Certification Announcement

On 27 June 2026, the American Heart Association (AHA) announced that Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore has been awarded the Comprehensive Chest Pain Center certification, making it the first institution in Tamil Nadu to receive this designation. The certification ceremony was conducted during a press meet organized by the hospital and led by Dr. Sundar Ramakrishnan, Managing Trustee of SNR Sons Charitable Trust. Attendees included Shri C. V. Ramkumar, Chief Executive Officer of SNR Sons Charitable Trust; Shri D. Maheshkumar, Chief Administrative Officer of the Trust; Dr. S. Rajagopal, Medical Director; Dr. S. Alagappan, Medical Superintendent; and senior cardiology consultants.

Health Context in Tamil Nadu

The release highlighted that cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 36% of all deaths among individuals aged 30 to 69 in Tamil Nadu. Recent data also show a 12.5% year‑on‑year increase in deaths attributable to heart attacks, underscoring the growing burden of acute cardiac events, particularly ST‑elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most severe form of heart attack.

Certification Criteria and Capabilities

The AHA’s Comprehensive Chest Pain Center certification recognises hospitals that meet rigorous standards for rapid diagnosis, advanced treatment, and coordinated care of heart‑attack patients. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital demonstrated:

  • Availability of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) facilities for immediate restoration of coronary blood flow;
  • Implementation of evidence‑based protocols for chest‑pain assessment and STEMI management;
  • Continuous quality‑improvement programs and data‑driven performance monitoring;
  • Integrated organizational commitment to timely, evidence‑based cardiac care.

Statements from Key Figures

An incoming Co‑Chair of the AHA International Committee remarked that heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide and emphasized the need for hospitals to coordinate rapid care. Dr. Sundar Ramakrishnan described the certification as a “significant milestone” for the hospital and its Department of Cardiology, noting that it reflects a commitment to advanced technology, clinical excellence, and adherence to international quality standards. He reaffirmed the hospital’s focus on delivering timely, evidence‑based cardiac care of the highest standard.

AHA’s Objective

The AHA stated that the certification initiative aims to reduce cardiac mortality by raising public awareness of heart‑attack symptoms, encouraging prompt medical intervention, minimizing treatment delays, and improving the accuracy and effectiveness of care for both heart‑attack and non‑heart‑attack chest‑pain patients.

Disclaimer

The press release was distributed under an arrangement with NRDPL, and PTI disclaimed editorial responsibility for its content.