Kerala CM’s statement on angioplasty is becoming a talking point among doctors

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s statement at a recent meeting on avoiding unnecessary angioplasty seems to have stirred a hornet’s nest with many doctors objecting to the “blanket statement” while some lone voices pointed out that Mr. Satheesan was 100% right and unnecessary procedures have become the norm.

In a Facebook post, Rajesh Gopalan Nair, professor and head of cardiology at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, praised Mr Satheesan “for pointing out the truth”. But it triggered an avalanche of comments from doctors and the public, who recounted their harrowing experiences in hospitals and praised Dr. Rajesh for calling a spade a spade, while many doctors expressed disappointment at Dr. Rajesh.

However, Dr. Rajesh made it clear in his post that a person who comes to the emergency room with a suspected heart attack should in no way mistrust the doctor, as the situation may require immediate angioplasty.

Second opinion

He also clearly explained the situations where one can afford to wait and seek a second opinion if a patient has been suggested for angioplasty. He also warned the public not to view any doctor or hospital with suspicion. Angioplasty should definitely be done when clinically indicated and those situations are clearly documented, he said.

While a large section of the medical fraternity expressed their displeasure over the Chief Minister’s “baseless” statement and the support that seemed to come unexpectedly from one of their own, Dr. Rajesh refused to be intimidated. He maintained that he stood by his opinion that some angioplasty procedures performed in hospitals were indeed not justified.

On Monday, the Interventional Cardiology Council of Kerala (ICCK) said in a statement that public concern over “unnecessary” medical procedures should not delay life-saving treatment during a cardiac emergency.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks about avoiding unnecessary investigations and angioplasty, the council said it supports evidence-based and ethical medical practice and the principle that every procedure must have a clear clinical indication.

ICCK President Rajesh T. said the public discussion of angioplasty should clearly distinguish between elective intervention in stable patients and primary angioplasty during acute myocardial infarction, where treatment is highly time-sensitive.

What the data shows

According to data from the ICCK national registry presented at the council’s last annual conference, more than 70% of angioplasties performed in Kerala were for acute and emergency clinical situations.

He said the council welcomes any discussion aimed at strengthening evidence-based care, transparency and public confidence in the health care system. “In stable patients, there is usually more scope for detailed assessment and to decide whether medication, further assessment or intervention will be of greatest benefit. However, in an acute heart attack, delay can have serious consequences,” the ICCK said.

But the board warned that the general climate of mistrust surrounding cardiac procedures could have unintended consequences, particularly when a patient develops severe chest pain or other symptoms reminiscent of a heart attack.

Published – 06 Oct 2026 07:00 IST