Keeping Every Beat Strong: Manipal Hospital Dhakuria Hosts Cardiac Health Summit

Kolkata, 23rd September 2026: Cardiovascular diseases is among the leading causes of death across the globe due to overlooked symptoms that delay diagnosis and treatment. With an aim to spread awareness, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, part of one of the largest healthcare providers of India, Manipal Hospitals Group, organised the ‘Heart of Innovation Cardiac Summit’, ahead of World Heart Day observed on September 29. The program brought together cardiac patients who had undergone various cardiac procedures at the hospital and have since retumed to their normal lives. The patient summit highlighted stories of recovery while creating a platform for cardiologists and patients to discuss the changing landscape of cardiovascular diseases.

The 2026 World Heart Day theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” underscores the importance of recognising warning signs of cardiovascular diseases and seeking timely medical intervention. Against this backdrop, the summit brought together leading cardiac specialists from Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Dr Prakash Kumar Hazra, Senior Consultant and HOD Cardiology, Dr Sumanta Chatterjee, Dr Supratip Kundu, Dr Soumya Kanti Dutta, Dr Pradip Bhowmik, Consultant-Interventional Cardiology, and Dr Kaushik Mukherjee, Consultant – Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery for a focused discussion on one of the growing concems in cardiac care: the progression of heart disease from a heart attack to heart failure. The event was also graced by Rajesh Sharma, Indian film actor, and Mr. Dipanjan Basak, a distinguished model and actor from Kolkata, as special guests who joined the gathering in support of the initiative to raise awareness around heart health.

The event began with CPR training for the attendees, moderated by Dr Ashok Mishra Consultant Emergency Medicine. The cardiac session witnessed the Panel discussion on “Heart Attack slowly turning to Heart failure an epidemic?” by the cardiac team of Dhakuria and an interactive Q&A session for myth busting. Cardiac quiz for the attendees took the spotlight with enthusiastic participants who received prizes for their correct answers. Manipal Hospital Dhakuria is dedicated to the best heart care with the availability of 24/7 Emergency Care, State of the Art Cath Lab, Advanced Procedures (Laser Angioplasty, TAVI, TAVR, TEVAR Leadless pacemaker, IVS Orbital Rota Ablation, PFA Ablation), Cardiac Surgeries (MICS, CABG), Congenital Heart Defect Corrections.

In the discussion, Dr Prakash Kumar Hazra, said, “Interventional cardiology has transformed the way we manage complex cardiac conditions, allowing us to diagnose and treat many patients with greater precision and, in several cases, without the need for conventional open-heart surgery. From advanced angioplasty and stenting techniques to newer catheter-based interventions, the field is continuously evolving. However, the success of any intervention depends equally on recognising symptoms early and ensuring timely treatment. Our focus must be on intervening before a cardiac event causes irreversible damage to the heart and progresses towards heart failure.”

Dr Kaushik Mukherjee, stated “Cardiac surgery has also undergone a significant transformation, with newer techniques enabling us to perform increasingly complex procedures through minimally invasive approaches in appropriately selected patients. Advances in CTVS, including minimally invasive cardiac surgeries and evolving surgical technologies, are helping improve patient recovery and reduce the physical impact of surgery. The objective is not only to treat the disease effectively but also to help patients retum to their normal lives sooner. As cardiac care continues to evolve, a multidisciplinary approach combining timely intervention, advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive post-operative care will be crucial.”

In his address, Mr. Dilip Kumar Roy, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “The Heart of Innovation Cardiac Summit is our endeavour to put the patient at the centre of the conversation around heart health. The presence of the patients who have undergone cardiac procedures and are now leading their lives normally is a great reminder that advanced cardiac care is ultimately about helping people get back to the lives they value. Through such platforms, we hope to encourage greater awareness, timely consultation and a more proactive approach towards heart health.”

Sharing his personal journey, one of the attendees, Doman Sonkar, 32, said, “I have been living with a cardiac condition since childhood and was diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia, a rare genetic condition that causes persistently high cholesterol levels. Despite regular walking, medication and lifestyle modifications, my cholesterol levels have remained difficult to control. Over the years, I have been hospitalised around 10-12 times for chest pain and have had to undergo angioplasty multiple times, with 7-8 stents placed in my heart to keep my arteries open and ensure adequate blood flow. Every two to three years, I find myself back at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria for further treatment. Yet, despite everything, I am still here and still living life to the fullest. I continue to hope for newer medicines and advanced technologies that can help millions of people like me. I consider myself fortunate to have Dr. P. K. Hazra by my side. He has taken care of me through every difficult phase, and I will always be grateful to him. I often wish that he lives for another 100 years, so that I can keep going for another 1,000.”