Perfusion courses must have open-heart surgery programme: MP

Bangalore Rural MP Dr CN Manjunath has said institutions offering perfusion technology courses must have a functioning open-heart surgery programme and provide students hands-on clinical exposure. Speaking at the launch of the Karnataka Clinical Perfusionists Association, he warned that the profession's credibility could suffer if students graduated without assisting in cardiac surgeries. India performs 3 to 4 lakh open-heart surgeries annually, he noted, highlighting employment potential for trained perfusionists.

Clinical perfusionists, who operate the heart-lung machine during surgery, are seeking greater recognition as professionals rather than technicians. The association demanded a clear classification under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. Dr Manjunath assured he would take the matter to the commission. Rajesh Shenoy of the state allied health council cautioned that the growing number of perfusion courses must be matched with adequate clinical infrastructure.