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)