Bhatkal: In a significant community healthcare initiative aimed at promoting preventive cardiac care, the Indian Nawayath Forum (INF) successfully organized its two-day "One Heart, One Life" free Mega Heart Check-up Camp in Bhatkal, bringing together leading cardiologists and advanced screening facilities under one roof. The camp received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,200 people undergoing comprehensive cardiac evaluations.
Doctors at the camp found that nearly 60 per cent of those screened, including women and children, had elevated cholesterol levels, highlighting the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors and the need for greater awareness of heart health in the region.
Speaking to SahilOnline, one of India's leading cardiologists, Dr. Ali Faizal, who travelled from Kozhikode (Calicut) for the camp, said the findings underscored the urgent need for healthier dietary habits among Bhatkal residents.
"Bhatkal is a relatively prosperous town, and many people consume cholesterol-rich foods. Greater attention must be paid to healthy eating habits," he said.
Dr. Faizal also observed that while Bhatkal has hospitals, the town urgently needs a dedicated Cardiac Emergency Centre capable of providing immediate treatment to heart patients. At present, patients suffering cardiac emergencies are referred to Mangaluru or Kozhikode, resulting in the loss of precious time during the critical "golden hour" when prompt medical intervention can save lives. He urged local philanthropists and social organisations, particularly the INF and Rabita Society, to take the initiative in establishing such a facility.
Ahead of the camp, INF conducted free blood tests for more than 1,000 individuals. Based on the test reports, nearly 700 participants were screened on the first day, with around 70 identified for detailed evaluation by cardiologists on the second day.
Camp convener Ghufran Lanka said that of the 70 patients examined in detail, some were prescribed medication while others were advised to adopt healthier dietary and lifestyle practices. He added that more than 500 people underwent cardiac examinations on the second day, taking the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,200.
Expressing satisfaction over the success of the initiative, INF President Aftab Husain Kola described the camp as a first-of-its-kind effort in the region, offering comprehensive cardiac screening under one roof. He said the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the expertise of leading physicians and renowned cardiologists from Mangaluru and Kozhikode made the camp unique and highly beneficial for the community.
INF General Secretary Adil Nagarmat said the overwhelming public response exceeded expectations.
"All available slots were filled within just two to three days of announcing the camp, reflecting the community's growing awareness of and interest in preventive healthcare," he said.
The camp featured the services of Dr. Yusuf Kumble, Managing Director and senior cardiologist at Indiana Hospital, Mangaluru, along with his medical team. They were joined by Dr. Ali Faizal, Chairman and Managing Director of My Heart Centre, Kozhikode, and Dr. Salman Salahuddin, Head of Cardiology at Aster MIMS, Kozhikode, who conducted consultations and also offered recommendations to the organisers on strengthening community-based cardiac care.
A formal programme was held on the second day of the camp, during which the cardiologists educated participants about common heart diseases, the importance of regular preventive health check-ups, and the role of early diagnosis in reducing the risk of life-threatening cardiac emergencies.
The two-day camp was held at M.M. Siddiq Hall, Third Cross, Bundar Road, Bhatkal, with INF office-bearers, executive committee members and volunteers playing an active role in its successful organisation.