Acute Cardiac Emergencies, he will state the number of patients referred from the SAMU of the Jawaharlal Neh…
(No. B/676) Mr C. Lukeeram (Third Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to Acute Cardiac Emergencies, he will state the number of patients referred from the SAMU of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital to the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory of Victoria Hospital in relation thereto over the past five years, indicating the number thereof who were refused emergency intervention thereat and the reasons given to the SAMU by the doctors thereat, in each case.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Acute Cardiac Emergencies are second life- threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention and if not treated promptly, these emergencies can lead to severe complications. In this respect the Service d’Aide Medicale Urgente (SAMU) provide on-site free medical treatment and stabilises critical and vital emergency during transport aligning with the golden hour concept which is the quickest timeframe to transfer patients to hospitals. The SAMU also handles secondary inter-hospital transfers for CT-scans, MRIs and primarily, rescue percutaneous coronary intervention, a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries which improves blood flow to the heart. The SAMU 24/7 control room at Victoria Hospital currently manages approximately 2000 calls daily, utilising an efficient triage and logistics system and vital emergencies including myocardial infarction in all five regional hospitals. Myocardial infarction is caused by decreased or complete cessation of blood flow to the portion of the muscle of the heart. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that my Ministry is making provision for setting up of a trauma unit headed by emergency physicians in all regional hospitals to handle severe injuries and life-threatening emergencies. These units will provide immediate comprehensive care to patients having critical injuries from accidents and other traumatic incidents. I am informed that over the past five years, SAMU services based at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Rose Belle, has referred 170 patients of which 41 patients were accepted for urgent primary percutaneous coronary intervention to the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory of Victoria Hospital. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that for period 2021 to date, 129 cases which were supposed to be undertaken have presently been given the appropriate
51 treatment of thrombolysis with tenecteplase in the SAMU ambulance itself. This medication dissolve blood clots for such cases. The patients were then admitted for appropriate follow-up treatment and care. I wish to inform the House that since Government took office, necessary has been made for a Cath-lab at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and same will be operational within one month time. During the last 10 years, there has been no increase in the number of ambulances and I am informed that currently 8 ambulances and 6 SAMU are awaiting repairs. Therefore, I wish to inform the House that this Government is taking strong initiatives to renew these ambulances and SAMU vehicles and as such six new vehicles are expected to upgrade the services. Moreover, I wish to inform the House that much efforts are being made to streamline the coordination between the SAMU services and the cardiac units so as to minimise delays and improve outcome for cardiac emergency cases for the benefits of the population.
Yes, hon. Dr. Prayag!
Thank you, hon. Minister. 41 cases have been catered for out of 170 cases, which is not adequate in cases of emergency percutaneous coronary interventions. Maybe later the Minister could provide the House with information about the number that have been refused, and also the reasons for the refusal of interventions? Thank you.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have mentioned that 170 patients were referred out of which 41 patients were accepted for urgent primary percutaneous coronary intervention to the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory. The remaining 129, have been taken urgently and were given appropriate treatment – they were not rejected – of thrombolysis. I am not a doctor myself but, I am made to understand that our ICU units, SAMU, they are themselves, moving ICUs throughout the country. They undertake all urgent actions that need to be taken, that were taken and care was given to those patients. I have also mentioned that we are going to acquire more SAMU vans so that we can cater for the needs of more patients.
Hon. First Member for Montagne Blanche and GRSE!
52 BEL AIR RIVIÈRE SÈCHE, ST MICHELLE & ERNEST FLORENT – FOOTBALL PITCHES – REINSTATEMENT