.
- The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the empathetic healthcare outreach.
Youth Engagement and Practical Preventive Protocols
Extending the outreach beyond clinical walls, a specialized health education session was conducted for young students and attendees. Experts highlighted actionable measures to safeguard long-term health:
- Digital Sunset: Enforcing strict cut-offs for night-time social media and screen exposure to ensure 7 hours of restorative sleep.
- Dietary Choices: Substituting sugary carbonated beverages (colas) with clean, adequate hydration through water.
- Health Parameters: Emphasizing the mantra of “knowing your numbers” (regular monitoring of BP, blood sugar, and body weight) while incorporating 30 minutes of daily walking and deep breathing exercises.
The interactive session also featured testimonials from recovering cardiac patients, adding a deeply relatable dimension to the discourse.
The program successfully concluded with a unified pledge administered to all present: “Protect your heart. Care for every heart.” The event witnessed active participation from Dr. Aninda Bera, Dr. Mukta Mondal, Dr. Priyanka Mondal, Dr. Pramit Saha, the Nursing Superintendent (ANO), nursing personnel, and technical staff.
