'It Was Necessary': Karnataka Minister On Heart Attack Probe Amid Alarm Bells In Hassan
Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the high number of deaths in Hassan district alone, all reportedly due to heart attacks, was alarming
Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said the state has taken serious note of the 18 heart attack-related deaths reported in Hassan district over the past month – many of them among young people aged between 18 and 40.
In an exclusive conversation with News18, Gundu Rao said he has ordered an in-depth probe led by experts under the director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. A report is expected in 10 days.
'We wanted to find out exactly what's going on. We took an initial look at the situation, and since there were about 18 cases in one month – some of them younger individuals – we felt it was necessary to get a proper scientific analysis done," Gundu Rao told News18.
He said the high number of deaths in one district alone, all reportedly due to heart attacks, was alarming. 'What makes this case particularly concerning is that all of them are from the same district – Hassan. We've asked the team of experts to go there, examine the causes of all 18 deaths, and also check if similar cases are being reported in other districts. We have to see if the ratio is similar or if these cases from Hassan are unique," he said.
Cautioning against panic, the minister said the health department is acting with urgency. 'Once we get the report, we will be able to speak with greater clarity. These are matters that must be properly investigated. Speculation at this stage could cause unnecessary alarm," he said.
In a letter to the director of Jayadeva institute, he noted his concern over media reports suggesting that 18 people died of heart attacks in the district in one month. The expert committee, which has already been formed, will also work in collaboration with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences.
'There are many factors to assess – what caused these deaths, whether there were other unreported cases, and if this pattern is isolated to Hassan or more widespread. That's why we've called for a full inquiry," he said.
Gundu Rao further acknowledged that the rise in heart ailments, especially among younger populations, may be linked to lifestyle changes, diet, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. But the Hassan cluster, he said, raised specific questions that need to be answered through scientific assessment.
Karnataka has already launched the Puneeth Rajkumar Hridaya Jyoti scheme to address sudden cardiac arrests. He, however, said the current spate of deaths calls for a deeper investigation.
With mounting public concern, the minister also stressed that while it is crucial to avoid panic, the state government is not taking this lightly.
'Let's wait for the findings. After that, we will make a decision on what next steps to take," he added.
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 22:00 IST
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