Free heart attack detection tests for people below the poverty line, says health minister

K. Muraleedharan | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said here that the test for early detection of heart attack will be free for people below the poverty line.

He was inaugurating the World Heart Day celebrations organized by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology on Tuesday (September 29, 2026).

The aim is to ensure effective cardiology screening for ordinary people. The troponin T test, which quickly identifies heart attacks by detecting the levels of troponin protein released into the blood when heart muscles are damaged, will be free for the BPL category as tests like ECG may not always indicate a heart attack immediately, he said.

Mr. Muraleedharan said that medical camps run by private hospitals may not always be accessible or affordable to common citizens. The government will support medical camps for the lowest strata of society. Since early detection of diseases is important, people should try to attend medical camps held in their locality, he added.

He said the government would ensure the availability of drugs, but no one would be allowed to take kickbacks for procuring the drugs.

On the occasion of World Heart Day, a series of SCTIMST programs were organized to promote cardiovascular health education, healthy lifestyle and awareness of emergency cardiac care.

Basic Life Support training was organized for students of the school to equip them with basic skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies. A quiz about a healthy lifestyle was also organized for school pupils

The cardiology exhibit, titled “Know Your Heart,” provided the public with a valuable learning opportunity with displays of heart specimens, anatomical models, medical technology, and cardiac devices used in modern heart care.

Sanjay Behari, Director SCTIMST presided. G. Venugopal, Chairman, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi; KK Narayanan Namboodiri, Professor and Head of Cardiology, HV Easwar, Professor of Neurosurgery and Medical Superintendent, among others, were present.

Published – 29 Sep 2026 20:15 IST