India must train additional skilled cardiovascular technologists to handle growing demand for cardiac care amid rising heart disease rates, stated Bengaluru Rural MP and Padma Shri awardee C.N. Manjunath on Saturday. He spoke at the opening of ICVT LIVE 2026, hosted by the Society of Indian Cardiovascular Technologists in Bengaluru. Manjunath, former head of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, noted that these technologists are essential for successful diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Cardiologists serve as the core of cardiac care while technologists provide critical support, he said, calling for expanded training in this field. Technologists assist in catheterization laboratories during procedures such as coronary angiography, angioplasty, stent implantation, device closures, pacemaker insertion, balloon valvuloplasty and transcatheter valve replacement. Heart attacks are increasingly striking younger adults aged 25 to 45, he warned, stressing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment. India has about 4,200 catheterization labs but needs roughly 6,500, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, he added. He recommended the Hub-and-Spoke model, with major cardiac centers supporting peripheral hospitals through referral networks to improve access in rural areas.
