Department of Cardiology
General Info
The Cardiac Unit at the Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital (Perambur Railway Hospital - PRH) in Chennai is one of India's pioneering centers for cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. Established in the early 1960s, the unit has grown into a national referral center for advanced cardiac care, catering to patients across India and neighboring countries.
The Cardiac Unit became renowned under the leadership of Dr. T.J. Cherian, who spearheaded the development of cardiothoracic surgery at PRH. Initially, the hospital performed some of the earliest open-heart surgeries in India, and it was the first facility to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass surgery in the country. The unit quickly gained a reputation for handling complex cases, including pediatric heart surgeries, valve replacements, and congenital defect corrections, many of which were performed on infants for the first time in India.
The hospital’s cardiac team has been home to some of the country's most renowned cardiac surgeons, including Dr. K.M. Cherian and Dr. M.R. Girinath, both of whom contributed significantly to advancing cardiac surgery in India. They performed a wide range of procedures, from coronary artery bypass grafts to heart transplants. Today, the unit continues to be recognized for its expertise in coronary angioplasty, pediatric cardiology, and heart failure management.
PRH’s cardiac team is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories (Cath Labs), intensive care units (ICUs), and advanced imaging technology. The hospital has continually upgraded its infrastructure over the years, ensuring access to modern medical techniques and technologies for both routine and complex cardiac procedures.
The hospital's unique position within the Indian Railways healthcare system allows it to provide highly subsidized care for railway employees and their families. However, the facility also serves non-railway patients at competitive rates, making it accessible to a broad demographic.
With a strong tradition of medical education and innovation, the Cardiac Unit at PRH remains committed to providing top-tier cardiac care. It continues to train future generations of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, ensuring that its legacy of excellence in cardiac care endures.
