- Report by Swati
Haldwani –
₹12-Crore Cath Lab Faces Seepage Crisis Before Launch; ₹9-Crore Equipment at Risk
Haldwani | The Headline Post
A state-of-the-art cath lab constructed at Sushila Tiwari Hospital (STH) at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore has come under scrutiny even before becoming operational, with seepage and moisture in the building raising serious concerns about the safety of medical equipment worth nearly ₹9 crore imported from Germany.
The facility was established to provide advanced cardiac procedures such as angiography and angioplasty locally, reducing the need for patients to travel to Delhi, Bareilly and other cities. However, despite the infrastructure being ready, the cath lab remains non-functional due to the absence of a cardiologist and emerging structural issues in the building.
Moisture Threatens High-End Imported Machines
During a recent inspection, visible seepage and dampness were reported on the walls and ceiling of the cath lab. Experts have warned that such highly sensitive medical equipment requires a strictly controlled, moisture-free environment, and prolonged exposure to humidity could damage critical electronic components.
Hospital authorities stated that three air conditioners are being operated round-the-clock to maintain temperature and humidity levels, resulting in an estimated electricity expenditure of ₹40,000–50,000 per month. Despite these measures, concerns over the safety of the equipment continue to persist.
No Cardiologist Posted Yet
Patients had expected the cath lab to become operational this year after a prolonged wait. However, a cardiologist has still not been appointed, leaving the expensive equipment unused.
Medical Education Director Dr. Ajay Arya said that the specialist who had initially been selected declined to join, and efforts are underway to appoint a new cardiologist at the earliest so that the facility can begin functioning.
Hospital Administration Promises Repairs
STH Medical Superintendent Dr. Arun Joshi acknowledged that seepage had developed in one section of the building and assured that repair work would be undertaken soon. He added that recruitment of doctors is also being processed at the government level.
Patients Continue to Travel Outside Uttarakhand
In the absence of operational cardiac services, patients requiring advanced heart treatment are still being referred to hospitals in Delhi, Bareilly and other cities, causing additional financial and logistical hardship.
Questions Raised Over Quality Checks
The situation has triggered questions regarding whether adequate structural inspections were conducted before the ₹12-crore facility was declared ready for public use. Health experts warn that if the seepage issue is not resolved promptly, both the expensive imported machines and the expectations of thousands of cardiac patients could suffer a major setback.
Key Facts
Project Cost
₹12 crore
Cath lab infrastructure
Equipment Value
₹9 crore
German-made cardiac systems
Major Concern
Seepage & moisture
Threat to sensitive electronics
Operational Status
Not functional
Cardiologist not appointed
Air conditioners running 24×7
Monthly electricity cost ₹40k–50k
Patient impact
Still referred to Delhi and Bareilly
