Introduction
The department of cardiology was established as a subspeciality unit under department of Internal Medicine of Bir hospital in 2042 BS (1985 AD). With the progress in the field of medicine and advent of latest technologies in cardiology the need for further expansion of the cardiology unit was inevitable. As a result, superspeciality program of DM cardiology was initiated in 2011 AD under NAMS. Cardiology unit got recognition as Department of cardiology on 2020 AD with acquisition of separate 20 bedded ward with 10 beded CCU & new Cath Lab in the facility established by JICA.
Historical Perspective:
Cardiology service provided by Bir hospital is the oldest in the country. Since its establishment, it has achieved many landmarks in the field of cardiology in Nepal. The first Electrocardiography was introduced in the year 1962 AD by Dr. M R Pandey. Likewise, in 1968 AD first cardiac monitor and defibrillator was installed. In 1972 AD first phonocardiogram was operated in Bir Hospital. In 1975 AD, first CCU in the country was established and inaugurated by the late Queen herself. The first MUGA scan was conducted in Bir Hospital in the year 1980 AD. Likewise, first stress test was done in 1984 AD and TMT was established in 1989 AD. Holter monitoring and ambulatory BP was first introduced in our country in Bir Hospital in the year 1985 AD. Bir hospital was the first institution to start invasive catheterization laboratory service in Nepal with the establishment of temporary pacemaker in 1975 AD and subsequently first permanent pacemaker was implanted in 1986 AD. Likewise, over 200 coronary angiography has been done till date.
Current scenario:
Currently, Department of Cardiology is providing following services :
Noninvasive services:
ECG, 2D echocardiography, Strain echocardiography, Dobutamine Stress echocardiography, Exercise Stress echocardiography, Transesophageal echocardiography, TMT, Ambulatory BP monitoring, Holter monitoring as well as regular outpatient and inpatient services.
Invasive services like:
Coronary Angiography , Coronary Angioplasty , Temporary Pacemaker , Permanent Pacemaker , pericardiocentesis , fluoroscopy etc .
In academic field, Department of Cardiology is conducting DM cardiology program since 2011 AD and 7 batches have graduated till date. We are regularly engaged in academic activities with DM residents as well as post graduate residents.
Cardiology Department Team
Consultant cardiologist:
Dr. Prabha Chapagain Koirala
Head of Department
MD-Internal Medicine, DM- Cardiology
Chief Consultant Physician & Cardiologist
Dr. Samir Poudel
MD-Internal Medicine, DM- Cardiology
Chief Consultant Cardiologist
Dr. Kunjang Sherpa
MBBS, MD, DM- Cardiology
Consultant Cardiologist
Dr. Binayak Gautam
MD-Internal Medicine, DM- Cardiology
Consultant Cardiologist
Registrar:
Dr. Binod Dongol , MD Internal Medicine ,
Dr. Prassana Amatya , MD Internal Medicine
Dr. Saroj Ghimire, MD Internal Medicine
Dr. Rajendra Bhandari , MD Internal Medicine
OPD Staff:
Sister - Amrita Aryal ( OPD Incharge) , Ram Kumari Shrestha ,Gaura Subedi , Prabha Shah , Rupa KC
Technicians - Anita Kayasthaya , Rajkumar Pandit
Computer operator - Yashoda Poudel
Assistant - Sangita Aryal , Shanti Rai , Parbati Kuikel
Services
Out patient services:
OPD days
Morning
Sunday , Monday ,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Afternoon
Sunday , Monday , Wednesday, Thursday (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)