In a special interview, EastMojo spoke to one of India’s most respected cardiologists, Dr R. R. Kasliwal, Chairman of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology at Medanta. With over four decades of experience, Dr Kasliwal has played a pioneering role in the evolution of non-invasive cardiology in India and remains a strong advocate for early detection, public health outreach, and equitable access to heart care.
The conversation begins with Dr Kasliwal elaborating on the importance of pre-clinical screening for coronary artery disease, particularly among individuals with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other high-risk conditions. He explains how simple and non-invasive tools—such as blood tests and ultrasound imaging of the carotid and femoral arteries—can reveal early signs of atherosclerosis before symptoms manifest. While acknowledging advanced tools like CT angiography, he cautions against indiscriminate use and recommends targeted screening based on individual risk factors, especially in a population like India’s, which is genetically predisposed to heart conditions.
The discussion then turns to gender disparities in cardiac care. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr Kasliwal emphasises that coronary artery disease affects women as much as men, but their symptoms are often overlooked or misinterpreted. He urges equal attention to screening and management for women, noting that societal attitudes and atypical symptom presentation can contribute to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes.
A key segment of the interview focuses on Dr Kasliwal’s extensive outreach work across India, Africa, and South Asia through initiatives such as Mission Save Hearts. Since the 1990s, he has led large-scale health camps in underserved regions to screen for high blood pressure, diabetes, and early cardiac disease. These programmes, he explains, are critical for taking medical knowledge beyond hospitals and into the community, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. He advocates for sustained, repeated engagement and highlights the role of regional language media in amplifying health messages.
On institutional leadership, Dr Kasliwal shares insights into building and managing successful cardiology centres such as the Escorts Heart Institute and National Heart Institute. He underscores the importance of creating institutions that are not only centres of treatment but also hubs for early detection, training, and public education. His reflections include the need for empathetic hospital staff, well-trained nurses, and medical administrators who can communicate with patients clearly and respectfully.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on public health systems and the need to strengthen primary and community health centres. Dr Kasliwal calls for government investment in rural infrastructure and incentives for young doctors to serve in remote areas. He also announces the establishment of a 500-bed Medanta hospital in Guwahati, envisioned as a regional hub for specialised care and medical training in the Northeast.
Throughout the interview, Dr Kasliwal stresses the importance of prevention—both at the individual and systemic levels—and calls for a holistic approach to healthcare that integrates clinical excellence, early intervention, and community participation.
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