The Pune district branch of the Indian Red Cross Society is starting its first heart care centre in Pune. This centre has been set up at Rasta Peth near Daruwala bridge and will begin operations from January 2, 2012.

A statement issued by the Pune branch said that the centre will provide guidance and treatment to patients at subsidised rates with cooperation of a highly qualified team of doctors under the supervision of cardiologist Umesh Akkalkotkar.

The centre will pay special attention to preventive aspects of heart care. Procedures like angiography, angioplasty and bypass surgery would be done at affordable charges. Other important facilities like out patients department, X–Ray, CT scan, sonography, treadmill stress tests for cardiac patients would also be available at the centre, the statement said.

The Indian Red Cross Society aims at helping patients from the lower and middle income group by bringing down the cost of diagnostic tests and treatment of heart–related ailments to the best possible extent. The preventive and rehabilitative aspect will be emphasised at this new centre, the statement said.

The Pune district branch of Red Cross is functioning since 1921 and carrying out relief activities at local, state and national levels.

At present, the Pune Red Cross in engaged in activities such as daily out patients department and offers medical assistance of all types under the health department, Red Cross school for deaf, disaster relief management, junior and youth Red Cross and HIV / AIDS awareness programme.

The Indian Red Cross Society is engaged in performing duties for the relief to people and armed forces and in taking suitable measures to ensure national and international relief.